GH.ZHANG: Smooth Brandy with Horn (Sergey Ailarov) (10) Tobacco Pipe

Guo Hui Zhang's passion for pipes began with his work as an importer and purveyor of pipe-making materials. Zhang's understanding of large-scale pipe logistics inspired an exciting idea: the mass production of high-quality, artisan pipes. In 2017, he opened the GH Zhang workshop and partnered with pipe makers around the world to achieve his vision. Each GH Zhang pipe is designed by a famous artisan pipe maker and shaped on a CNC machine before being finished by hand and fitted with stems by the team at GH Zhang. Offering more than 40 shapes in smooth and sandblasted finishes, each of which is serialized, GH Zhang presents pipe smokers with a rare opportunity to procure artisan-style pipes at an accessible price.

One of Russia's most prominent pipe-makers, Sergey Ailarov constantly thinks about pipe design, always sketching out his shapes before carving them. Ailarov draws on Danish, Japanese, and American pipe aesthetics for inspiration, which coalesce into his unique style that is put on proud display here by GH Zhang. This Ailarov "10" Brandy by GH Zhang is a handsome rendition of the traditional form. The bowl here is a tall and supple, its insulating walls rising from a broad heel and gradually tapering to a taut, flat rim. Out back, a sleek shank emerges from the low-set transition and joins a slender saddle stem, their junction marked by a vibrant horn accent. Dressing this particular Ailarov "10" is an auburn smooth finish that highlights handsome grain across the briar's surface.