A Magnum Opus Experience

Scott Stultz in his studio smoking his Cornelius Mänz bent blowfish.One of the best aspects of my business life is that I travel quite a bit, and - as a result - I get to meet and spend time with my pipe friends around the country. The experience of community that I have from these times with friends is wonderful. I’m grateful for it.

Monday evening, I spent several hours with my friend, Scott Stultz, in his studio in Marietta, Pennsylvania. Thanks to my wife, Wendy, we shared a fantastic French Cabernet Sauvignon which Wendy sent along with me for the trip. We also savored some extraordinary tequila as a nightcap. Good tequila is a little like cognac; it is delicious at the end of the evening.

Perhaps the thing I love most about seeing Scott is sharing tobaccos together and discussing our experience of them.

Monday evening, I broke out my personal blend, Agincourt, for Scott to try. I’ve shared this tobacco with many friends; it’s a joy to me that people like it so much. Scott enjoyed it very much, too.

When we finished smoking Agincourt, Scott asked me if I’d had a chance to smoke Russ Ouellette’s blend, Magnum Opus. I had not smoked this blend yet, so we packed our pipes and commenced smoking and discussing the blend.

Hearth and Home’s Magnum Opus BlendMy immediate reaction – and I do mean immediate! – was extremely positive. “Now this is what I’m talking about!” I exclaimed to Scott. Magnum Opus is wonderful. I savored its smooth, toast, and nutty notes. This may very well be the single best new tasting experience I’ve had. If you have’t tried Magnum Opus - and you enjoy English blends - I urge you to give it a try. This Hearth and Home Marquee Series Blend is available at PipesandCigars. (Click here to navigate to the order page)

What would we do without our friends? There are so many tobaccos out there to try; I just can’t get to them all. And frankly, I don’t always enjoy trying new tobaccos. In fact, when I don’t enjoy them, I would much rather be smoking something I do enjoy. When I have a friend like Scott whose tastes are similar to my own, it saves me time and money when I can take his recommendation.

Comments

[Sam A]

agreed.... in my opinion magnum opus can only be described as "silly good". you should really give sweet and savory a try as well. although it is a different experience, i think they share many characteristics.

[Kurt Whitner]

I'm not a piper but stories like this gave me this feeling to give it a try. Thanks!

[Scott Stultz]

After spending the entire day today making cranberry sauce, peeling potatoes, basting the turkey and making all the rest of what constitutes Thanksgiving dinner for my family, Magnum Opus was what I chose to relax with. It tasted great, but would have been better still in your good company.

[Rick Newcombe]

What a great laugh Scott has in that photo!

[Quantum Boy]

I too have a friend who appreciates fine tobacco with me. I'm fortunate that he's my cousin! Times like that are special, especially with a special tobacco. I agree with your assessment of Magnum Opus. I'm glad I bought several tins out of the gate. Excellent stuff!