Ken Byron Ventures Artifact Blend

This blend consists of several well aged Virginias: some fragrant matured and bright, a fair amount of stoved, and a little red. They offer a range of well known Virginia aspects: an abundance of tart and very tangy citrus, a lot of fermented tangy stewed sugary, creamy dark fruit, some tangy, fermented dark fruit, plenty of earth, bread and wood along with a light grassiness, lemon, orange and apricot, and a touch of vinegar and floralness. The more than a decade old earthy perique provides a wealth of fermented stewed raisins, plums, dates, figs as well as some tingly spice in a support role. The very tangy dark fruity topping moderately sublimates the tobaccos. The strength is a slot below the medium mark. The taste level barely touches the medium level. The nic-hit is a couple of steps short of medium. No chance of bite or harshness, and has no rough edges. Burns cool and clean at a reasonable rate with a very well balanced and complex, consistent, deeply rich fruity tangy sweet, lightly creamy, mildly spicy flavor that translates to the pleasantly lingering after taste. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. Has a pleasant room note. Can be an all day smoke for the veteran, and certainly repeatable for the less experienced.

-JimInks