Rossi: Rubino (8628) (6mm)

Rossi's "8628" bent Brandy, like the "628" from Savinelli, displays a tall, conservatively tapered bowl at the end of a smooth, slightly elongated and curling transition. The shape features an excellent balance of supple curves and elegant line work throughout, with the bowl tapering more subtly toward the rim and posing a leaner profile than the Italian marque's other bent Brandy designs, namely the "8644" and "8645." Comparatively, the "8628" prioritizes height over plumpness, catering more toward traditional English renditions, and houses a deeper chamber inside the more slender, poised bowl.

In Italian, rubino means "ruby," and Rossi's Rubino series appropriately dresses each pipe in an alluring, ruby-tinged stain. The Rubino's dark, smoky matte finish provides a subtle contrast and warmth, along with a superb smoothness in hand, hearkening back to the smooth finishes of yesteryear. A bright nickel band accents the base of the vulcanite mouthpiece, resulting in a refined but unpretentious look with a broad appeal that exudes timeless charm.