Tobaccos Boswell Pipes & Tobacco - Magnum Blend

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipestud (1829)	2016-04-05		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Full	Pleasant

Unlike the descriptive, I did not find Magnum to be a light English... in fact, not even mid-range. It was fairly strong stuff and I found it to be similar to Dunhill's Nightcap without Perique and less depth of flavor in its overall presentation. Still, this is a very nice smoke for times when Latakia comes calling.

Pipestud

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Stinkypipe (155)	2017-01-30		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild	Pleasant

This is pretty darn fine smoke. This is again a milder form of something like Northwoods. Probably not as much Latakia and a bit more spice. Has a nice smoky tin note. Lights just fine and burns very nice. I get smoky flavor wit hints of vanilla and nuts but those are very faint. Has a pleasing room note but very mild. This is fine blend particularly for a evening smoke or for those that are looking for a milder English/Latakia blend.

Pipe Used: Boswell freehand

Age When Smoked: Fresh

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30167)	2010-02-21		Mild	Mild	Medium to Full	Pleasant

Magnum Blend is a light English developed by Dan Boswell for a friend that has become very popular. The ingredients are not listed on Boswell's website but peering into the jar I have here it appears as though there are gold and red VAs, Black Cavendish, and a little Latakia.

MB packs and lights easily due to its' almost perfect moisture content. Once going, it requires a minimum of relights. The taste at first is dominated by the sweet VA and Black Cavendish, then you notice the Latakia there in the background providing body to the smoke. It's a very pleasant early morning smoke before you're ready to take on a full-fledged Balkan. In fact, I sometimes smoke it all day, it's that good.

Boswell's prices have gone up steadily in the last few years, as have most tobacco suppliers. Nevertheless, I'm deducting one point on value.

Scores for Magnum Blend: Taste- 18 of 20; lighting and burn- 8 of 10; value- 8 of 10. 34 points equals a good ** score.

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	morphijuana (17)	2011-12-25		Very Mild	None Detected	Very Mild	Pleasant

1st Smoke: Smoked my first pipe load in my Balkovec. My first thoughts would be that it is very mild English with almost aromatic notes. 2nd Smoke: Smoked a pipe load in my Hackert. Light English is a perfect description. The aromatic tones I picked up on my first smoke of it have seemed to diminish. I think I mistook the sweetness of the Virginias for a vanilla casing. I didn't pick that up at all in the second smoking. The Latakia is apparent, but far from overwhelming. It produces a nice smoke, and burns a little warm. As with all Boswell blends I've tried, no tongue bite whatsoever. The room note is very nice, pleasant and inviting. I liked it and will look forward to my next bowl of it. 3rd Smoke: Ribbon cut packs well and lights easily in my Moretti Chimney. No problems lighting it and it stays burning with no problems. I could very easily see this blend being an all-day smoke for me. Mild, tasty, and an overall pleasant smoking experience. So pleasant in fact that I huffed it down unusually fast. It burns fairly dry and produces a nice gray ash. I should have ordered a bigger bag of it. Conclusion: An English that isn't overpowering. This blend provides a smooth, tasty, smoking experience. This is one that easily falls into the class of an all-day smoke. Most defiantly worth a try.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JimInks (3047)	2017-06-29		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

The tangy, very dark fruity, earthy red Virginia takes a lead over the citrusy, lightly grassy bright Virginia. The sweet red Va. is the most important component. The smoky, woody sweet Cyprian latakia is a little more than a background player. There’s a light vanilla note that I suspect comes from the sugary black cavendish rather than an overall topping. I also detect a hint of whisky which, along with the vanilla, very mildly tones down the tobaccos. The strength level is a step past the mild threshold while the taste level is a little closer to medium than it is to mild. The nic-hit is a shade past mild. Won’t bite or get harsh. Burns cool and clean at a moderate pace with sweetly consistent flavor. Leaves little moisture in the bowl, and requires slightly more than an average number of relights as the tobacco is lightly moist. Has a pleasant after taste that sports a slightly distracting syrup note, for which I deduct half a star. This is an all day semi-aromatic English smoke. Two and a half stars.

-JimInks

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Capt (339)	2020-06-09		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Medium	Very Pleasant

One would expect when a blend is called MAGNUM, it would be strong. Stout. Powerful. But it's not. I don't quite know if I got the bottom of the jar when I ordered my 2oz, or if this is the normal state of the blend, but I got a lot of "shake" in my pouch. a lot of tiny, powdery tobacco that settled to the bottom. Hmm.....

Pouch note appears to be a great crossover type sweet English blend. I detect some faint natural vanilla aroma which is quite pleasing! Just a touch of smoke to make you realize it just may be an English blend. Moisture is the same as just about every Boswell English blend.

Packs well, not much spring upon lighting.

Initial Flavors of the cavendish are most discernable. Sweet, vanilla notes are the most prominent, but that hay-like sweetness from the Virginia also comes through. It's very easy to detect what flavor is coming from which leaf. The latakia is added perfectly. The sweet and smoky leaves are meld together in perfect harmony. What a terrific indoor room note!! Even the wife commented on how wonderful it smells. It has that old timey pipe aroma with a touch of Latakia. I am a sweet English tobacco fanatic. I love them, and this is no exception. This is a perfect crossover blend for those looking to start sampling English and Latakia, but its also a great English blend for when the weather is too hot for a full strength Balkan. If any tobacco has a flavoring or topping, Boswell knows how to produce them!

Pipe Used: several

Age When Smoked: 1 month

Purchased From: Boswells

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	fr_tom (393)	2016-02-08		Mild	Mild	Mild	Pleasant to Tolerable

The cut is a narrow ribbon. The pouch note is a slightly sweet smoky. There may be a hint of vanilla in the pouch note.

Smoked this reminds me of a less intense Capt. Black "Black Sea." It is sweet with some condimental latakia. The sweet is hard to identify, and the smoking experience is mild on mild. When puffed, I get a little tart Virginia in the profile.

This is OK, and I can smoke it. I am not going to be stocking up.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30167)	2009-10-22		Mild to Medium	Extremely Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

This is another blend that I'm shocked there isn't more reviews on. I have to note again that Boswells English blends are the first and only English blends I've tried. I am also not a full English smoker, but I am finding them very enjoyable when the taste arises. I'm smoking a bowl now to help this along. With that said, this is another nice English blend from Boswell, all three of them are great. They are all a little different but make for a similar good smoke. Using Northwoods as a reference I feel the Light English is a "little brother" to Northwoods and this Magnum Blend may be more like a cousin. Upon lighting you notice the Latakia, but just enough to know its in there. Later in the bowl you notice it more in the aroma. This one holds onto the Latakia but also blends with the other tobaccos. The flavors dance back and forth on different puffs. I notice more of a subtle sweetness with this one...my guess from the virginas or maybe a very slight topping flavor, but I doubt it. That is the only reason why I put Extremly Mild for Flavoring.

This is a similar smoke to Boswells Light English, but even milder. It packs well, stays lit, and smokes fairly cool. This one is a very, very dry smoke...almost dries out the back of my throat. Like the Light English, I don't feel this one is as creamy, or velvety as Northwoods, this one isn't as smooth either but neither are as bold as Northwoods. All in all a nice, milder English that has some characteristics of an aromatic. It's an easy going smoke, but my least favorite out of the 3 English blends from Boswell. I might not get it again since the Mild English is so perfect. But thats not to take away from this being a great blend and something to recommend. Just maybe not 4 stars in my opinion.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30167)	2012-01-21		Mild	Mild to Medium	Medium to Full	Tolerable

This blend was my first english i've smoked. I right away liked it! The latakia and virginia in it make it great too. One of those all day smokes for sure.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Brunello (166)	2022-12-30		Mild to Medium	Very Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Good stuff. Yeah, it starts out a little slow, but give it a few minutes to develop some depth. I get an almost creamy bourbon and malt taste from the Cavendish, the tasty red Virginias seem like they may be lightly toasted (?), and the light application of Latakia is clean and without sooty grill scrapings. This makes for a pleasant summertime dose of Latakia without going for the heavy hitters. It really hit the spot on the evening of the Fourth of July watching the fireworks.

Although this is a more of a 3.5 star blend for me I can’t quite round up to four, as that spot is reserved for Solani White & Black, which has even more depth and complexity. But Solani is not always available and costs more. I like Magnum better than several of the bulk offerings such as Sutliff sweet English, and quite a bit more than the disappointing Mind Meld Sweet English. If you are inclined to enjoy an occasional mildly aromatic light English, this is a good option, so next time you place an order with Boswell try a couple ounces!

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JimPM (154)	2022-05-01		Mild	Mild	Mild	Tolerable

Magnum Blend comes into focus as a light bodied English collaborative effort, encircling a respectfully tailored recipe of modest Black Cavendish, ample Bright and Red Virginias, lightly complemented by a relaxed Cyprian Latakia. Although no flavorings are officially listed, there is evidence to the contrary. This mixture bestows a characteristically gentle nature. By comparison to the noted Boswellian counter blends and other English fares, Magnum personifies true simplicity in the form a mild-flavored/mild-intensity sweetened Virginia forward undertaking.

Upon visual inspection, I discovered a handsome mass of quality red and golden ribbon cut tobacco lightly charged with a scattering of irregular blackened chards of restrained complements. Looking at the relative let-down percentages within the preparation, Magnum Blend’s constitution occurs to be approximately 60%-70% assorted Virginia with an equal footing of Cavendish to Latakia filling the remaining footprint. In terms of the ratios of Virginia, there appears to be a slightly higher level of the Red strain, as would be evidenced in the dominant flavor trends that soon followed. One additional point of observation was the physical moisture tendered at an ideal composition for immediate smoking enjoyment.

As a point of interest, I purchased this sampling in bulk as part of the Muttnchop Blend Club platform, nonetheless, the blend is offered in a tinned variety. Opening the pouch, I was greeted with an extremely graceful and docile sweet tarty citrus essence; very quiet-spirited. In specific the soft resonance of meek vanilla/maple lifted passively over the native Virginia convergence. Only by extending my nose deeper into the pillow of tobaccos did the proper registration come to fruition. As a result, the humbled Latakia and Cavendish became slightly more pronounced. An emergence of remote vinegary sourness and earthen nutwood followed reflecting a very metered magnitude. Finally, I did also list a diluted plummy note as well.

Succeeding the preview originating from the pouch note, I quickly discovered that Magnum Blend carried through an equivalent taste profile. As I inferred, the prevailing flavor largely featured the importance of the constituent Virginias while the complementing varietals were afforded minimal effectualness. In a tasteful fashion, the sweet citrusy hay of the Bright was minorly pre-empted by the Red’s floral woodiness as their mingling united to assume the leading honors. Decided accents of crisp lemon and darker fruitiness earmarked the subtle nuances of these stains.

Regarding the accompanying complementary varietals, I was just able to recognize trace hints of their weakened contribution. Although I did find success in that effort, the real impact of their involvement in the taste band was inconsequential. Namely, with focused discernment, I found the Latakia lurking in the distant rear as it served to lend marginal texturizing accents. Chiefly the Cyprian afforded a buttery leather high tone rolling with a bit of native prune, sour woody zest and muffled pungency. As to the Cavendish, with similar weightiness, it endowed a touch of cocoa brown sugary nuttiness and original wood.

On a final note, there was a forward coloring of diluted vanilla, delicate maple, and an essential plum flair that rides along for much of the bowl only subsiding in the final stages. This development was the influence of the unscripted flavorings and/or casings that I have previously referenced. Overall, Magnum Blend, all be it simple and dimensionally limited for an English representative, affords a consistent and easygoing experience.

The resultant spent aroma manifested in a tolerable and light perfume delineated by a relaxed sweetness overshadowing a meld of tart wood and earthy poignant spice. The vapors dissipated rather quickly again reflecting a fundamental thinness of strength. Incidentally, the mix did bring a charming sides-stream note as well. It burned superbly level and at moderate temperature.

As an avid English smoker and ideally one not tainted by any emotional stigmatism around the word chosen for its title, I could surmise my trial of Magnum Blend as genuinely satisfying overall. Through cumulative experience and association, however, I have constructed objective credos of excellence for each respective genre that I use to score a given trial mixture. English blends are obviously no exception. Subjectively a blend may attain a meritorious ranking but still fall short through the objective judgement process.

From this vantage point, although the blend scored exceptionally high on the basic mechanical features and properties, where it suffered most was on the standard attributes expected from a tobacco representing the category. Referencing the essential attributes of the genre, the mixture achieved modest or lower marks on the key hallmark traits. Frankly, it came across shy on critical depth and distinguishing complexity demanded of English blends bottom-line. This is simply a function of the comprising recipe and is not necessarily a deficiency. Having stated that, I would be remiss not to acknowledge that Boswell has contrived a quality blend in many respects, nonetheless. However, if you are looking for that colorful expressiveness of a standard robust English, this one may fall short in appeal.

Now that I have disclosed the true nature of this blend, how do we find meaning and significance in its naming choice, “Magnum”? A literal interpretation, given my earlier definition and the final technical evaluation, is not supportable. Being fair and accurate, Magnum Blend presents an exceptionally calm and therefore congenial smoking experience. In the proper context there is merit in that virtue, and that can signify strength. Namely, this blend does lend itself nicely to either soothing early morning appeasement or as a mellow closure within the tranquil repose of an evening smoking. Conceivably a feasible all-day venue that affords one with a lovely Virginia focused flavoring, no question. I will end this with the suggestion that perhaps “magnum,” in this case, speaks lyrically to the design intent for a lighter-bodied English that facilitates full attainment of amiable pipe smoking bliss. Yeah, I think I can go with that.

Hanna Subjective Rating 2.8 Objective Scoring (based upon standard genre attributes, mechanical and cost) 118/163 @ 72%

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	WorkingClassChap (197)	2022-03-29		Mild	Extremely Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Smoking now:

On my third bowl of this as I had to take some time to figure out what I was smoking before looking it up. Bag note has a faint Latakia aroma. It smells more Virginia and sweet than an English. Now knowing what’s in this it makes sense.

So Cavindish, Virginia, Latakia. That’s what it tastes like, however this is not sweet like Northwoods or Flavored like Military Force. It lacks the musty herbal or sour complexity of an English blend. What this is is a non aromatic very light Latakia blend. The Latakia is hardly noticeable but what you do notice adds some interest and body to the blend. The Virginia is grassy and vegetative which is the star component. The Cavindish adds slight sweetness and mellows it all out. I suspect tvis is cased or topped with something however there’s no obvious flavor. It’s hovers between a Latakia blend and a traditional non aromatic cases Virginia ready rubbed.

An easy smoking all day blend by design. Behaved well, no bite or mouth tingle, retrohale was pleasant, no bad after taste. If you like an aromatic smoker who loves Cavendish and sweet Virginias with a pinch of Latakia then this is for you.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	PaPiper (35)	2023-01-28		Mild	None Detected	Mild	Pleasant

A very mild English blend, good early in the day. A good smoke no one tobacco leaf stands out. A sublte sweetness from the Virginia, the Latakia Light in flavor and a basic introduction to English. I keep some on hand when introducing someone to English blends or I want a light English that day. I somewhat recommend this as it is almost too light to be an English.

Pipe Used: Savinelli Roma 673

Age When Smoked: NA

Purchased From: JM Boswell’s

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Mijnnif (130)	2022-04-11		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Medium	Pleasant

Bag note Sweet cavendish with light Virginia's the Latakia is noticeable but in good balance. There is a topping. Perfect right out of the bag moisture. Burns hot at first probably due to the cavendish and Virginia's. I smoked 4 bowls before being sure about this one. Its a bit tricky, the first 1/4 of the bowl is a bit confusing. As it progresses it get so much better the flavors begin to meld and the whiskey notes and sweetness come out. I think with a bit of age this will be even better, but I am giving it 4 stars for outstanding flavor at the 1/4 mark in the bowl, and through the finish . I am not sure I would consider this an English blend as the toppings/casings are defiantly there, but perhaps not a full aromatic. I will be purchasing again and it is an all day smoke most defiantly.

Pipe Used: many briars and morta

Age When Smoked: aged over 1 year

Purchased From: Boswell direct

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	wekers (14)	2013-01-09		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Mild	Pleasant

In my tastes i see that this blend like Vaper, i dont know the blends, but seems a lot of cavendish, some virginia and Perique? Latakia i think is a little dose. For me its a Vaper blend, at least in the beginning, after some time is very sweet and mild.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	LV9 (85)	2010-12-09		Very Mild	Mild to Medium	Very Mild	Pleasant

This blend packs well, lights easy. The cut is ribbon type, in the pouch I can see burley, virginia, cavendish and very little latakia. As soon as you light it there is a faint taste or vanilla mix with a slight tang probably coming from the virginias, as the smoke progresses this combination of taste disappears and the taste of cheap aromatic comes in hard, the latakia completely goes away and nothing but hot air comes thru the pipe, witch leads to to slight tongue bite for the rest of the journey. In summary would I buy this again NO, hence my one star rating for this blend.

Nobody has rated this review yet.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30167)	2010-06-13		Mild to Medium	Mild	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

I did not enjoy this tobac for one reason: the topping. I think without it would be a somewhat enjoyable blend. The Virginias and the light touch of Latakia do a good job untill the sweet of the topping start to come thru after a few minutes. Packs/burns nice with no bite.If you like aromatic english blends you might want to give this a try.

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