Ken Byron Ventures Mountains of Madness
(3.29)
Heavy Latakia, Virginia, Orientals, and a touch of madness.
Notes: This is the Halloween sister blend to Zen Pants using a similar base but changing out what makes Zen Pants distinct for something a bit softer.
Almost a “what if?” there had been a ‘Frog Morton at the Mountains of Madness’ where there had been an Frog Morton variant based on a heavy Latakia base like Penzance.
Details
| Brand | Ken Byron Ventures |
| Series | West's Best |
| Blended By | Herbert West |
| Manufactured By | Ken Byron Ventures |
| Blend Type | English |
| Contents | Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | bulk |
| Country | United States |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Strong
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Full
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 05, 2019 | Strong | Strong | Full | Pleasant |
A very full English blend that is both creamy and tasty without being overbearing. Very reminiscent of the stronger English blends of the 70s. It did not strike me as either similar to Penzance, of which I have smoked precious little or of Frog Morton. Nonetheless an outstanding smoke which could become a mainstay for me.
Pipe Used:
Briar pot and medium sized Don Warren morta
PurchasedFrom:
Ken Byron at West Coast Pipe Show
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| May 23, 2020 | Medium | Medium | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This one has an interesting aroma! Underneath the smoky Latakia, it has a classic aromatic note to it, and I can't help but believe this has some added flavoring.
Majority dark brown to black leaf, with just a pinch of light added in. Small chopped ribbon makes up this blend. This is probably the driest mixture I've smoked from KBV, which is in my wheelhouse.
Lights well, no issue.
I certainly enjoy this blend as well! Tons of raw sugar sweetness, vibrant floral notes from the Oriental, and deep salty smokiness from the Latakia. The small amount of Virginia offers just a touch of graham cracker. It's almost like a complete s'mores without an obvious chocolate note. Smokes cool, dry and very refreshing on the palate. I can definitely see the Frog Morton ideation behind this. Wasn't Shortcut to Mushrooms in this genre as well? I prefer smaller bowls of this blend. Not because of nicotine level, but it's more like an an English aromatic for me. I also don't understand some reviews saying this is a strong blend. I guess if you only smoke a bowl or two then write a review, it could be skewed.
Another solid 4 star boutique blend from Ken!
Majority dark brown to black leaf, with just a pinch of light added in. Small chopped ribbon makes up this blend. This is probably the driest mixture I've smoked from KBV, which is in my wheelhouse.
Lights well, no issue.
I certainly enjoy this blend as well! Tons of raw sugar sweetness, vibrant floral notes from the Oriental, and deep salty smokiness from the Latakia. The small amount of Virginia offers just a touch of graham cracker. It's almost like a complete s'mores without an obvious chocolate note. Smokes cool, dry and very refreshing on the palate. I can definitely see the Frog Morton ideation behind this. Wasn't Shortcut to Mushrooms in this genre as well? I prefer smaller bowls of this blend. Not because of nicotine level, but it's more like an an English aromatic for me. I also don't understand some reviews saying this is a strong blend. I guess if you only smoke a bowl or two then write a review, it could be skewed.
Another solid 4 star boutique blend from Ken!
Pipe Used:
several
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 03, 2019 | Medium to Strong | Medium to Strong | Full | Tolerable |
Absolutely delicious. In style, like a lot of rich English blends of yesteryear. Creamy, deep latakia can be immediately tasted and is present throughout the entire smoke; however it is balanced nicely by the Virginia other blend components. Sip it and you get an incense- like nuance here and there. In that respect, and for its overall depth of flavor, it reminds me of BS759.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 15, 2020 | Medium | Mild | Mild to Medium | Very Pleasant |
Wonderful blend! Can taste the sweetness of the Virginia and the essence of perique! Slight vinegar odor, does not in anyway take from the taste! Damn good.. Love the lead flavor of the Latakia..
Pipe Used:
Eldritch Dr Silence
PurchasedFrom:
Ken Byron ventures
Age When Smoked:
New
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