Cornell & Diehl Opening Night

C/D Opening Night… Basically an all Virginia broken, rather long and heavy flake, the pieces are a bit large for bowl packing, so I found some further breaking up is in order. The (larger 2 oz) tin aroma is of only luxurious tobaccos.

My tin had a perfect moisture level straight out, so into my pipe it went. After the easiest flake light up, I have yet to encounter. I was off and running. It took but a few pulls to notice its soft richness and friendly nature, I felt I had a winner for sure, and for me it is.

So far I tried this stuff, in several different briars, and found the same great smoke in each. I can't at this time find anything to complain about, and for now I find this blend a truly outstanding smoke, loaded with great flavors, and gentle enough (But expensive) to be an all day smoke. If you love Virginias, don't pass this one up… 4 stars

this one is becoming a favorite. Got a few tins stashed too. everyone owes it to themselves to give this one a whirl. whoa, good.. 10/10 *'s.

This is simply an excellent tobacco for Virginia enthusiasts. It is rich, tasty, forgiving, does not require strict attention to technique but of course benefits from it, and leaves one wanting more. This is in my top five straight Virginias, no contest.

This is a great full VA like Samuel Gawith Full Virginia Flake is. Opening the tin, plum and dried fruits smell comes our as sweet virigina. Broken flakes, not entire flakes. Mild taste, mild smoking, touch of nicotine that is VA's weak point for me. I prefer when Perique or Latakia join the game, but for a clean session of pure VA this blend is great.

I really good VA, not to strong, just perfect, with lot of aroma

Update 1/23/2011......Having smoked Opening Night regulary for the last 10 months, I must report this has become my "go to" smoke. Opening Night has proved to be the perfect smoke for me. The consistency of complex Virginia sweetness throughout the bowl is unlike any other tobacco I smoke. I always smoke in a larger bowl (I am always wanting more) and you can puff a little harder to truly enjoy the taste without getting bit. The nicotine level is a little higher and suits me perfectly as I always get more "comfortable" when I smoke it. Without fail, my commentary is the same EVERYTIME while enjoying Opening Night,"damn this good!"...... Nice discovery having read other reviews. I found Opening Night to be a quality blend that imparted nice sweetness, some spice, and a very cool smoking Virginia. I rubbed some and let it dry for about 45 minutes. Very enjoyable through the bottom of the bowl with very little relight. I didn't notice any nicotine until the end. Will age some anticipating even more enjoyment.

It's been described here plenty, and most everyone is spot on, IMHO. Each smoke gives a new, subtle nuance, and is just as pleasing as the last. Virginia lovers should not pass this one up. I have several tins aging, and can't wait to see how it fares after a couple years. Brilliant!

A good tobacco of fine quality but didn't rock my world so a good 3 stars

I just received my parcel today that included Opening Night. I had enough time to start a smoke at lunch. Man, is this stuff fine right out of the gate? I've been looking for a new Virginian and I think I've found my summer smoke. I still want to give this a full road test. You know, crack the throttle wide open. I'll get back to y'all. UPDATE: from 3* to 4* This is a very fine, full-flavored Virginian smoke. Casing and topping appear nonexistent. What some may say is a harsh or biting tobacco is nothing more than the real deal. It provides a nice volume of smoke and really deepens in flavor as you advance through the bowl. If you prefer lighter tobaccos, this won't put a smile on your face, but if you favor full flavor than look out.