Ardor 2019 Urano Rusticated Dublin Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Description

Like many Italian workshop brands, Ardor pipes are a family affair. The name itself is an acronym of Angelo Rovera and Dorelio Rovera, father and son pipe-makers who created the brand in 1972. The Rovera family’s history with pipes goes back much further, however, as Angelo’s own father, Francesco, had previously established the Sociedade Rovera pipe company with his brothers in 1911. All Ardor pipes are completely hand-made from briar that has been seasoned for at least 4-5 years, and the brand is noteworthy for its playful and innovative approaches to design. As a result, Ardor pipes are both quintessentially Italian, while also being somewhat different, having a style that is wholly their own.

The Roveras’ Ardor make has a variety of rusticated finishes in its portfolio. Some, like the Alvere, are spiral carved. Some, like the Meteora, are interlaced with smooth sections, resembling ancient brickwork. The Urano series is typically one of a more traditionally Italian, pebble-dash, or weathered stone, finishing. Unlike their compatriot workshops, such as Castello or Caminetto, the Urano is not a uniform finish, meaning each pipe is a little different from the last. Whether in the granularity of the carving or the stain used on the briar, no two Uranos are entirely alike. This Dublin is very different from the Uranos I’ve handled in the past. The finishing is much closer to the craggy surface of some distant planet, while the Roveras have foregone their usual choice of a more colorful stem, opting this time for Lucite in the shades of animal horn. Overall, the design is a little more subtle than the average Ardor, but it works tremendously in the pipe’s favor.

The condition is very good. Some rim darkening, but it’s not especially noticeable against the pipe’s rugged finish.

 

Details:

Length: 5.7″ / 144.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.80 / 20.32mm

Bowl Depth: 1.54″ / 39.11mm

Weight: 1.1oz / 34g