Ken Byron Ventures Holly Jolly Goblin

The musty, leathery, smoky Cyprian Latakia offers plenty of earth, wood, floralness, some sweetness, and light spice as the lead component. The incense-like Balkan and Turkish Orientals provide a wealth of earth, wood, floralness, tart sourness, spice, some vegetation, herbs, smokiness, mild buttery sweetness along with a slight “unflavored soda” note. They are supporting players. The aged, fermented red Virginia produces plenty of tangy dark fruit, earth, wood, bread, mild sugar, light tart citrus, grass, and a bare hint of vinegar and spice. It’s in-between being a secondary supporter and a condiment. The strength and nic-hit are a step past the medium mark. The taste is a notch more potent. There’s no chance of bite or harshness, though it does have a few small rough edges. Burns cool and clean at a moderate pace with very consistent, rich sweet and sour, floral, spicy, savory campfire flavor that extends to the pleasantly lingering after taste. The room note is a tad stronger. Barely leaves any dampness in the bowl, and requires few relights. Not an all day smoke, but it is repeatable. Three and a half stars.

-JimInks

As a newer pipe smoker, I am mainly exploring the different blends (I favor aromatic blends, although I am dipping my toes into the non-aromatic blends now) to find what I like.

This is for the Dec 2021 batch...

Opening the bag, what I smelled was Virginia, just the Virginia and none of the Latakia...

The flavor I tasted was a wonderful blend of the Virginia's (I probably will be trying KBV Van Gough blend as I love Virginia only blends and if this was the Virginia used I know I will like it). I may have tasted a hint of Lakita, but unsure if that's just because I know it has some. Same with the Orientals, they were overwhelmed by the Virginia and could not really pick them out but you can tell they are there... If you are a fan of Virginia only blends, I think you would like this one!

It arrived semi-moist, absolutely no drying time was needed. Was able to light this without issue and a few relights. I did not have any tounge-bite with this blend.

Musty, tangy citrus and light spice upon lighting. Mid bowl the flavors become a richer mix of the citrus and damp wood. Small sips are amazingly flavorful. Sweet spice through the nose. Easily among my favorite blends ever. -Spiral Out