Dunhill: Root Briar Cherrywood (DR**) (2022) Tobacco Pipe

This unique Cherrywood shape from Dunhill is sturdy piece that places a tall bowl on a flat heel with an elongated transition and high-kicking shank. A lengthy bent vulcanite stem completes the ensemble, making for an easy clench. This piece sits with a playful rearward cant, thanks to its slightly angled heel. Dressed in Dunhill's coveted Root Briar finish, this pipe is further ennobled by the English marque's Dead Root designation at a two-star grade. Looking at its excellent flame grain, it's easy to see how this pipe earned those lauded titles.

Dunhill's "DR" designation on certain Root Briars signifies a special class of pipes: Dead Root. Like all Root Briars, these pieces maintain flawless briar, but with especially choice grain on display. Before the Root Briar line's introduction in 1931, "DR" was stamped on Bruyere pipes that showed handsome grain, but Dunhill wanted a more grain-defining finish, leading to the creation of the Root Briar. Starting in 1979, The White Spot extended the grade further — replacing the letter grading system with stars, increasing in prestige from one to seven. A Dead Root pipe represents the best of Dunhill's standard selection, yet remains quite rare compared to the English marque's overall lineup.