Jared Coles: Smooth Dublin (Oak) Tobacco Pipe

Jared Coles began making pipes during college, quickly becoming enamored with the craft. Since then, he has honed his skills over the years, working with masters such as Jeff Gracik and Todd Johnson. Coles draws inspiration from the Japanese and Danish schools of pipe design, creating a unique aesthetic all his own. While Coles' work is widely appreciated, this Dublin is a truly special piece, even by his own exacting standards. Until 2023, Coles did not differentiate his best work with a special stamp. This pipe, though, was sufficiently impressive that it demanded a classification of its own, prompting Coles to design the high-grade Oak stamp, with this being the very first pipe to have earned such a distinction. Coles created the Oak stamp to reflect the California valley oak, pressing the image of its distinctive and elongated acorn into the shank. Native to Coles' home region, the stamp reflects his appreciation for his home and its unique flora.

As the first Oak-grade pipe, this Dublin is as excellent as one would expect, if not more so. The shaping reflects Coles' blend of influences from Denmark and Japan, with a stout, thick-walled bowl that retains an organic character through its domed undulating rim and its walls that taper gently down to a soft, rounded heel. Out back, a smooth transition gives way to a balanced oval shank that joins a deftly hand-carved vulcanite saddle stem, which offers an effortless clench and perfect draw. While the form of the stummel is impressive, the grain is breathtaking. Immaculate straight and flame grain encircles the bowl uninterrupted by the slightest deviation, while the rim and heel practically explode with birdseye, mirrored on the top and bottom of the shank. Coles makes the most of this impeccable briar with a rich, honey-blonde contrast finish, highlighting the briar's virtues and creating a warm and inviting aesthetic. A truly special piece, this pipe will be a treasure to discerning smokers.