Hearth & Home Magnum Opus
(3.69)
Blend consists of Cyprian Latakia, yellow Virginias from the U.S. and Bulgaria, Izmir, Basma and Yenidje. Finally, some Perique is added for depth and smoothness.
Notes: The Latin term Magnum Opus loosely translates to “masterpiece”. https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipe-tobacco/HearthandHome/Magnum-Opus-1.75oz/product_id/277592
Details
| Brand | Hearth & Home |
| Series | Marquee Series |
| Blended By | Russ Ouellette |
| Manufactured By | Scandinavian Tobacco Company |
| Blend Type | English |
| Contents | Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Perique, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | 1.75 ounce tin |
| Country | United States |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium to Full
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.69 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 31 - 40 of 68 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 21, 2017 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable to Strong |
This was a very good solid English/Balkan derivative the Mr O fashioned up as a reminder of a retired classic. A totally dark mixture, even ribbon, somewhat figgy and oriental in scent upon tin opening- I do appreciate their shift to older tin style.
So the only problem I had with this blend relates perhaps to how it was packaged vs how I fill my pipes. I've enjoyed my way through 75% of McCelland's Grand Orientals so I have a better understanding (as well as appreciation ) of that grouping of important leaf component, but early on it was all oriental, all the tin long.
For the better part of nearly half this tin the balance that was stated in reviews from those I would consider to be venerable experts wasn't what I tasted-bowl to bowl. Instead there was far to strong a concentration of Basma, Izmir to the point of having an almost menthol -like comparison, in draw more than flavor.
It wasn't till I set it aside and mixed and stirred the remaining contentsof the tin down that the blend settled down and ...behaved, rather nicely I might add. From that point orientals were muted, perique rose and the Virginias elevated-less of a Balkan and more English in its presentation. I will admit this Toby changed in flavor even then from bowl light to ash. That doesn't often happen in what I'm smoking.
So I have no idea-even after now 96 tins of separate tobaccos later, if I'm supposed to draw my bowls worth of tobacco from the top of the tin or mix the entire contents up upon opening to ensure its all evenly distributed. ..?
So the only problem I had with this blend relates perhaps to how it was packaged vs how I fill my pipes. I've enjoyed my way through 75% of McCelland's Grand Orientals so I have a better understanding (as well as appreciation ) of that grouping of important leaf component, but early on it was all oriental, all the tin long.
For the better part of nearly half this tin the balance that was stated in reviews from those I would consider to be venerable experts wasn't what I tasted-bowl to bowl. Instead there was far to strong a concentration of Basma, Izmir to the point of having an almost menthol -like comparison, in draw more than flavor.
It wasn't till I set it aside and mixed and stirred the remaining contentsof the tin down that the blend settled down and ...behaved, rather nicely I might add. From that point orientals were muted, perique rose and the Virginias elevated-less of a Balkan and more English in its presentation. I will admit this Toby changed in flavor even then from bowl light to ash. That doesn't often happen in what I'm smoking.
So I have no idea-even after now 96 tins of separate tobaccos later, if I'm supposed to draw my bowls worth of tobacco from the top of the tin or mix the entire contents up upon opening to ensure its all evenly distributed. ..?
Pipe Used:
Meers and briars
PurchasedFrom:
Pipes&Cigars
Age When Smoked:
18 months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 24, 2015 | Strong | Strong | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Wonderfully smooth and strong! This blend is quintessential English blend tobacco. Magnum Opus does what many other English blends try and fail to do: provide a full bodied, but smooth and delicious smoke.
Pipe Used:
Pear Wood Watson
PurchasedFrom:
pipesandcigars
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 10, 2015 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Full | Pleasant |
This one reminds me of McClelland Samovar with more spice/edge and nicotine. Beautifully smoky aroma in the tin that translates well into the smoke. Anyone who enjoys a campfire should appreciate the room note. I actually like this one a little better than Russ' White Knight. This one's in the regular rotation with Samovar, Viprati, Syrian Star, and Rich Virginia Ribbon.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 04, 2014 | Medium to Strong | Mild | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
I had really high expectations for this blend—a point which, for me at least, almost always spells disaster. While I don't find Magnum O! a disaster, by any stretch of the imagination, it just didn't measure up to my expectations. The tobacco in my tin was extremely dry, so dry I had to moisten it up a bit. Now, truth be told, I'd rather do that than have to deal with a tobacco that's too wet (and full of PG). I wonder if moistening the baccy changed the taste profile? Regardless, overall, I liked the taste, only just.
As others have observed the taste changes throughout the bowl, which is entertaining, but also a bit vexing, too—I mean, what's the next taste lurking around the corner? In the end, I've found this blend a bit unpredictable. I also found it smoked rough and harsh, not a smooth smoke at all. It's net effect reminded me of Patton's Dark Horse (not the same taste, but same effect). So, while this blend definitely has its moments, it's middle of the road for me. I like Russ' Black House blend much better.
As others have observed the taste changes throughout the bowl, which is entertaining, but also a bit vexing, too—I mean, what's the next taste lurking around the corner? In the end, I've found this blend a bit unpredictable. I also found it smoked rough and harsh, not a smooth smoke at all. It's net effect reminded me of Patton's Dark Horse (not the same taste, but same effect). So, while this blend definitely has its moments, it's middle of the road for me. I like Russ' Black House blend much better.
Pipe Used:
Jobey Stromboli
PurchasedFrom:
Pipes&Cigars
Age When Smoked:
?
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 28, 2014 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This tobacco has grown on me. Good, but note overwhelming presence of latakia, and the orientals add some nice spice. Much more comfortable with this Russ blend than Black House. (I've been on a bit of a jag trying his blends.) I ordered two tins of this as I do when trying blends. I've gotten through the first, will look forward to smoking the second, and likely order several in the future for storage.
Pipe Used:
Various pipes
PurchasedFrom:
Pipes and Cigars
Age When Smoked:
About four months old
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 19, 2013 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I smoke this almost every Sunday. I put room note as pleasant to tolerable, because, for an English tobacco it smells nice even to a non smoker.
One of the many things I like about this tobacco is when smoked through a well pipe (all I smoke), after a full 45 minute smoke there is 0 moisture in the bowl. It smokes very dry, thus creating a non-burned mouth.
There is a perfect balance of latikiah and Virginia. What can I say, just smoke it and give it the 4 stars it deserves.
One of the many things I like about this tobacco is when smoked through a well pipe (all I smoke), after a full 45 minute smoke there is 0 moisture in the bowl. It smokes very dry, thus creating a non-burned mouth.
There is a perfect balance of latikiah and Virginia. What can I say, just smoke it and give it the 4 stars it deserves.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 01, 2011 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
updated 2016-01-27 I've had a tin of this and GLP's Charing Cross down in the cellar for about three years and just tried them back to back. I believe these are similar Balkans , but I do like Charing Cross better. CC is smoother and I like the broken flake cut better. I believe it is the Perique in the MO that detracts from its smoothness. Moved Mag O down to 3 stars
I'm halfway into my first tin and Wow, great stuff. The taste just jumps from one tobacco ingredient to the next. First a little LataKia, then the Orientals, like maybe Dunhills EMP, no like Margate, no wait it's back to Latakia, maybe Midnight Ride ,no here comes some sweetness from the Virginias, I'm so confused, delightful . Burns very slow, without a lot of smoke. I keep thinking it's going out but now I realize that's the slow burn , no heat ,no bite, maybe a very little spice from the Perique. I've reached for this as a first pipe and a last pipe of the day any, it all worked. I will buy more, hope it will come in bulk as it's a little pricey for H&H, but you don't pay for water weight .
I'm halfway into my first tin and Wow, great stuff. The taste just jumps from one tobacco ingredient to the next. First a little LataKia, then the Orientals, like maybe Dunhills EMP, no like Margate, no wait it's back to Latakia, maybe Midnight Ride ,no here comes some sweetness from the Virginias, I'm so confused, delightful . Burns very slow, without a lot of smoke. I keep thinking it's going out but now I realize that's the slow burn , no heat ,no bite, maybe a very little spice from the Perique. I've reached for this as a first pipe and a last pipe of the day any, it all worked. I will buy more, hope it will come in bulk as it's a little pricey for H&H, but you don't pay for water weight .
Pipe Used:
maple
Age When Smoked:
new /3 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 02, 2022 | Mild | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
When I saw the ingredients, I thought the virginia leaf would not do it for me because I am more for burley, but I was wrong. I have smoked a few pipes so far and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I am finding it heavier on the orientals than the Latakia, and the Virginia is quite nice and grassy. Apparently, Russ Oulette created this mixture when Balkan Sobranie was discontinued because he enjoyed this blend with a bit of a perique, but I can barely notice it, or maybe I need to smoke a few more bowls. As for the orientals, I heard Russ Oulette himself saying that the yenidje leaf it contains is sourced from Mark Ryan (Daughters & Ryan). All and all this is a nice well rounded and balanced Balkan blend and can be smoked every day. 4 stars.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 08, 2021 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
Very complex blend with a lot of good things going on at the same time. Sweet Yellow Va., smoky Latakia, spicy fruity Perique and Orientals that add a subtle sour tartness. The tobacco I am smoking is at least 8 years old, been sealed up in a mason jar, mainly due to the fact that I thought it needed some time to mellow out. It did indeed! Wonderful stuff, not you run of the mill English blend. While it was decent fresh, as my notes serve me, the time in the jar have made it a top dog in my book. Need to lay in a few more tins! Burns clean from the start to the finish, no bite just pure pleasurable smoking. Believe this may be one of my contemplating smokes, where I do nothing but sit, smoke and think!
Age When Smoked:
8 plus years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 04, 2021 | Medium | None Detected | Full | Tolerable |
I'll try this again since the first review didn't take for some reason. My tin was an 11 year old tin that I found bulging in my tobacco cellar. Upon opening the tin I was greeted with the smoky latakia. The blend is mostly dark with specks of blonde which I am assuming is Virginias. Time has done well with this as there are no rough edges and the blend is a Balkan as the Orientals sing and intermingle with the Latakia and Virginia. Magnum Opus is indeed a well balanced blend and worth your time. Why this is listed as an English is beyond me. Strength is medium, taste is full and nicotine is between light and medium. Do yourself a favor and buy a couple tins and stash them, you won't be sorry. Highly recommended.
Lager
Lager
Pipe Used:
Savs, Petersons
PurchasedFrom:
Pipes and Cigars
Age When Smoked:
11 years
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