Ken Byron Ventures Festivus Pudding

The fermented red Virginias provide a burst of tangy ripe dark fruit, earth, wood, sugar, bread, light tart and tangy citrus and spice along with small floral and vinegar notes. It is the lead component. In a support role is the earthy, woody, stewed, fermented fruity (lots of plums, some raisins and figs), spicy perique. Giving the perique some competition is the bright Virginia, which offers a lot of tart and tangy citrus, some grass, bread, sugar, vegetation, mild floralness and tart lemon, light spice, and a touch of acidity. The moderately spicy, very sweet and entrancing dark rum topping mildly sublimates the tobaccos as it melds with them to create a harmoniously consistent, deeply rich fruity and rather spicy, zesty flavor. The strength and nic-hit are medium. The taste level is a step past that mark. Won’t bite or get harsh, but the high spice content may tingle the tongue of a fast puffer, so I recommend a slow puffing cadence. Well balanced and mildly complex, it burns cool and clean at a reasonable rate. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. Has a very pleasantly lingering after taste, and room note. Can be an all day semi-aromatic smoke for the veteran, and easily repeatable for the less experienced. Four stars.

-JimInks