Thanks Andrew, the variant 123 is a really interesting paper. It did experience some weird toning issues that I cleared up after changing dilutions. I really have never been a matt paper person but this velvet finish is nice. For me, I like glossy papers but I think I am going to use this paper more for images where I don't need a pure black (where ilford mg warmtone glossy excels)
On thing I just figured out is that I am not sure about is that it feels kinda plasticy and looks like luster inkjet paper. Holding my finished print and a piece of luster inkjet paper, (yes, my wife prints digi color photos) it is hard to tell the difference between the two with your eyes closed.
Still, this is a very nice paper and I recommend anyone that likes matt/velvet finishes to give this paper a try. Very nice neutral tones, easy toning, bleaching, etc. Easy to print on.