Smooth Bent Brandy (Jewel of Denmark) (X) Tobacco Pipe

Kai Nielsen, the son of Bari pipe factory founder Viggo Nielsen, entered the world of pipe making in his teen years when he began working part-time at his father's factory. At the age of 21, he became a full-time employee — but that was just the beginning. Today, after years spent mastering his craft, he's a respected artisan with an impressive portfolio full of refined, classically Danish pieces. Showcasing flawless grain and shaping, this bent Brandy has earned Nielsen's Jewel of Denmark grade at the "X" level, making it one of the finest offerings to ever come from the artisan's workshop. When looking at this piece's breathtaking grain, finish, and shaping, it's no mystery how it earned such a prestigious grade.

The bowl of this bent Brandy is fairly trim overall, yet still exhibits a pronounced taper from a full, round heel. Out back, a flat panel stretches continuously across the underside of the shank, making it semi-circular in cross-section and allowing it to pair seamlessly with the half-saddle shaping of the stem. Altogether, this is a well-balanced piece that boasts both ample chamber space and a comfortable curvature that promotes a relaxed smoking posture.

Moreover, this pipe is every bit as lovely in finish as it is in shaping. A deep mahogany stain and glossy polish accentuate not only the elegant line work that frames the stummel, but also the flawless grain contained within it. Tightly packed flame grain climbs the flanks of the shank and the walls of the bowl, while coils of birdseye swirl around the rim, top of the shank, and underside of the stummel. For the smoker seeking a fine work of Danish craftsmanship with impeccable grain to match, this bent Brandy is a more-than-worthy contender.