Northern Briars is again one of those modern English brands that I personally put even higher than Dunhill when it comes to quality, fit, and finish. Although Ian isn’t at the same level of popularity as Ashton or Ferndown, he’s beloved by everyone who’s lucky enough to own one of his pipes.

Reading Pipedia, a couple of things stand out:

• He has impeccable briar selection — at one point he used to buy from the same supplier as Ashton.

• Bill supposedly said that Ian is the best in England when it comes to stem work, and from what I’ve seen, I totally agree.

• He also lives and makes his pipes on a canal boat… I’m not joking — google it.

This last one comes from me: How is it possible to make such amazing pipes by hand and keep the prices so affordable…