PAX Tobacco Crawl With Russ Ouellette

[blendtobac]

Actually, the only blend I had in mind with Magnum Opus was something that I put together in the late seventies. I used to take Balkan Sobranie Original Smoking Mixture and I would add more Yenidje to it, along with some Perique. MO is my modern-day recreation of that blend.

I tried to make MO as simple as possible in terms of preparation. Most H&H blends are somewhat drier than most so no drying time should be necessary. I recommend not packing too tightly to allow the tobacco to breathe.

Classic Burley Kake will benefit by a day of two of air, but the tobacco crumbles apart so easily that not much prep work is needed.

I really appreciate all the insights.
Russ

 

[shanelktown]

I think the moisture of the tobacco is ideal. Mainly because there are not many tins you can open and smoke many require prep and drying time.

 

[brass]

Settersbrace, I dig the showstopper metaphor
Russ, thanks for checking in with us. It is interesting that you were once what I call a tobacco mixer. I refer to mixer as someone who takes a COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) blend and ceates a new blend by adding ingredients to the base.
I do something similar with canned soups, e.g, adding some cutup vegetables and leftover rotisserie chicken to a can of Cambells chicken and rice soup. I know of several who use Carter Hall or Prince Albert as their base tobacco and season to taste.
As you know, I'm playing around with straight tobaccos and blending them. An interesting point was bought up this morning. Are you a true blender if you just mix straight tobaccos in a bowl or do pressing, stoving, steaming, etc and/or other processing techniques need to be mastered before you can call yourself a blender?
I'll open my tin of Classic Burley Kake tonight in anticipation of this Fridays kickoff. I'm excited but will explain why on Friday.
Pax

 

[blendtobac]

There are a number of people who make new blends using other pre-existing blends, but if the result is creative and popular, I would think most folks would consider them blenders. There have been blends that I've tried that were made from raw leaf and processed by the maker, but were so unsmokable that it would be hard to call the person a blender. The term really means different things to different people under varied circumstances. Just because I no longer do the mixing, pressing, etc., doesn't change anything in terms of approaching new blends, so the terminology just isn't important to me.
Russ

 

[beastkhk]

I have received several compliments regarding the room note smelling nice. We had company over for the holiday weekend and even non-pipe smokers commented that they enjoyed it.
I still really like this blend and will be working it into my rotation as one of my primary Lat blends.
I am actually kind of surprised I haven't seen more general discussion on this blend.
Usually I don't like to compare blends to each other because then you are looking for something that is or isn't there and can miss out on other unique elements, but I would venture to say that if you like Whiteknight you might enjoy this blend. Actually, if you found Whiteknight finished too dry for your taste you might like Magnum Opus too, as that subtle sweetness really adds something to the mustiness of the orientals. (I say mustiness, but for people who haven't had a lot of orientals I might compare it more to the flavor of the rind on a Brie cheese)

 

[shanelktown]

I agree beast whiteknights finish is more of a dry wine persona as the magnum opus has the sweetness to it which really makes me enjoy it. I will be honest prior to this crawl in the H&H Marquee Series the highly noted blends were whitknight and blackhouse. I feel that magnum opus almost went under my radar if it wasn't for this tobacco crawl. The more I smoke magnum opus the more I enjoy it so thanks to Pax for putting this together and are good Sir Russ Oullette for providing a good discount and blending some incredible stuff. I should have my final input of magnum opus as I compare 2 years aged to a fresh tin. I to have popped my tin of classic burley kake. I am very skeptic of this one because I am not a huge burley fan.

 

[brass]

One of the values of the crawl is that we are often pushed out of our comfort zones regarding the type of blends we smoke. We unconsciously get in a rut and pick tobaccos that fit our established tastes and end up smoking blends that sometimes would be hard to tell apart in a blindfold test. And really, there isn't anything wrong with smoking the kinds of tobaccos you know you'll like. But we deny ourselves a whole world of taste experiences if we become too rigid.
It is similar to the single malt crowd. There are those who not only drink nothing but sing malts, but only drink scotches from the Islay region. However, there are terrific scotches from Speysides or the Highlands or Lowlands or Campbeltown. Not to mention some great blends like Buchanan 18 year old or even Johnny Walker Double Black. It is a shame not to sample scotches from each region.
So finally to the point. If it weren't for the crawl, I'm not sure if or when I would have tried Magnum Opus. That would have been to my detriment. I'm glad Russ picked it for us BECAUSE it wouldn't have made my list.
I too, will work Magnum Opus into my rotation. It is as good as any Lat blend I've tried but has a refreshingly distinctive personality, as I've previously noted in this thread.
Shane, I understand why you might be skeptical about burleys. You might not like the next selection, Classic Burley Kake. I don't want to over-hype it but I'm going to predict some folks are going to be very pleasantly surprised when they try it.
Pax

 

[minfarshaw]

I have a two oz bag of Burlay Kake that I haven't started smoking yet. I will be joining you guys for the crawl this week. I am still trying to get used to the taste of Burleys. They taste a little bitter to me. Perhaps because I'm so used to the acidity from the Virginias that I smoke all the time. My main go to smokes have been virginia forward blends. This should be interesting.

 

[shanelktown]

I'm just fearful on the nicotine department. Needless to say when I smoke c&d haunted bookshop I am glued to the couch for quite some time lol.

 

[beastkhk]

I am looking forward to the Burley Kake as burleys have been somewhat lacking in my rotation as of late.
I personally find each burley blend I try to be a polarizing experience; I either love it and want it in my rotation, or want to throw it out the window and never speak again of what just happened.
I could tell you the flavor which is a burley deal breaker for me, I don't know if it is white burley but it seems like there is a leaf out there that when I smoke tastes similar to the smell of when a firecracker goes off too close to you.(like a burning paper/hint of sulfur)
I know that this is likely very individual taste to me as I haven't seen a lot of people mention it in burley reviews; so I try to be self conscience of that when giving feedback/reviewing.
On a side note, if anyone has experienced that flavor, and knows what type of specific tobacco leaf contributes it to the blend please let me know. Burleys are not something I would have an interest in picking up different blending leafs to try to and pick out which one is causing me problems. And it is not that the flavor makes the blend unsmokable, it is just that little nuance takes over the flavor for me and the rest of the smoke becomes very monochromatic.(So I will likely save them for 4th of July when everything smells like fireworks anyways)

 

[barleynbaccy]

I'm just fearful on the nicotine department. Needless to say when I smoke c&d haunted bookshop I am glued to the couch for quite some time

It's not on the level that C&D burleys are with N. Burley Kake is my favorite of the flaked/ kake burleys I have tried. I should have smoked Briar Fox before I tried it, because it was a let down in comparison. So now that I have hyped it all up, I'm sure you will enjoy it.

 

[brass]

Burley blends can be tricky. We probably smoke more burleys than we realize. They are often added in small amounts to blends to increase body and add a heavier mouth feel. Since they take on the characteristics of other tobaccos in the blend, there presence is easily overlooked.
There are many varieties and cuts of burleys as I found when I started smoking and testing straight blend tobaccos, just to sharpen my palate. Not being a burley blend fan, I was very surprised when I found I enjoyed the straight dark fired Kentucky burley and a shag burley. Probably shouldn't be surprised as one on my favorite blends is Old Dark Fired.
I've only smoked three straight burleys thus far and they were very different from each other excepting the heavy, creamy mouth feel and a certain something that makes it burley. One of the three, I didn't take to very much. The other two are worth smoking on their own.
So, Beast, you may very well correct in that there is a particular burley that doesn't set right with you, while you may find other strains very agreeable.

 

[beastkhk]

I agree, I should have specified I was referring more to blends using burley as the base. I love burley as a condiment; in fact, I would take a VaBur over a VaPer almost any day.
I get that that dark fired Kentucky is a burley, but I put it more in its own category.(Similar in my mind how Cavendish can be a Virginia, but at same time kind of isn't due to how it is prepped) Needless to say that most dark fired blends fall into the "I love it, its going into the rotation" camp for me.
Edit: Kind of feeling like I am justifying an exception with the above. And I am. Not a lot of black and white in the realm of pipes. Which adds to the excitement for me on trying Burley Kake. The more burleys I like and can add to my rotation the more well rounded my rotation will feel to me.

 

[amiller]

Time for an update on Magnum Opus. The blend did grow on me a bit, I tried to smoke it every day but probably only pulled off actually partaking five days or so. I think more time with it did make me appreciate it better. That said, I'm jarring this up and I think I'll enjoy it much more next winter. Hopefully a good cold Colorado winter where I really enjoy the Latakia and Orientals. As it is, I'm on my driveway right now and it's 88 degrees here in Houston. Whew.
All that to say, I liked it, I wish I had more to offer, the yenidje is probably what I'm not used to. The more I can pin down what I'm tasting, the more I can enjoy it, and that is a leaf with which I'm almost entirely unfamiliar. With a little age and little cold weather I think I'm going to be bitter I only bought one tin.
That said, I got started early with this Classic Burley Kake, and I'm liking what I'm getting. This is much more up my alley. More to come...

 

[brass]

I confess I got a jump start on our second selection for this month's crawl, Classic Burley Kake. A couple of weeks ago, I got the jonsey for something new. I noticed that I already had a tin of Classic Burley Kake in addition to the one I ordered for the crawl. I decided to open it to give it time to breath and I thought I would smoke a bowl or two as a preview. (Yes, I'm weak willed and couldn't wait until the scheduled time)
I was smitten with the first bowl. I'm not a burley fan, although there are some blends I do like. But CBK was rich, round and tasty. I smoked another bowl the next morning and it was as good as the first. Cutting to the chase, I was like the kid who snuck a bite of apple pie, then another, and before you know it, the pie is gone. Same with CBK. I devoured the entire tin in 4 or 5 days. How much did I like it? I've already ordered a half pound.
I pride myself on a decent enough vocabulary. But when I called Russ on another matter, I started to extol the merits of this blend, I fund myself at a loss for words. Then I finally blurted, "Your Classic Burley Kake is some really good sh*t, man." I felt like a stoner from the seventies had taken over my brain.
Fortunately, Russ took it as the compliment which was intended.
In conclusion, Classic Burley Kake is not just my new favorite burley but it is already in my top ten list of all time favorites.
Pax
Note: I'll be out of town where Internet is unavailable for a couple of days. I'll catch up with your comments when I get back. Enjoy!
________________________________________
Hearth & Home - Classic Burley Kake (Signature Series)
Classic Burley Kake is a new blend that pays homage to old-time Burley flakes and cakes. Using Tennessee and Kentucky Burleys, ranging from lighter white to darker mahogany, and a bit of matured red Virginia, this sliced cake tobacco is a traditional American-style blend. We start with four different types of Burley, the aforementioned Tennessee and Kentucky, plus two different premium white Burleys. Then we add a red Virginia for a maple-like sweetness. Then we use all-natural flavors- cocoa, rum and anise and steam the tobaccos with the flavorings and firmly press and slice it. The aroma is mellow and pleasant, and the taste is lightly sweet with a large volume of smoke. Hearken back to a simpler time when the sight of a pipe in someone's mouth while walking down the street was common, and the scent of pipe tobacco was everywhere.
Brand Hearth & Home

Blended By Russ Ouellette

Manufactured By Pipes & Cigars

Blend Type Aromatic

Contents Burley, Kentucky, Virginia

Flavoring Anisette, Cocoa / Chocolate, Rum

Cut Krumble Kake

Packaging 1.5oz Tin, 8oz Tin, Bulk

Country US

Production Currently available

Where to Buy SmokingPipes.com

PipesAndCigars

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Strength

Mild to Medium

Flavoring

Mild to Medium

Taste

Mild to Medium

Room Note

Pleasant

Favorite Of 14 Users
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[jackswilling]

"One of the blends Russ considered, but didn't quite make the cut for the crawl, was Missouri Meerschaum Country Gentleman."
I just ordered some and hope it makes the cut next month. I have all four blends in the Missouri Meerschaum line. Did not get off the dime for this month. Great thread.

Thanks to Russ and Brass.

 

[shanelktown]

So here I am just finished a side by side smoke of fresh from tin magnum opus compared to some with 2 years of age. The biggest difference is in the fresh the Perique is felt more then the aged. The aged really is much sweeter but it is still very enjoyable. I think the aged has a strong sweetness and changes the complexity of this blend but I still really enjoyed it.The only issue in doing this idea was the two different pipes. The fresh tobacco was smoked in a poker where the two year aged was smoked in a volcano. Overall I see how the profile changed overtime and it really has opened my eyes to magnum opus and I will be adding more of this blend in the future.

 

[shanelktown]

Well smoked some of the classic burley kake and needless to say I am surprised. Upon the initial light I got the earthiness that I tend to get from burleys and I pretty much thought oh no here we go again another typical burley. Well to my surprise this is actually a pretty complex blend and I started to really enjoy this mid bowl to the end. I noticed toppings on this tobacco I thought it was like a rum taste I got for sure. There was also an almost maple syrup like flavor/sweetness I noticed in this blend as well. This is simply my first impression on this blend and I plan to further digest this tin tomorrow at the Pittsburgh pipe club meeting.

 

[beastkhk]

I think this one might be fun as I have been getting a totally different experience than what the others have mentioned so for.
I will say I was put off at first. The second bowl tasted a little better so I think I might have to phase into this one a little bit. (I had some heavier burleys last night so might need to acclimate a little)
The tin note to me was cocoa, I couldn't really get much more than that out of it while it was in the tin. I rubbed some out and after about a half hour gave it another smell and noticed that a faint tobacco smell came through, but still for the most part was cocoa.(I can see the rum now that others have mentioned it, but didn't come to mind when I was first smelling it)
I will note that this stuff is super easy to rub out.
Good flavor, for the most part I found it similar to the tin note- mainly cocoa to start, I did have some licorice develop faintly later on. The room note is amazing.
My hangup with it and why I said the first bowl put me off was I felt I was really craving some deeper tobacco flavor during the smoke. It is a light creamy smoke, but I couldn't really pull any deep burley flavor out due to the top note. There was a little nuttiness that mixed with the cocoa and was pleasant, but the real flavor for me didn't develop until towards the end of the 2nd third. Again, that is a personal taste sort of thing, for what this blend is it is amazing. The top note is a timeless classic and I would highly recommend if you like the old codger blends and maybe even Bobs chocolate flake to give this one a go.
I will keep at this one and let you know how much it grows on me.(it will, the second bowl already had a little more depth) Again, I was smoking some heavier blends last night so for time being I may have burnt out my pallet for this lighter one. Time will tell.

 

[barleynbaccy]

The tin note to me was cocoa,

I get this too, and it smells good enough to eat.
The casing on this blend mixed with the nuttiness reminds me of those sugar roasted nuts you find at fairs and renfests.