Peterson: Supreme Gold Mounted Smooth (999) P-Lip Tobacco Pipe

Defined by a Bulldog bowl and round shank, the Rhodesian is a classic shape that's enjoyed a place on traditional pipe charts for well over a century. On Peterson's chart, the age-old form is designated as the "999," showcasing everything pipe smokers love about the traditional shape — hard lines around the bowl; a tapering rim; and a stout, muscular disposition in hand — while also boasting the Irish marque's conventional shaping cues. The bowl tapers above and below the design's defining beadlines, while the rim barely rises above the transition thanks to the extra heft lent to the shank — a signature stylistic element of Peterson.

When fashioning new pipes, Peterson separates stummels into various grades, differentiating between degrees of quality and grain orientation. For decades, the Supreme grade reigned, well, supreme, being the pinnacle of Peterson's production. However, throughout the '00s, the prestigious designation began to fall out of use. That all changed, though, in 2019 with Peterson resurrecting the superlative Supreme stamp, followed by the A+ and A grades, respectively. Out of 2,000 stummels, only one will be of Supreme quality and perfection, making the line truly the best, most exclusive offering from the Irish firm. Dressed in a honey-blonde stain for best grain definition, this piece's patterns are on full display, further commended by a regal, gold accent band. It joins the ranks of Peterson's best pipes, bar none.