Ken Byron Ventures Retro Mancer

The smoky, woody, earthy, leathery, floral, wine-like Syrian Latakia is sixty percent of the blend, and is obviously the main component. The floral, fairly spicy, dry, sour and lightly buttery sweet, earthy, woody, smoky, tangy Orientals are supporting players. The tangy, lightly dark fruity, rather citrusy, earthy, woody, grassy Virginia is a condiment. The licorice topping lightly tones down the tobaccos, adding a little sweetness and smoothness to the mix. The strength and nic-hit are a step past the medium mark, while the taste is a rung past that. No chance of bite or harshness, though there are a couple rough edges that the licorice ignored. Burns cool and clean at a moderate pace with a very consistent, deeply rich, mildly sweet and more savory flavor that translates to the pleasantly lingering campfire after taste. Barely leaves any dampness in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. The room note is pleasant to tolerable. Not an all day smoke, but it is repeatable.

-JimInks