New Ashton Old Church vs New Castello Old Antiquari?

[jpmcwjr]

I'm in Oakland, CA. There might be a decent shop within 1-2 hours, but nothing nearby. The only one I know if is Piedmont, which is very nearby, but way overpriced and very little inventory.

So, only online for now. If I could check them out in person this decision would be a lot easier.

Check Telford's in Mill Valley. Piedmont Tobacconist used to be tops, but I've not been there since the Steve Richmond (Richman?) years.

Please put your location in your Profile, as people are forgetful.
Why:
That will save questions in the future as to where you live when you later mention local stores, weather, tobacco prices, availability, regulations, location of photos, wildfires, air quality, etc. In many instances that saves time for those who read your posts. It cuts down on posts or PMs asking where you are.
How:
Under your avatar, (top right, left most of three symbols) you choose "Account Details", which brings up "My Account". "My Location" is halfway down. Whatever you're comfortable with- town, city, county, state. province, etc.

 

[pipingfool]

I have four Castellos (2 Shape 55s) and one JC Ashton (XX Claret Bent Rhodesian).

I love them all, but there are differences. All of the Castellos have a more open draw, and the Ashton has a more traditional draw that is a little more restrictive. Not a bad thing, just different and it affects how I pack each pipe.

The "oil-curing" of the Ashton was noticeable for the first half dozen smokes, but after that, it tastes just like any of my other pipes.

Same goes for the "sweet briar" taste of the Castellos. Noticeable at first, but eventually goes away.

If given the choice, I would probably go with another Castello, however, I am a sucker for a great Cumberland/Brindled ebonite stem, so I love the Ashtons as well.

So really it is what you are looking for at the time.

BTW, Luca is great and will do everything he can to make sure you are happy with your pipe. He actually had the Castello workshop make a Shape 19 Sea Rock for me because he didn't have any and the workshop didn't have any in stock either. I also had purchased a KKKK Shape 55 in Natural Vergin finish. The wood around the draft hole starting burning from a soft spot in the briar. I took some pictures and sent it to him and he showed Franco. They agreed to replace it with another pipe and told me to keep the defective one and do with it what I wanted. They stand behind the brand.

 

[smokeymo]

Anyone know what kind of Black Friday deals I might expect from SmokingPipes and the like? Isn't it 15% off pipes? Perhaps I should try to hold out for a couple weeks.

Mission Pipe Shop in San Jose.

 

[pipestud]

You will get all kinds of opinions on that one, even though you have selected two very well known and highly respected brands. Both are awesome brands and it would be impossible to say that one is better than the other. A shape preference - style of pipe - that suits you is really the only answer. Both Castello and Ashton are made by artisans who are exceptional and highly regarded.

 

[Johnny_Pipecleaner]

You will get all kinds of opinions on that one, even though you have selected two very well known and highly respected brands. Both are awesome brands and it would be impossible to say that one is better than the other. A shape preference - style of pipe - that suits you is really the only answer. Both Castello and Ashton are made by artisans who are exceptional and highly regarded.

Excellent. Sorry, I didn't mean to ask anyone to tell me which was better. I was just hoping to learn about potential attributes that each pipe might exhibit (or lack) based on actual experience with the latest offerings from these two companies.

It sounds like I almost can't go wrong here, and that suits me just fine.

 

[Ahi Ka]

Johnny, you have shown some stunning pipes recently. Just wondering (not judging) what draws you to the Castello or the Ashton? I’m assuming it has to do with their blast styles?

 

[Johnny_Pipecleaner]

Johnny, you have shown some stunning pipes recently. Just wondering (not judging) what draws you to the Castello or the Ashton? I’m assuming it has to do with their blast styles?

Yeah I mostly prefer blast/rustic finishes. With the Castello I love the contrast of those colors in the finish versus the "char", and the shape of the 55 is rad and iconic. With the Ashton I really dig that brindle stem, and the contrast of that most excellent shade of green against the old church colored finish. In both pipes I also dig the thick chamber walls. I don't know, they both speak to me.

 

[Ahi Ka]

Yeah they are both lovely pipes bro. I’ve always wanted an old church Canadian. I’m quickly becoming a Ryan Alden fanboy. Check his work out if you haven’t already.

 

[frozenchurchwarden]

I still consider Ashton the closest modern equivalent of Dunhill, that being said if you have no interest outside of the cultural significance then Ashton pipes are mostly ordinary and the Castello pipes will have far better engineering (in my opinion. Ashton drills to 3mm in the stem and Castello does 4mm, but a 3mm draw through the stem is perfectly acceptable to many people).

 

[Johnny_Pipecleaner]

Thanks a million for all the replies. I appreciate each of you taking the time to share your knowledge and experience.

I ended up buying this KK vergin Castello billiard for a very nice price, though it won't be here for a week or two as it's coming from across the pond.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

Thanks a million for all the replies. I appreciate each of you taking the time to share your knowledge and experience.

I ended up buying this KK vergin Castello billiard for a very nice price, though it won't be here for a week or two as it's coming from across the pond.

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Congrats on Your new pipe Sir

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

I still consider Ashton the closest modern equivalent of Dunhill, that being said if you have no interest outside of the cultural significance then Ashton pipes are mostly ordinary and the Castello pipes will have far better engineering (in my opinion. Ashton drills to 3mm in the stem and Castello does 4mm, but a 3mm draw through the stem is perfectly acceptable to many people).

Yes I have to agree with you, there is something common in Ashton and Dunhill, apart from the stem button shaping I love how my Craig Ashtons smoke and the draw is just about fine, but also I like my Castellos, definitely, those offer a very effortless smoking experience, nonetheless, Ashton shapes are in very accordance with the classic British shaping, and they are pretty sturdy build and dependable pipes, in this regard something like Petersons

 

[Johnny_Pipecleaner]

I really REALLY dug the look of that Ashton, but @frozenchurchwarden 's comments rang true--that new Ashton pipes are somewhat ordinary. I've also gathered they might be harder to sell on the estate market than Castellos, just in case I ever need/want to unload it. And the final nails in the coffin of this decision--the Castello cost me 30% less.

I've also never had a vergin/unfinished pipe before, so that'll be fun.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

I really REALLY dug the look of that Ashton, but @frozenchurchwarden 's comments rang true--that new Ashton pipes are somewhat ordinary. I've also gathered they might be harder to sell on the estate market than Castellos, just in case I ever need/want to unload it. And the final nails in the coffin of this decision--the Castello cost me 30% less.

I've also never had a vergin/unfinished pipe before, so that'll be fun.

Yes,probably that is the case Sir, one thing I particularly like in Ashtons is how they do sandblast their pipes, in this regard,I think B Taylor & Craig's Ashtons are superior to contemporary White Spot Dunhills

 

[indoeuro]

I have three Ashton's, two in the Old Church finish. I believe they were made three years ago. They look terrific and are the best smoking pipes I own in that price range.

 

[ssjones]

Get an estate Ashton. It will be cheaper and you'll likely get better quality.

I've owned Craig and Taylor Ashtons, past & current Castello's.

A X Sovereign Ashton bent Billiard sold yesterday for $187 (believe it was from the late 80's). Early Ashtons are preferred, although I have some winners from the 1990's. Bill definitely made some stinkers late in his life, so make sure a seller takes returns if you go estate.

Recent Ashton production doesn't impress me, although I have not held a pipe since 2016 or so (last Richmond show). Also modern Ashton sizing is very erratic compared to the Taylor era (LX pipes smaller than XXX, etc.)

Big point of difference - Ashton was using vulcanite stems, Castello uses only acrylic.

Most current Castellos also seem to have rather large buttons, which is not to my preference.

If you choose Castello,go to one of the European dealers, they get the pick of the litter. (and have smaller pipes as well)

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

I've owned Craig and Taylor Ashtons, past & current Castello's.

A X Sovereign Ashton bent Billiard sold yesterday for $187 (believe it was from the late 80's). Early Ashtons are preferred, although I have some winners from the 1990's. Bill definitely made some stinkers late in his life, so make sure a seller takes returns if you go estate.

Recent Ashton production doesn't impress me, although I have not held a pipe since 2016 or so (last Richmond show). Also modern Ashton sizing is very erratic compared to the Taylor era (LX pipes smaller than XXX, etc.)

Big point of difference - Ashton was using vulcanite stems, Castello uses only acrylic.

Most current Castellos also seem to have rather large buttons, which is not to my preference.

If you choose Castello,go to one of the European dealers, they get the pick of the litter. (and have smaller pipes as well)

What I can say from my own experience,during the past few years( from 18 onward?) the final finishing and overall quality of Craig's era Ashtons has improved significantly, but still stem buttons remain the same,being rather think and somewhat clumsy

 

[smokeymo]

I've owned Craig and Taylor Ashtons, past & current Castello's.

A X Sovereign Ashton bent Billiard sold yesterday for $187 (believe it was from the late 80's). Early Ashtons are preferred, although I have some winners from the 1990's. Bill definitely made some stinkers late in his life, so make sure a seller takes returns if you go estate.

Recent Ashton production doesn't impress me, although I have not held a pipe since 2016 or so (last Richmond show). Also modern Ashton sizing is very erratic compared to the Taylor era (LX pipes smaller than XXX, etc.)

Big point of difference - Ashton was using vulcanite stems, Castello uses only acrylic.

Most current Castellos also seem to have rather large buttons, which is not to my preference.

If you choose Castello,go to one of the European dealers, they get the pick of the litter. (and have smaller pipes as well)

I have 6 or 7 early to mid 90s Ashtons and they all smoke fantastic. From what I understand Bill's work didn't suffer until the 2000s.

 

[sandollars]

I have a couple of both and the draws are very different. The Castello's are very open draws whereas the Ashtons are more like a Dunhill. Personally, I like the draw on the Ashtons better. I know it's petty but the Castello's almost always fling a bit of tobacco on the first couple of draws and that bugs me. After that, they smoke great. I do like the pull on the Ashtons a bit better. It might be me but the Ashtons seem to be a bit sweeter and kinda nutty but it might just be me..

Like almost everyone else has said, you absolutely can't go wrong with either. If open draws are your thing Castello all the way.