Ardor Urano Giant Rusticated Magnum Billiard 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.

As I’ve mentioned before, Ardor pipes are rarely small. As such, when an Ardor pipe bears an indication that it might be larger than average, one should adjust one’s expectations accordingly. Recently, for example, we had an Ardor “Big” series pipes, which was indeed a very big pipe. But the “Big” is but one step on the oversized ladder as far as Ardors go. Even larger than the “Big” is the Ardor “Giant,” a series of pipes of truly magnum proportions, and which, in Ardor’s portfolio, is rivaled only by the “Super Giant” as far as size goes. This Giant is a massive, quarter-bent billiard rendition, dressed in the workshop’s signature, stony “Urano” finish. In this instance, the finish appears even more tactile than on other Ardors, which I suspect was intentional, as a means of maximizing the visual and tactile effect on such a colossal pipe.

The condition is great. Minor inner rim darkening.

Details:

Length: 8″ / 203.2mm

Bowl Width: 1.14 / 27.17mm

Bowl Depth: 2.87″ / 72.89mm

Weight: 7.8oz / 222g