Smooth Dublin (Royal Flush Infinite) (X) (2022) Tobacco Pipe

A third-generation artisan, Federico Becker continues the pipe-making legacy of his father, Paolo and his grandfather, Fritz. Deviating from the Italian neoclassical tradition despite their Italian origins, Becker pipes boast a unique style marked by crisp line work, sleek proportions, and rakish, angular silhouettes — characteristics which are all present in this striking Dublin.

Upon first glance at this Dublin, the bowl's crisply pointed heel immediately draws the eye; this a common theme across much of Becker's portfolio, and it's a cornerstone of the artisan's distinctive, rakish style. From the pointed heel, the walls of the bowl rise with a measured, linear flare, stopping at the softly inflated rim whose inner portion is chamfered for the smooth, easy loading of a favorite tobacco blend. As for the shank-and-stem arrangement, it's also quite sleek and rakish, and it exhibits a subtle downward tilt that adds an attractive sense of dynamism to the composition. The stem is fashioned from cumberland, and its brindled burgundy finish pairs quite handsomely with that of the stummel. A light, smooth finish enhances the briar's natural qualities, accentuating stunning straight grain and dense swirls of birdseye with equal brilliance. The grain on this Dublin is so exceptional that it has earned Becker's ultimate grade, the Royal Flush Infinite X, making it a thoroughly enticing piece for connoisseurs of the brand.