My sea rock smokes amazing. Are the smooths just as amazing? So if we were to compare same size, same shape, only change is finish, I’m assuming some variation because every pipe is different but not because of finish?
Castello finish question
- Thread starter Ben.R.C
- Start date
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The finish is just aesthetic.
You have to buy Castello Fiammata and try for youself. If you enjoy it more than its better than sea rock.
You have to buy Castello Fiammata and try for youself. If you enjoy it more than its better than sea rock.
The pipes are all carved from same the bins of briar that’s been air cured for years.
A good pipe is a good pipe, it's like thinking that a cigar with two bands is better than a cigar with one band, it's all about the bling band.
As pointed out above, all the briar comes from the pallets of air cured wood for which Castello is famous. My experience has been that Castello pipes are better known for their smoking quality and technical accuracy than grain on their smooth pipes. I have owned many over the years but never a Fiamatta or Great Line so I am sure there are exceptions. Great pipes. The stem work could almost always benefit from a bit of taper or the use of ebonite. Otherwise, pretty, pretty, pretty good.
At one time or another, I've owned every finish made by Castello. I could detect no notable difference in the smoking quality based upon finish.
Many years ago, probably around 1999, an acquaintance of mine from Owensboro KY visited the Castello works in Cantu with Agide Morigi, the owner of a tabaccheria in Ravenna, and some collectors from that region. After the tour, they all went out to dinner. After the meal, they started up their pipes. My friend pulled out a nice 1970's Old Antiquari (sandblast) 16. Franco Coppo, the then and now head of Castello, asked to look at it. He complimented my friend on the pipe and how well kept it was.
Then, as he was handing back the pipe, he said "we all know the roughs smoke better than the smooths."
Then, as he was handing back the pipe, he said "we all know the roughs smoke better than the smooths."
Awesome thanks, I have one sea rock and one smooth, different shapes but they both smoke great. I tend to think the lovat GG sea rock smokes better then the trademark KKKK bent billiard if I had to pick one but I think this has nothing to do with finish.
The only difference between roughs and smooths that I can tell is aesthetic. Pace Franco Coppo, they are equally good smokers. Although smooths sell for more than roughs, I actually prefer sea rocks (especially with two-tone stain) and old antiquaries (if they have a symmetrical blast) to the smooth trade marks and castellos.
Given the context, which would take a lot of words to explain, my friend thought the remark was in partial jest since Coppo knew he had spent many thousands of dollars with Agide on smooth Castellos. But he wasn't entirely sure
On paper, in theory, a rough textured surface dissipates heat quicker, because there is more surface area, so a Sea Rock might smoke a tiny bit cooler than a smooth pipe.
Look at the cooling fins on an air cooled motor. It’s the same principle.
But on the flip side, a textured surface may be easier to hold hot, so the user might puff a tiny bit faster.
Another and more practical reason the Sea Rock might smoke better is Castello could use softer, more porous briar and carve away any cosmetic flaws.
The Algerian briar in this old Marxman didn’t look the finest, but no pipe smokes better.
Look at the cooling fins on an air cooled motor. It’s the same principle.
But on the flip side, a textured surface may be easier to hold hot, so the user might puff a tiny bit faster.
Another and more practical reason the Sea Rock might smoke better is Castello could use softer, more porous briar and carve away any cosmetic flaws.
The Algerian briar in this old Marxman didn’t look the finest, but no pipe smokes better.
I own most grades of Castellos, from a few Fiammata’s to a few Sea Rocks and many points in between. They are all terrific smokers with no difference I can detect between finishes. I think it comes down to briar and plumbing, both of which Castello has figured out.
Member @npod has a collection of Castello Shape 44 Opera in every available finish, presentation and grade.
I'm pretty sure his answer will be the same as the above 2
They are all the same. Only difference is the stamp that Kino puts on the pipe when they leave the door.
The longer I smoke, the less I believe that. The only difference I find is the tobacco being used.
