Ken Byron Ventures Van Gogh 2023

The various mixed cut, fermented multi-continental aged, darkened Virginias provide a lot of zesty tart and tangy citrus, floral vegetative grass, bread, mild tangy dried dark fruit, earth, wood, sugar, spice, peat, and a small hint of smoke. The light fig, apricot and black current casings very mildly tone down the tobaccos as they accent the experience. It’s a tad stronger than previous versions as there’s less casings in this one, so the inherent strength of the Virginias are a little more prominent. The strength and nic-hit are a step over the medium threshold. The taste is a notch past that mark. There’s no chance of bite or harshness. Has a few small rough edges. Burns cool and clean at a moderate pace. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. Has a mildly lingering, pleasant after taste. The room note is pleasant to tolerable. Can be an all day smoke. Four stars.

-JimInks

This is a Virginia blend that registers to me as strong. It starts off very fruity and cool, 25% into the bowl it starts to show its strength. Less fruity, more fermented and tangy, and the spiciness jumping up a notch or two. A rough edge? Maybe a little, almost like perique. The last half of the bowl becomes very smooth and rich. Still fruity, but more like jam than fresh fruit. With a delicious dark and heavy smoke. Micro puffs here, and its heavenly. It's got the vitamin n, but not in spades. Every time I have smoked Van Gogh it has behaved this way. Early on this tobacco is capable of a little tongue burn, I don't think it is an all-day smoke for this reason. But it's so good, I have no doubt I will be smoking it all day sometimes. For all lovers of Virginia and va-pers this is a must try. This blend is interesting and fun, and nothing short of spectacular. This is what a four-star Virginia blend tastes like.

My palate isn't refined but, I know whats good and what isn't. I've smoked a large percentage of what is available out there along with some unicorns. THIS is amazing! Easily in my top 10 all time and if I'm being honest top 3. KVB is claiming a lot of those spots. I'm dubbing him our crown jewel of tobacconist. A true artist. Van Gogh behaves well. It's creamy, silky, smooth and has a light dark fruit taste. That with the natural flavors of the Virginia's leaves a long lasting taste that is incredibly delightful. I'm dedicating a pipe just for this. Like I did for Sakura. Enjoy!!!

Ken Byron Ventures
Van Gogh

Blend notes: “Virginia (Domestic and Exotic) as a darkened swirled broken flake. Lightly cased with no forward flavors or heavy toppings.”

Van Gogh is a straight Virginia. The taste of the Virginias is more the tart and tangy citrus kind — that bit of dry dust on the back of your tongue. Or, ‘dried dark fruit’ as one reviewer put it.

The blend appears to have been cased with apricot or black currant, but there is no sweet taste per se that is easily accessible. The overall taste is just shy medium in strength.

I was drawn to experiment with other Ken Byron blends after loving, for a long time, their mildly aromatic Burley Morning Pipe, which is excellent, especially with morning coffee.

Van Gogh is somewhat ordinary. I’ve had way better straight Virginia blends. Hogshead, Hamborger Veermaster, Opening Night, Old Gowrie, Royal Yacht, Strathaven, Bullseye Flake, Capstan Blue, HH Pure Virginia, are all way better than Van Gogh.

It’s a competent blend but, on my palate, uninteresting given the competition. I’d give it 2.5 stars out of 4, rounded up.