Ken Byron Ventures Uzumaki 2021

The fire cured Kentucky provides a wealth of earth, wood, smoky, tangy, sweet barbecue, vegetation, some nuts, floralness, herbs and spice as the lead component. The Virginias offer plenty of tart and tangy citrus, grass, vegetation, sugar, some floralness, earth, wood, mild spice, tangy darker fruit, and a touch of acidity as a secondary supporting player. They don’t quite reach a full support role. The vinegary, slightly wine-like barbecue topping very mildly tones down and enhance the tobaccos. The strength and nic-hit are a couple of steps past the medium mark. The taste is a notch ahead of them. There’s no chance of bite or harshness. Has a few rather small rough edges. The cut is coins and ribbon/ broken coin. Burns cool, clean and slow with a very consistent fermented, matured, tangy barbecue, fruity, sugary, nutty, mildly floral, spicy, smoky flavor. Leaves little dampness in the bowl. Requires some relights. Has a pleasantly lingering after taste, and a stronger room note. Not an all day smoke, but it is repeatable. Three and a half stars.

-JimInks