Ken Byron Ventures Goblin City 2022

A complex mix of several Turkish Orientals provide a wealth of earth, wood, floralness, incense, herbs, spice, vegetation, sourness, mild sweetness, bitterness, mustiness with a little smoke. They are the lead components. Their sourness is somewhat tempered by rich red Virginias, which are important supporting players. The reds offer plenty of tart and tangy dark fruit, earth, wood, bread, vegetation, some tart and tangy citrus, mild sugar along with touches of acidity, vinegar, and spice. The very musty sweet Cyprian Latakia sits in the third slot as it produces earth, wood, smoke, incense, herbs, floralness and a pinch or two of spice. The strength and nic-hit are a couple of steps past the medium mark. The taste is a slot fuller. No chance or bite or harshness, but there are a few rough edges. Well balanced, zesty and deeply rich, it burns cool and clean at a reasonable rate with a very consistent, moderately sweet and more sour, savory, floral, spicy campfire flavor. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. Has a pleasantly long lingering after taste for those well versed in mixtures of this stripe. The room note is pungent. Made for veteran pipers, it’s not an all day smoke, but it is repeatable. Four stars.

-JimInks