The Oriental Affair (221-B)

The Oriental Affair, part of Ken Byron Ventures' 221-B series, is an unflavored blend combining Turkish-origin Oriental leaf with red Virginia. The maker's description notes that the blend is distinctly aromatic with a faint floral edge, and that this scent comes from the leaf itself rather than an added casing. The Oriental leaf is spicy and dry, while the red Virginia adds body and a measured sweetness.

The "221-B" name points to the brand's Sherlock Holmes-referencing sub-series, which draws on the classic English blend tradition. Since it contains no Latakia, it runs on dry spice rather than smoky char. Its moderate nicotine makes it suited to daytime smoking and to those who want to pick out the Oriental leaf's own aroma; for smokers coming from Latakia-heavy blends, it offers a gentler entry point.