During the seventies, our master blender, Russ Ouellette created his first tobacco blend, using a well-known mixture and then tweaking it. Russ loved Balkan Sobranie Original Smoking Mixture, and he especially enjoyed the very special Oriental tobacco that made it so unique - Yenidje. So, he added even more of the "Queen of Tobaccos" to B.S.O.S.M., and then added some Perique to give it more body, spice, and a bit of sweetness. When Sobranie disappeared, Russ couldn't make his blend anymore.
Fast forward to 2010. Hearth & Home had been on the market for five years at that point, and Russ thought about his old favorite and decided to set out to recreate it. After a little experimentation, he was pleased with the results and had intended just to make it for himself. When he lit up a bowl at a pipe club meeting, the members commented on the great aroma and asked if they could try it. They fell universally in love with the blend and told Russ that he had to sell it. One of the members told Russ that this blend was his "Magnum" tobacco and the name stuck. Additionally, because the Orientals were so costly, a new line had to be created, and the Hearth & Home Marquee Series was born. If you enjoy vibrant Latakia blends that aren't too heavy and have an amazing aroma, you owe it to yourself to try Magnum.
Honestly one of the best tobaccos I've ever had. The flavor is sweet, with a citrus flavor and an after taste of pepper from perique
5 out of 5
OG.
Jan 22, 2023
Just feels like the traditional tobacco you would smell walking through a lounge or speakeasy in the 1920s and 30s. My favorite so far. Not the overly sweet flavored or aromatic stuff. Just great smelling easy smoking tobacco. Actually gives the head rush every long term smoker craves. Great to pray with.
5 out of 5
Perfection
Jan 09, 2023
The finest Latakia-containing tobacco blend I’ve ever smoked. After 40 years of smoking only English/Scottish/Balkan blends, I transitioned to VaPer’s exclusively. I never looked back for 15 years…until I tried some Magnum Opus.
Now, I’m splitting my time between VaPer’s and Lat blends.
The name is perfect; if anything is a Magnum Opus, THIS is it! Just buy some.
5 out of 5
Packaged well, and excellent flavor
Jan 03, 2023
Packaged well, and excellent flavor profile and room note. Easy to light, and at an excellent moisture level for a nice complete pipe burn. Truly a Marquee blend!!
5 out of 5
A true 5 star
Dec 20, 2022
Flavorful and balanced. An excellent tobacco. One of the few tobaccos I've tried that I'm willing to give 5 stars. I am amazed at how many 5 star ratings most tobaccos get on this site. This one is truly deserving however.
5 out of 5
Execellent. Bold flavor with a
Oct 25, 2021
Execellent. Bold flavor with a peppery taste.
4 out of 5
I'll get straight to the
Sep 28, 2021
I'll get straight to the point with this one It's a delicious balkan. tin note when I opened it surprisingly, blue cheese... Yep I said it blue cheese. Smokes wonderfully I own several tins.
5 out of 5
The term Magnum Opus says it all !!!
Jul 14, 2021
I fell in love with with this blend at first puff. Russ Ouellette hit the mark with this exquisite Balkan. It’s like none I’ve ever smoked. Having grown up in Amish territory, I got used to the faint smell of silage from the far away community. I don’t know which of the Oriental attributes to this unique flavor but I’m damn glad it’s there. I recommend it as an after dinner along with perhaps a bit of Tawny Port. If you haven’t tried it I suggest you get a tin.
5 out of 5
Well Named
Feb 03, 2021
Very aptly named, truly a magnum opus of the Balkan species. Not too much of anything, but all of the flavors are there and very crisp. I would say middle of the road for latakia content, not a lat bomb but not as light as something like Presbyterian Mixture. The moisture level in the tin was about perfect, though I would dry it a smidge before packing to ensure an even and cool burn. Beautiful.
4 out of 5
Right up there with fusiliers
Jan 12, 2021
Right up there with fusiliers ration a latika blend but not over powering the orientals a great blend my top 2.
5 out of 5
Simply amazing!!
Nov 25, 2020
This was an aptly named blend!!
I'm normally a simple strictly Virginia smoker. I love the sweet taste of that 2 day old cut alfalfa and grass hay field hay. I *have* dabbled a little with some aromatics, but I'm pretty much going to end that as they're just not...normal/natural sweet (I hope that makes sense).
I've tried different 'Englishes' - the stuff with latakia's, etc, and at first wasn't too impressed and hated the taste, much less the aroma out of the tins.
Over the past 6 months or so though, I've come to tolerate the aroma and taste of blends with latakia more and more. I even made my own mix of 5 oz of Scotty's University Professor mixed with 3 oz of Mac Baren Scottish Mixture and .5 - 1 oz of Orlik Golden Sliced...this 'blend' of mine burns extremely cool (even my Crown that gets so hot just waving an unlit match at it burns coolly!) and has the latakia flavors with the sweetnesses of the Virginias and the Scottish Mixture.
This blend though, Magnum Opus...this is simply *AMAZING*! The aroma out of the tin is almost like pure latakia, so I wasn't exactly thinking I was going to like this too much as I presumed it was going to be far too strong with that blend for me.
The leaf colors in the tin were a little strange too, at least some of them. The blend was the perfect moisture though, at least for me, as I've found I do not like a dry blend at all.
Then, stuffing one of my Missouri Meerschaums and going out to sit on my stoop, I was almost knocked off my feet (if I'd been standing!) by the spectacular taste of the *whole* blend. The latakia was nothing near as strong as I was thinking it would be, and there was a superb sweetness of the Virginia hay I like that was far superior to the taste I get from smoking a bowl of pure Orlik.
No one tobacco overpowered any of the others in this blend. Everything literally complimented the other. This blend has cemented me to smoking English from now on...*THIS* blend!
4 out of 5
A tad sweet
Jul 03, 2020
Good smoke, a tad sweet to me, but I’m more of a strong Smokey flavor person. I’ll still use it for variety and I do recommend it for others to try if looking for a pipe filler with a Smokey sweetness.
5 out of 5
Best Balkan Blend !
Mar 03, 2020
The best balkan on the market . Oriental forward w/ yendije . Light on the latakia with bright Virginia sweetness. Perique adds some body . Very fragrant and incense like . Has a sparkling taste .
5 out of 5
Excellent Blend
Dec 27, 2019
I love a good English and this one is great! It's a nice milder blend that can easily be an all day smoke. Thanks Russ!
5 out of 5
Nice smokey blend which I
Oct 15, 2019
Nice smokey blend which I personally find much better than Blackhouse. Would definitely recommend. Recent sale on Marquee series was great.
4 out of 5
Hard to keep lit
Sep 16, 2019
Hard to keep lit
5 out of 5
Very well named
Aug 05, 2019
It is as it's named! Very good stuff!
5 out of 5
A+
Jun 30, 2019
Just had my first taste of the Magnum Opus tonight. It was a very pleasant smoke and I'll be buying more. I have dusted off my pipes after a long recess; when I realized that McClelland stopped production and I could no longer get my Toad on the Bayou fix, I started looking for my next muse and Magnum Opus was mentioned. The wife shares my pipes occasionally and she agreed that this is a pleasant, flavorful smoke.
4 out of 5
Just give it a try
May 09, 2019
This has been one of my favorite tobacco's since the first I tryd it. English lovers must try it.
5 out of 5
Great tobacco
Apr 13, 2019
Excellent English blend, as the name would suggest!
4 out of 5
Magnum Opus
Mar 05, 2019
Half way through my first tin. Been meaning to try it for years. Such an enjoyable blend, I look forward to each bowl.
5 out of 5
Great smoke
Feb 19, 2019
Love it, will be stocking up in this blend
5 out of 5
Good blend
Dec 19, 2018
Started smoking pipe about 7 years ago. This is the first time smoking something other than an aromatic (usually smoke Lane 1-Q or Dan Blue Note). Im glad I tried this, smooth smoke with a somewhat peppery flavor. Great blend!
4 out of 5
One of my favorites
Dec 13, 2018
One of my favorites
5 out of 5
The winner by a mile.
Dec 06, 2018
Since the ( again ) demise of my favorite Dunhill blends .. Nightcap and Standard I dreaded the prospect of once again attempting to stock up in the hopes that they would return, like they did the last time this happened. I don't have those kind of resources at my disposal, so instead I chose to try various other blends in a similar english/balkan style to find a worthy substitute. This is it. By nearly all measures. While lighter on the nicotine the strength and body of the flavor are at minimum equal ( IMO ) and as the bowl progresses there are some wonderful undertones that show themselves. No need to mourn the lost dunhill blends anymore. I'm not sure that I will bother with them if they ever make a comeback. Magnum Opus has permanently taken their place.
3 out of 5
Thumbs up
Oct 25, 2018
Thumbs up
5 out of 5
Great substitute for dunhill early
Oct 18, 2018
Great substitute for dunhill early morning came just in time
5 out of 5
Great Tobacco
Oct 15, 2018
This is basically my favorite tobacco. Hits all the great notes. I enjoy this every time.
5 out of 5
Perfect.
Sep 08, 2018
Exelent.
5 out of 5
Really Nice Blend
Sep 01, 2018
As a new pipe smoker, I have been trying a lot of blends. This will definitely stay in my rotation. I have really liked all of the marquee blends I have tryed. Will not be disappointed.
4 out of 5
Not quite enough Latakia for
Aug 06, 2018
Not quite enough Latakia for me.
5 out of 5
A Medium English-Balkan Blend with no Vices!
Aug 05, 2018
Scroll down to James R.'s review from 2015...this mirrors my happiness with Magnum Opus!
My tin was a bit dry, so I adjusted the humidity and gave it a few days. It packs well, lights well, and burns well. The flavors are complex and pleasing. I don't smoke indoors, so the room note is, based on a windless day, quite nice and clearly Balkan. The flavors change from moment to moment, but all - spices, pepper, herbal - are a delight.
On a quiet Sunday I dug out an old Meerschaum (circa 1978) with an early acrylic bit, which was like biting a 2x4. The tobacco was excellent from start to dottle, no bite, loads of smoky goodness, and it whetted my appetite. I will be back for more!
5 out of 5
Smooth
May 04, 2018
Comfortable smoke. cool with no bite.
5 out of 5
Hearth and home Magnum Opus
May 04, 2018
A very robust and tantilizing bouquet of latakia spices and night time after dinner english tobacco blends making it a very needed drink of calming relaxent to a monotinous day!
5 out of 5
Great smoke!
Feb 07, 2018
Sweet, creamy, smoky, pepper and spice with a hint of baking soda. It’s amazing. Bought 6 more tins.
5 out of 5
Definite must try!
Nov 27, 2017
Unique, complex, delicious and more than worth a try!
5 out of 5
Great Mild Medium Blend
Nov 26, 2017
I'm a long time cigar smoker who just got into pipe smoking and this is one of the best pipe tobaccos I've tried so far. This one seems to smoke nice and cool with lots of creamy smoke. Mild to medium in strength. Not very complex, but the flavor is consistent and very enjoyable from start to finish.
5 out of 5
The Marquee Series
Nov 05, 2017
The Magnum Opus tobacco blend from Hearth and Home is one of the greats in smoking pleasures. Anytime of the day cool burning and uniquely flavored blend makes this brand a top tier recommendation.
5 out of 5
Worth a try!
Oct 22, 2017
Very nice smoke that has been added to my weekly rotation. Not too strong but has some strength to it. Worth a try!
4 out of 5
a very solid english blend.
Sep 08, 2017
an english blend more towards the heavy side. for an all day smoke would rather recommend frog morton and family. for a heavier smoke when needed is is ideal. smooth.
5 out of 5
So good! If you are into english blends u wont be disappointed
Aug 31, 2017
This stuff is so good. Just became my go to tobacco. It is creamy and delicious and smokes great. A true master artisan blend. Russ you are the man!
5 out of 5
Best tobacco I have ever
Feb 22, 2017
Best tobacco I have ever smoked!
5 out of 5
Excellent Smoke
Jan 30, 2017
I am surprised how this Marquee Magnum Opus is such an excellent smoke. I have tried many different types of pipe tobacco during my years and this is without a doubt an EXCELLENT SMOKE to me and will be ordering more of it.
1 out of 5
No good
Jan 14, 2017
Dont buy any, i want it all for myself.
4 out of 5
Back in the saddle again
Dec 06, 2016
It has been many years since I have indulged in pipe smoking. I ordered many different types of tobacco and found Magnum Opus quite enjoyable.
5 out of 5
Near perfection
Jul 04, 2016
My favorite English mixture. Smooth, great balance, delicious. Lights and burns easily.
A masterpiece.
5 out of 5
Near perfection
Jul 04, 2016
My favorite English mixture. Smooth, great balance, delicious. Lights and burns easily.
A masterpiece.
5 out of 5
Excellent English
Apr 20, 2016
One of my favorites. Full bodied an full flavor with a mild base.
3 out of 5
Opus let down
Mar 03, 2016
Disclaimer: relatively new pipe smoker about 2 years. Burns well and complete with zero tongue bite. Was really excited to try this based in the reviews but found the room note too bitter for the wife and too peppery for my taste.
5 out of 5
Good Stuff
Jan 18, 2016
This is really good stuff from my end but I did get some complaints about the room note. It reminds me some of Balkan Sasieni which is my daily smoke and is as good but BS is $2.00 a tin cheaper so I will probably stick with that and make this an occasional smoke.
5 out of 5
My All Time Favorite
Jan 18, 2016
I can't say enough good things about this blend; it's what turned me on to Latakia and what I hold all other tobaccos to in regards to taste (which is complex and marvelous). You will not be disappointed!
5 out of 5
Without a doubt...
Jan 16, 2016
Favorite blend ever.
5 out of 5
Wow
Jan 02, 2016
Wow
5 out of 5
Instant Favorite
Dec 15, 2015
5 Stars in just the first five minutes. Sometimes a blend is love at first light. And it will only get better from here as I smoke my way thru the rest of this tin. Great job, Russ!
5 out of 5
first english blend
Dec 07, 2015
I wanted to try something new and reviews led me to this. Good buy i plan on buying another tin in the future.
5 out of 5
Big thumbs up
Nov 25, 2015
I was curious about trying an original style English blend and after visiting the west coast I had been introduced to a tobacco that was a "Macidonian" bend of sorts. After that expierence I decided to ask around and Russ steered me to his Magnum Opus, glad he did because it was exactly what I liked and not to spicy very smooth. Unfortunately I am not a very good at describing tobacco however the other comments are right on target. Big thumbs up.
5 out of 5
Magnum Opus Indeed!
Oct 19, 2015
Don't know from "Classic" English or whatever, just know that I have been edging away from aros lately and while some "English" or Balkan, whatever is enough to make you want to go gargle with Listerine! THIS stuff? LOVELY! Smooth, very rich, mild and BEST of all, easy to light and keep lit.
5 out of 5
A Dozen Tins Based On Reputation
Sep 22, 2015
Based on no first hand experienced, I ordered 12 tins. After smoking some, I should've ordered 24.
My favorites are JALF, Escudo, Bohemian Scandal, Stonehaven, and Penzance to name a few and give context. Magnum Opus is on my list of The Best of The best.
5 out of 5
A Mild to Medium English-Balkan Blend with no Vices!
Sep 18, 2015
If you want an English-Balkan blend with a fantastic complex flavor that is mild enough to smoke all day, look no further. Magnum Opus is as close to perfect for this type of tobacco as I have ever found in 40 years of pipe smoking. If you try it, you will become a disciple. I have been looking for decades for an English-type blend that I didn't have to give up on halfway through the bowl. Not to mention my wife's objections when I smoked them. There are so many different tastes in this blend and the miracle is that you can identify many of them. As a whole it has no real faults. My search is over. I have found my go-to blend for a medium bodied English, bursting with flavor, that never bites.
5 out of 5
not a contradiction
Aug 04, 2015
full flavor and light body
Customer Testimonials
This is by far my favorite tobacco. Flavorful from start to finish with just enough perique to make it interesting but not "bite". personally I find this a more flavorful (complex ?) smoke than Black House (BH is nice though). I tried this by recommendation of the gentleman that took my order. If you like English blends and perique this should be in your cellar. I only smoke this on good days !!
CH of Saint Petersburg, FL
I've been sitting on this tin since Thanksgiving week of last year. I wish that I hadn't waited so long to try it. It is simply amazing! It is blended so well that none of the different components outshine or overpower each other. The smoke is truly smooth and the room note will please even the most discernible or hard to please non smokers. In my humble opinion it truly is worthy of the name.
AS of Trinity, NC
The name says it all. Outstanding.
DF of Galveston, TX
In addition to my last comment, I just ordered some Black House and if it is better than Magnum Opus then they will certainly be my top two favorite tobaccos!
JA of Slocomb, AL
Wow. This blend is truly a masterpiece! An amazing smoke that is an all-day pleasure and a night-time delight. Beautiful English/Balkan blend, my favorite along side Mcclelland Blue Mountain(Balkan Blue)
JA of Slocomb, AL
I was not impressed with this blend, probably because I am not fond of perique. I much rather smoke Black House, which I highly recommend.
FR of NEW BRAUNFELS, TX
A wonderful blend that I can enjoy all day! The Virginias add a nice subtle sweet and I can taste hot chocolate hiding in the background. If you can only have a few English blends, make sure this is one.
JD of Hampton, VA
Highly recommended. This is a strong, excellent smoke. While Black House may truly be Russ' best blend so far, Magnum Opus is a strong second, and worthy of its name.
RR of STREET, MD
Outstanding! Even my wife likes when I smoke it.
SM of San Antonio, TX
A very classic smooth English blend. Smokes very well and dry when proper humidity is reached. None of the components overpowers the others but all contribute well to the mix. I liked the cut but found considerably more stems/veins than is customary for Russ' blends. I would recommend it highly.
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