Peterson: Killarney Red (68) Fishtail Tobacco Pipe

One of Peterson's more classically English shapes, the "68" bent Brandy serves as a curvaceous sibling to the "69" bent Billiard. The "68" features less of the Irish marque's signature style of stout shanks and hearty transitions, instead placing more emphasis on the bowl, with the rounded base and slight taper toward the rim softening the profile. The added briar at the base makes for a substantial in hand feel, and the tapering rim, stretching transition, and comparatively slender shank conform well to wrapped fingers. Fitted on the end of a lithe bend, it's a piece that's comfortable no matter how you choose to hold it, catering well to all smoking postures.

Like many of Peterson's lines, the Killarney takes its name from an Irish town — in this case, one located in the southwest. Introduced in 1949, the Killarney features a vivid, ruby stain, over which a lacquer finish is applied for added protection and a higher sheen. The color palette calls to mind traditional English finishes of the early 20th century, hearkening back to an era when darker stains were the norm (lighter finishes wouldn't become popular until the decade before WWII). Fitted with twin rings of nickel, the Killarney boasts a formal, vintage appeal, similar to the black-and-chrome dress pipe motif, but with a more colorful persona.