The Pipes Jacono Pipes: Rook

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Grade: Rook    ~    Other classification: None
Pipe Code: JC013 Price: CHF 300.00  Convert Shape: Apple Weight: 52g / 1-27/32 oz Chamber ø: 20.5mm  --  Chamber Depth: 34mm  --  Wall Thickness:  14mm  --  Cleaner Passes? Yes
COMMENT: This is probably the smallest Jacono in this update; I would compare the tobacco chamber size to that of a Dunhill Group 3. The shape is undoubtedly that of a classic Apple (at least to me). Though the pipe doesn't have straight grain, it enjoys quite a uniform grain all over the pipe, with no bald spots whatsoever. The base of the bowl and shank shows excellent Bird's Eye. Due to the flattened base, the pipe can sit still on a flat surface with no support, which is a bonus feature welcomed by many (including me). Tonino added an elegance boxwood insert, trapped between a black acrylic band and the black mouthpiece; this has created a very elegant contrast in colors and does indeed enhance the overall beauty of the pipe.

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Grade: Rook    ~    Other classification: None
Pipe Code: JC014 Price: CHF 300.00  Convert Shape: Freeform Oom Paul Weight: 72g / 2-17/32 oz Chamber ø: 21mm  --  Chamber Depth: 48mm  --  Wall Thickness:  16mm  --  Cleaner Passes? YES
COMMENT: Though I tend to believe that you already know why I decided to add the word "Freeform" to my shape definition, I'll tell you anyway. The bowl shape is indeed that of an Oom Paul (Hungarian); however, the shank is not upright enough to qualify the pipe for a "classic" Oom Paul. The angle created between the bowl and shank should be tighter than in the case of this pipe. Having said that, the pipe is simply beautiful as it is. Plus, remember, it gives you the elegance and comfort of a classic Oom Paul, with a much smaller chance of having smoke rise up into your eyes ;-) Before I leave the shape, I would like to point how the extra length of the shank differs from that of a classic Oom Paul. This makes this pipe even more unique. Looking carefully at the pipe, and based on the grain pattern, I believe Tonino added a shank extension with the black acrylic band as a visual partition. The grain is absolutely wonderful for the entry smooth finish, the Rook. Finally, the pipe is much larger than you might think; the bowl is 59mm (2.32 inches) tall, with a very, very deep tobacco chamber. In spite of all this, the pipe is stunningly light in weight, and I'm sure it'll be a pure pleasure to smoke it while engaging in one of your favorite activities, such as reading or watching TV.

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Grade: Rook    ~    Other classification: None
Pipe Code: JC032 Price: CHF 300.00  Convert Shape: Apple Weight: 61g / 2-5/32 oz Chamber ø: 21.5mm  --  Chamber Depth: 41mm  --  Wall Thickness:  15mm  --  Cleaner Passes? Yes
COMMENT: I find this pipe to be typical of Jacono's work. The pipe is quite solid, robust, with so much wood all over, without the slightest compromise when it comes to the overall elegance of the shape design. The pipe may appear a little heavy when you read its weight; however, you have to take into consideration the incredible amount of wood that was left within the pipe to make it what it is. The walls are incredibly thick, and I can't see how such a pipe can even be brought to a point when it could feel hot. The grain might not be perfectly straight, but it is consistent, pronounced all over, with no bald spots whatsoever. The wide, saddle mouthpiece will be crucial in making up for the weight and the fact that the pipe is straight. Knowing the incredibly high quality of the Calabrian briar that Tonino uses, I wouldn't be surprised that a pipe of the same size made of a different kind of briar would weigh double that!

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Grade: Rook    ~    Other classification: None
Pipe Code: JC033 Price: CHF 300.00  Convert Shape: Apple Weight: 51g / 1-13/16 oz Chamber ø: 21mm  --  Chamber Depth: 38mm  --  Wall Thickness:  13mm  --  Cleaner Passes? Yes
COMMENT: This is probably as classic an Apple as Tonino ever produces. If you know me, then you know that I can always add the word "Freeform" to any shape, with any pipe. Indeed, and in the case of this pipe, I could add the word "freeform", and you know why? One simple reason: The bowl is slightly oval (43mm across, one side, and 45mm across, the other). You see?! Having said that, and considering this is a hand made pipe, you can never reach the accuracy of a machine in turning a bowl. It is with such pipes that it's perfectly logical to pay a premium price for lack of perfection!!! The pipe is considered rather small for a Jacono. I would compare the tobacco chamber size to a Dunhill group 5-6, at least. The grain is an excellent mixture of Flame and Bird's Eye, with no bald spots. Finally, I managed to detect only ONE tiny sandpit tucked away from the curious and critical eye at the joint between the bowl and the shank. That tells you about the quality of wood Tonino consistently uses. This comes as no surprise considering that his in-laws are briar suppliers based in Calabria.

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Grade: Rook    ~    Other classification: None
Pipe Code: JC034 Price: CHF 300.00  Convert Shape: Freeform Apple Weight: 70g / 2-15/32 oz Chamber ø: 20.5mm  --  Chamber Depth: 39mm  --  Wall Thickness:  17mm  --  Cleaner Passes? Yes
COMMENT: In the case of this pipe, I would be happy to simply define the shape as a typical "Jacono Apple". Indeed, if I had to pick one Apple shape that is considered Jacono's signature Apple, this would be the one. The following features constitute such a Jacono Apple: (1) A marked difference between the diameter of the bowl rim and that of the bowl base, (2) A tapered, thick shank, generally short, and (3)A slightly oval bowl shape. As you may notice, all these three features are evident in this pipe. The pipe, in addition, has so much wood all over it. The bowl walls are unbelievably thick and robust, and so is the shank. The thin, wide, and well made saddle mouthpiece will guarantee as much comfort as possible. The grain is excellent for this grade, with some exceptional Bird's Eye on the bottom of the bowl and shank. As in most Jacono pipes, it is so hard to find sandpits, and indeed in the case of this pipe, I managed to find one of the tiniest sandpits you can find in briar, and believe me, you really need to look very closely to spot it.

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Grade: Rook    ~    Other classification: None
Pipe Code: JC035 Price: CHF 300.00  Convert Shape: Freeform Lovat Weight: 55g / 1-15/16 oz Chamber ø: 21.5mm  --  Chamber Depth: 40mm  --  Wall Thickness:  13mm  --  Cleaner Passes? Yes
COMMENT: To me, and based on my knowledge of the definition of the Billiard and the Lovat, this pipe should not be defined as a "Freeform Lovat", since it is more of a Billiard than a Lovat. However, I decided to opt for Lovat, since I think this is what Tonino had in mind and judging by the choice of the mouthpiece, short saddle, which is typical of the Lovat. You see, for a pipe to be a Lovat, the shank should be more in length than the bowl is in height, and in the case of the very classic Billiard, they should be equal. In this case, the shank is 42mm long, whereas the bowl is 48mm high. That wouldn't even qualify the pipe as a classic Billiard. At the end of all this headache, the pipe possesses and demonstrates the quality of a Jacono pipe, and that is why we are here. Having said all that, and if I had to pick a pipe that would fit into my large Lovat collection, this would be the one. Ah, the tobacco chamber size would compare to a Dunhill group 6, which is considered pretty small for a Jocono.

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