Dunhill: Dress (2302) (2021) Tobacco Pipe

Dunhill's "02" bent Billiard is, without question, one of the English marque's most storied and recognizable forms, its supple curvature and poised stance known the world over. In this rendition we see that curvature extended and exaggerated by the White Spot's use of an elongated tapered stem, denoted by the "3" in "2302", making this pipe nearly a demi-Churchwarden. In petite Group 2 size, the bowl here is quite compact, and the weight is light and handy, pairing extremely well with its long stem and deep curve to give it wonderful clenching potential. The shank is quite trim, and the junction is marked with a silver band, standing out in stark contrast against the inky black hues of the Dress finish for a palette that is perfect for black tie formal events.

One of the most fashionable finishes in all of pipe making and one that inspired an entire aesthetic, Dunhill's Dress finish was first introduced in 1973 as the Black Briar — renamed "Dress" in 1979 with the addition of silver — and is meant to elegantly complement a tuxedo or similar formal wear, perfect for a night on the town. Characterized by its glossy, jet-black stain and sterling silver accent band, the Dress finish exudes class and imbues each pipe it adorns with a sense of refinement and sophistication. It's the progenitor of the term "dress pipe," now used to reference any black-and-silver pipe, and is one of the most distinctive finishes in all of pipedom.