Werner Mummert: Sandblasted Apple Tobacco Pipe

Another stunning sandblast and signature Apple from Werner Mummert? Yes, please. This rendition keeps the plump bowl up front and iconic full-height shank that define the design, but takes them both to a new level of inventiveness. The bowl displays a pitcher-like pinch at the top and a lively canted rim, while the top of the shank features an arcing undulation that mirrors the profile of the top of the stem. Crazy cool, lending a feeling of energy radiating in all directions.

Energy isn't the only thing radiating here; rippling ring grain starts at the heel and advances up and back all around the pipe, made exquisite by one of Mummert's incredibly craggy sandblasts. A natural finish lets the grain do all the talking, singing really, as to call it merely talking would be doing a disservice to the precision and uniformity it displays. One of Werner's bespoke touches I like the most is his technique of cutting mouthpieces cross-ways out of a thick brindled vulcanite rod, a penchant handsomely rendered here in pink and black tones that showcase swirling vulcanite in full detail on the top of the stem. I've always been a fan of Werner in general, and this design design in particular, and this is may favorite version of it to date.