Ken Byron Ventures The Endless Void 2020

The fermented matured red Virginia takes a moderate lead, providing a burst of tangy ripe dark fruit, earth, wood, bread, some sugar, a little floralness and vegetation, light tart and tangy citrus, a few pinches of spice, and hints of acidic vinegar. The stoved Virginia offers tangy rich fermented dark fruit, earth, wood, bread, and sugar along with slight spice and floral notes. Together, the Virginias form a cohesive bond that still allows the subordinate varietals plenty of room to express themselves. Right on the heels of the Virginias is the leathery, earthy, woody, vegetative, mildly grassy, herbal and smoky, tartly sweet, lightly sour, nutty and spicy, tea-like Cuban seed cigar leaves. At times, the cigar gathers a little more potency, and becomes a step more than a supporting player. The aspects of the perique are earth, wood, lots of plum, a little spice, dates and figs. It is a condiment. The strength and nic-hit are a slot past the medium mark. The taste is a couple of notches past that level, almost reaching the center of medium to full. No chance of bite or harshness, and it surprisingly sports very few rough edges. Well balanced and complex, it burns cool and clean at a reasonable rate with a mostly consistent, deeply rich, tart and tangy sweet, floral and mildly spicy, punchy flavor that translates to the pleasantly lingering after taste. The room note is a bit stronger. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. Can almost be an all day smoke for the veteran, and is repeatable for the less experienced. Three and a half stars rounded up to four.

-JimInks