I was looking at pipes online (as one does) and drooling over some wonderful Castello Le Dune bent billiards, but came to my senses with the $600 price tag and drifted into the world of Vauen (Germany's oldest pipe manufacturer), who also make some well-engineered and beautiful pipes. But what really caught my eye was their Topas line. These are paneled pipes that have twelve hand-sanded facets around the bowl. While still pricey, they also weren't anywhere near the Castello Le Dune cost and I pulled the trigger. Most Vauen pipes are 9mm filtered and I've been wanting to try that format out as well. It has the distinction of being my first straight briar! Absolutely stunning in person.
