Castello: Old America 2021 Old Antiquari Bent Billiard (07.20) Tobacco Pipe

Castello's Old America series was first fashioned in 2020 in place of the pieces made for the Premium Cigar Association trade show in Las Vegas, which was canceled due to COVID-19 protocols. The "84" Hawkbill was last year's shape, coming in a variety of finishes, and it was a smashing success. Castello has returned this year with a limited run of 20 bent Billiards, with this particular rendition wearing the Old Antiquari sandblasted finish.

The sandblast coaxes out plenty of rippling waves of growth rings across the stummel. The upper bowl features the charred "fumed" look often seen across Italian pipe making, while the lower bowl is stained a burnt-orange color. The high-kicking shank is left smooth and stained a honey-blonde color 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. The hearty, thick-walled bowl houses a generous chamber capacity over two inches in depth, ensuring plenty of long, luxurious smoking sessions. The undulating, plateau-crowned rim offers a touch of organic charm to the pipe's overall composition, while the firm, pronounced heel and low-set transition lend the bowl visual prominence in profile. Bold, handsome, and charming, this piece belongs with a collector of thoroughly Italian shapes in eye-catching sizes.