Small update: Today was graduation day (to my surprise I graduated Magna Cum Laude) and I lit up the pipe for the very first pipe with a Virginia from HU tobacco. Wow, I thought I've experienced good smokes before but this is amazing, it smokes extremely dry and I believe this is due the care and extreme attention of detail Ken Barnes puts in the stem and drilling in combination with really good quality briar. Cannot wait to light up the next bowl, it just smokes so smooth and effortless.
Today truly was a perfect day! Thanks again to Ken for making this happen!