Ken Byron Ventures Mountains of Madness

The smoky, woody, earthy, musty, leathery, floral, sweet Cyprian Latakia is the main component, comprising half of the blend. The mildly buttery sweet, fairly sour, dry, woody, earthy, floral, smoky, very spicy Orientals play a strong supporting role, and here and there competes with the Latakia for attention. The stoved Virginia provides a lot of tangy stewed dark fruit, earth, wood, and sugar, and is the third star in the line up. The earthy, tangy ripe dark fruity, bready, woody, lightly sugary, matured red Virginia also sports a touch of fermentation and vinegar, and is a condiment. The sweetness from the Virginias are a little muted by the potency of the Latakia and Orientals. Won’t bite or get harsh, but there are a few rough edges as one would expect from such a strong English mixture. The strength and nic-hit are strong. The taste level is full. Burns cool and clean at a reasonable pace with a full bodied, deeply rich, hearty, moderately sweet and very savory, spicy, campfire flavor from start to finish. Has just a little inconsistency in taste. Leaves little moisture in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. The long lingering after taste will be pleasant to those who like lots of Latakia. The room note is tolerable to strong. Not an all day smoke. Three and a half stars.

-JimInks