Ken Byron Ventures Holiday Road

The exceptionally fermented, fruity, matured twelve Virginias cover most of the aspects that those varietals can possibly offer: a lot of tangy ripe dark fruit and tart, tangy citrus, some stewed fruit, plenty of earth, hay and grass, wood, a little breadiness, minor floral notes and spice, light vinegar, an essence of apricot, some sugar, and a touch of acidity and smoky sourness. The very stewed fruity (raisins, plums, dates, figs, prunes), earthy, modestly spicy perique is a supporting player. The fruit brandy topping sublimates the tobaccos to a fair degree, and yet allows their intrinsic qualities to cohesively form a deeply rich, complex, well balanced, lightly floral and creamy, mildly spicy, very fruity, decidedly consistent flavor. All of that translates to the pleasantly, long lingering after taste. The topping features neither any alcohol nor artificial characteristics. The strength is medium. The taste starts out at medium and by the first third of the experience, takes a step or two over that line. The nic-hit is a couple of steps short of medium, which is unusual considering heavy toppings often reduce the effect of nicotine. No chance of bite or harshness, and barely has a hint of a rough edge. The taste never weakens or dulls out for a moment. Burns cool and clean at a slightly slow pace as the tobacco has a small amount of moisture. Leaves little of that latter aspect in the bowl, and requires a few relights. Has a very sweet room note. It has a lot of depth and body, and can nearly be an all day smoke for the veteran. The less experienced will find it repeatable. Three and a half stars.

-JimInks