Castello: Old America 2021 Old Antiquari Bent Billiard (10.20) Tobacco Pipe

Featuring a massive, palm-filling bowl with thick insulating walls and a tobacco chamber over two inches in depth, this bent Billiard belongs to Castello's Old America series, a line of pipes that were first fashioned in 2020 in lieu of the commemorative pieces the Italian marque crafts for the Premium Cigar Association trade show, which was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. While 2020 featured the "84" Hawkbill in a variety of finishes, this year, Castello offers a limited run of 20 bent Billiards, with this particular rendition wearing the Old Antiquari sandblasted finish.

The sandblast accentuates the natural grain orientation of the briar while coaxing out plenty of rippling growth rings across the bowl's surface. The rim features a craggy crown of plateau that pairs well with the sandblast for a naturalistic aesthetic. The high-kicking shank is finished smooth and stained a lighter color than the bowl for a touch of contrast. A tapered stem of indigo acrylic tops off the design and makes a sleek downturn for a comfortable smoking posture. Bold, muscular, and thoroughly Italian, as it boasts a rather bowl-centric profile, this piece will make a welcome addition any collector's rotation, especially those with a love for large briars.