Dunhill: Bruyere (5103) (2023) Tobacco Pipe

Considered by many to be the archetypal Billiard, Dunhill's "03" design is highly favored for its understated elegance and natural, well-balanced proportions. This particular Group 5-sized rendition is elevated by a military mount of dark vulcanite. The mount works in conjunction with the tapered, push-style stem to ensure easy disassembly. The bowl is firm and stocky, and it pairs well with abbreviated shank that stretches out back. The smoky Bruyere finish commends the briar quite nicely and highlights striking grain on either flank of the bowl.

The Bruyere was Alfred Dunhill's original finish upon launching his brand of premium pipes and smoking accessories and was the only Dunhill finish from 1910 until 1917. Even after the addition of other finishes, the Bruyere maintained a high level of popularity, becoming synonymous with what is thought of, even today, as the quintessential pipe. To achieve the iconic, ruby hue and saturation, a skilled craftsman painstakingly layers particular stains in a precise manner, then meticulously polishes the pipe to a high luster. The final result is, simply put, timeless.