Castello: Old America 2021 Old Antiquari Bent Billiard (06.20) Tobacco Pipe

For the second year in a row, Castello presents its Old America series, launched initially in 2020 as a response to the cancellation of the annual IPCPR trade show in Las Vegas because of COVID-19 — for which Castello has traditionally fashioned a special line of pipes. The 2020 series featured the Hawkbill shape in various finishes, while the 2021 limited edition series' design is the bent Billiard, a singular shape of large proportions, also offered in some of the Italian workshop's most popular finishes. This particular pipe is serialized as number six out of only 20 in the line.

Even given its gigantic size, the Castello artisans have managed to craft this pipe with a firm, jutting heel, not quite as pronounced as its beloved "55" bent Pot, but discernible nonetheless. Housing a tremendous chamber depth within thick, protective walls, the bowl yet remains comfortable as it's cradled in hand, while the transition is broad enough to encourage digit-draping. The bowl is balanced by a lengthy, arcing shank and midnight-blue acrylic stem, the latter gently downturned. The stummel is wearing the workshop's Old Antiquari sandblast, the smoky "fumed" stain descending from the plateau-crowned rim to mid-bowl where the earthy, orange-brown stain takes over, the dual colors of the finish quite striking. The transition and shank are smoothly stained an orange hue, creating textural diversity. Fans of fine grain should rejoice: This pipe offers handsome, wavy growth rings, the tightly stacked display all the more pronounced on the bowl's large surface area.