Claudio Cavicchi: Bologna 2022 Smooth Captain Warren Tobacco Pipe

Since 2018, Claudio Cavicchi has released a limited edition series of pipes named in honor of his hometown of Bologna. In past years he's worked with leather craftsman Claudio Albieri to create pipe and bag sets, but for 2022, Cavicchi has taken on the project solo. The Bologna 2022 offering is particularly special, taking the form of a shape entirely new to Cavicchi, and rarely seen from anyone. The Captain Warren Calabash is a distinctive form of the shape that requires its removable cap to be made of the same material as the rest of the stummel. The briar cap on this piece is secured to the bowl with a feature that testifies to Cavicchi's immense skill: The briar cap and bowl are threaded, allowing the cap to be screwed on without the use of any outside material, and are easily aligned for attachment thanks to two small white dots on both the cap and bowl. Calling the design impressive would be an understatement. Below this pipe's briar crown, the bowl is palm-filling and quite bulbous, creating a Ball-like silhouette, contrasted by its comparatively slim rim and acrylic saddle stem. Dressed in a natural blonde finish, the stummel boasts excellent flame grain around the bowl, with swirls of birdseye at rim and heel.