Ken Byron Ventures Mr. Christian’s Knack Mixture

I found this to be an enjoyable blend that lives up to its description of being an aromatic, but also has a good backbone of quality perique, Virginia and latakia. The "tin note" is of cognac and perique with a bit of latakia. The initial part of the bowl tastes quite sweet and in my opinion there is something more added than just cognac to achieve this level of sweet flavor. As the smoke progresses this sweetness never disappears, but diminishes a bit and the perique becomes much more prominent. The latakia (to my tastes) is noticeable, but not dominant and the Virginia blends in well to hold everything together and give the impression of a good quality blend. The last half of the smoke is a nicely blended mixture of the components with a solid but not overbearing sweetness that is always present. Talented blending and quality tobacco makes this a good smoke to enjoy if you don't mind aromatic tobacco.

The Cyprian Latakia offers some smoke, earth, wood, floralness, some sweetness, incense and light spice as the lead component. The perique produces plenty of earth, wood, and some spice and stewed fruit (plums, figs and raisins) as a supporting player. The bright and stoved Virginias offer a fair amount of tart and tangy citrus, grass, bread, sugar, some sour lemon, tangy stewed dark fruit, vegetation, floralness, and mild spice with a touch of acidity. They provide secondary support. The rich cognac moderately tones down the tobaccos. The strength and taste levels are medium. The nic-hit is a step below that mark. There’s no chance of bite or harshness. Barely has any rough notes. Burns clean and cool at a reasonable rate with a very consistent sweet and mildly sour, spicy, floral flavor. Leaves little moisture in the bowl. Requires an average number of relights. Has a lightly lingering, pleasant after taste and room note. Can be an all day smoke.

-JimInks