Castello: Old America 2020 'Castello' Hawkbill (Big Line) (04.18) Tobacco Pipe

Castello launched their Old America 2020 limited edition series as essentially their pipe of the year in lieu of the annual IPCPR trade show selection, which was not held because of COVID-19 restrictions. Serialized, the "84" Hawkbill for 2020 is found in several finishes and represents the special series in which only 18 were made; this particular rusticated rendition is number four. Even more alluring, these massive pipes are all part of Castello's select Big Line, the briar aged and cured for 12 years.

In pipedom, the Hawkbill shape is closely affiliated with Castello, as the Italian marque made them popular and beloved. Here, the very hearty, deeply chambered piece is classically shaped, writ large. The bowl garners the visual weight of the composition, yet the muscular shank and signature downturned stem, while more trim offer a stately disposition. Dressed in the smooth, smoky walnut stain version of the gorgeous "Castello" finish, highlighting dense striations of lively flame grain all about the bowl and clusters of beautiful birdseye dotting the heel, this Old America pipe is stunning in its shaping and finish.