Briarwood in Pipemaking

by Darin Doerflinger

11/25/21

The most common question we get asked is why is Briarwood considered the best wood to smoke from? To answer this question we'll take a two part approach. First, what physical properties does Briarwood have to give it that status. Second, how has history played a part in the development of Briarwood as the top choice for pipe smoking.

Erica arborea is a flowering tree that averages about 23 feet in height and is native to Northern Africa and the Mediterranean basin. Briarwood is the cultivated by sustainably removing the large burl from under the tree and then processing it. This involves removing the outer layer to get to the center, harder core and then allowing that to dry under the right conditions for at least a couple of months. Much like gems, the burl, which of course grows underground, is then cut to reveal and exclude areas of imperfection which includes gaps, rock intrusion, and dirt pockets.

This lengthy process is one of the reasons Briarwood is expensive in comparison to other exotic hardwoods. After processing, it is rare to end up with high quality, low imperfection Briarwood that is larger then 8 inches square.

Briarwood's physical properties lend perfectly to withstanding constant flame and bowl temperatures ranging up to 700 degrees. The burl is very dense, flame resistant to 900 degrees, and has the unique capacity to absorb moisture giving the smoker a smoother, cooler smoke. 

Briarwood pipes first came in to production in the mid 1860's in France, although history does report that it was used for smoking as early as the 1600's. The beautiful burl patterns and the physical properties mentioned above lent it to a less expensive but excellent alternative to Meerschaum, the preferred smoking pipe material for centuries. Meerschaum was, and still is to a certain degree, controlled tightly in Turkey and therefore a reasonable alternative was sought out and perfected.

Over time, fine pipe makers began offering briarwood pipes and they caught on when the Frenchman pipe maker, Emil Loewe, opened a shop in London were it quickly became a favorite with sophisticated smokers of the time.

The Briarwood that Outside the Box Studio uses in the Smoker's Pipeline line was harvested about half a century ago and was in storage for most of that time. Entrepreneurs brought the lots to the states a few years back and OTBS has taken that opportunity to create the artistic pieces that we hope you enjoy!

For any questions please contact us at info@smokerspipeline.com.

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