Brigham: Algonquin (284) (Rock Maple Inserts) Tobacco Pipe

While it carries a good deal more mass in the lower bowl than your classic bent Billiard, this Brigham "84" Volcano shape still retains a reserved, quietly confident style that's much the same — if anything just a bit more forthright and firmer. It also happens to be a real natural in hand, the long, gradual taper from base to rim proving comfortable, and the edge that defines the underside just barely making itself noticeable.

Like all of Brigham's lineup, this pipe also comes complete with the marque's signature Rock Maple Inserts. A rock maple dowel is drilled with a 3.5mm airway and pressure-fitted with a special metal cap that allows it to fit securely within the pipe while also being easily removable. The dowel is able to take the smoke from the bowl and pass it through the shank and a large section of the stem, removing moisture and unpleasant flavors that develop during the smoking process. No chemicals or adhesives are used to manufacture the rock maple inserts, ensuring it remains flavor-neutral. And because of the drilling, a rock maple insert is able to pass a pipe cleaner, even while the pipe is still assembled. The insert's design also helps prevent moisture from traveling back into the bowl or up the stem, helping to reduce pipe gurgle in the process.