Castello: Collection Occhio di Pernice Pot (K) Tobacco Pipe

A bit larger than a Nosewarmer, but still a compact, pocket-friendly pipe, this charming Pot from the Italian Castello workshop packs an abundance of character in a diminutive profile. While not as prominent as the heel seen in their iconic "55" shape, the heel here is still very Italian neoclassic, carrying a lot of momentum through the base of the squat bowl and forward, to action. A sleek, smooth finish feels welcoming in hand, and does well to commend some quite striking cross grain. The briar displays such incredible birdseye, especially resplendent on the right flank, that it earned the Italian marque's Occhio di Pernice designation, reserved for pipes that present that very attribute. A jet-black abbreviated saddle stem tops everything nicely off while keeping the visual weight squarely on the handsome stummel.