English Estates: Dunhill Root Briar Dublin (DR*) (2016) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

A seldom seen production from Dunhill, this Dublin strays from the marque's traditional shape chart to better display the remarkable briar grain. Those familiar with Dunhill will see similarities between this pipe and the "07" shape, especially in the shank-and-stem combination, but the bowl deviates from the shape chart, as it lacks the requisite forward cant of the "07." The intention of this alteration was to expose the stunning straight grain pattern surrounding the bowl, which is broken only by the perpendicular ring grain. There is no doubt as to why this pipe earned Dunhill's esteemed Dead Root appellation.

Dunhill's "DR" designation on certain Root Briars signifies a special class of pipes: Dead Root. Like all Root Briars, these pieces maintain flawless briar, but with especially choice grain on display. Before the Root Briar line's introduction in 1931, "DR" was stamped on Bruyere pipes that showed handsome grain, but Dunhill wanted a more grain-defining finish, leading to the creation of the Root Briar. Starting in 1979, The White Spot extended the grade further — replacing the letter grading system with stars, increasing in prestige from one to seven. A Dead Root pipe represents the best of Dunhill's standard selection, yet remains quite rare compared to the English marque's overall lineup.