Peterson: Donegal Rocky (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.

Named after County Donegal in northwest Ireland, Peterson's Donegal Rocky series offers one of the Irish firm's most distinctive and immediately recognizable finishes. Much like the mountainous region it's inspired by, the rustication style of the Donegal Rocky line is incredibly craggy and provides plenty of stimulating texture, transforming any pipe that wears it into a rugged workhorse smoker. Peterson's first rusticated finish, the Donegal Rocky dates back to 1945, and is presented here with a bright nickel band offering a touch of refinement against the dark, red-tinged stain of the stummel.