Ryan Alden: Sandblasted Billiard Tobacco Pipe

As far as ring grain goes, I'd say the best of this batch of Ryan Alden pipes is split between the freehand bent Dublin and this handsome Billiard. The former perhaps sports a higher quantity of growth rings, but they're arranged in a wilder pattern, rippling playfully up the tall, flaring bowl. In this piece, however, we find a more classic orientation, with the 360 degree array of rings stacked perfectly atop each other and only a bit of undulation around the bowl. As for the shape itself, it also shows more Danish influence than the two Lovats going up today, with seemingly every line softened considerably to make for one smooth, shapely take on the old classic. And the finish is excellent as well, following a very warm, almost smoldering palette with the stummel stained a rich, dark ruby and the stem crafted from whorl patterned cumberland. If you're looking for a smooth, beautifully grained, and well-engineered classic, this one is going to be hard to beat.

- Andrew Wike