Barone Bent Apple (DDD) Tobacco Pipe

Although Massimiliano Rimensi's grading system may seem complex, even byzantine to the uninitiated, taking into account as it does such ephemeral qualities the very shaping of the pipe, and dividing its named grades further into ratings.. Well, it may take a bit of getting used to, but that Max goes to such lengths to scrutinize and classify his own creations certainly does the artisan considerable credit. In this example, we find a "Barone" grade bent apple, being one of the sandblasts which rates above his entry-level "Nobile" rusticated pipes. However, despite the unstained finish and rather light sandblast, the briar still presents a very clear, symmetrical, and beautiful grain; thus the "DDD" rating, denoting its excellence within its own grade.

- Eric N. Squires