A quarter of the way through this bowl of year 2014 Astley’s No. 55 in a 1915-1920 straight smooth dark brown BBB Own Make 150 apple with a silver band and a tapered black vulcanite stem.
Pre-2015 Esoterica Penzance in my Peterson smooth system spigot B42. This is my first experience with Penzance and also my first experience with an aged Balkan of any kind. It was definitely in the Balkan Sasieni ballpark, but a lot smoother (the smoothest Balkan I've ever tasted), and with a couple faint notes that were hard for me to pick out (I don't have @JimInks well-honed senses or experience). Definitely woody, earthy, a bit smoky, slightly sour - almost metallic but not quite at times, faint floral notes and some mellow exotic spice. I am really glad to have had the experience! I will enjoy periodically revisiting this but have primarily come away feeling like whatever FOMO I've felt about Blends of Olde is largely relieved.
Kristiansen Bulldog, my retirement gift from my wife in 2021, with Blessed Condor on a warm desert afternoon. The first light lifted and expanded the tobacco. A quick tamp and then then the True Light. Now, to the true smoke.
Just finished smoking year 2022 unreleased Sutliff Brown Virginia Flake in a 1920s medium bend smooth dark brown BBB Umbra bulldog with a tapered black vulcanite stem with an orific bit. Watching the Yankees-Tigers game.
I love my smaller pipes during the day, but in the evening, nothing smokes cooler than a big bowl briar. Here is a Radice with a natural rim finish, filled with Newminster No. 400 Superior Navy flake, a tasty bulk blend.