Sandblasted Strawberry Wood Brandy with Bamboo Tobacco Pipe

The more commonly-seen, lighter-colored style of bamboo is all well and good, but to my eye, it pales in comparison to the darker, and in this case almost olive-colored sort. Darker bamboo just does well to lend shapes an even stronger sense of pastoral charm, as it does here with this delicately proportioned, organically-inclined strawberry wood bent Brandy. The four knuckles follow an even rhythm, leading the eye to the generous bowl, which offers an excellent texture, courtesy of both Roman's deft hand at sandblasting and of course the lively patterns inherent to strawberry wood. Finished in an earthy walnut stain, this is one handsome smoker.

If you'd like to learn a little more about Doctor's Pipes, feel free to head on over to the blog where Shane and I discuss Roman Kovalev's unique body of work.

- Daniel Bumgardner