Ashton Pipes – Pipes and Pipe Tobacco

In 1959, a 15-year-old boy began his career at Alfred Dunhill as a turner. This marked the start of an extraordinary journey in pipe-making for William Ashton Taylor, the creator of Ashton smoking pipes.

Ashton Pipes – The History of the British Brand

Bill "Ashton" Taylor started his training at Dunhill Pipes, where young apprentices began with simple tasks such as sweeping up scraps of briar and ebonite and fetching tea for the skilled craftsmen. Despite these humble beginnings, Bill’s passion for the craft was evident. He often took discarded pipe bowls and stems home to hone his skills. His dedication caught the attention of the master craftsmen, though they were initially reluctant to share their techniques. Eventually, Harry Saigrott recognized Bill’s exceptional talent and took him under his wing to teach him mouthpiece crafting. This led other employees to open up and share their expertise with him.

Early Years at Dunhill

In the early 1980s, Bill decided to establish his own company to pursue his high standards in pipe making. From its inception, Ashton has stood for quality, the finest materials, and flawless craftsmanship. Bill’s deep understanding of pipe making and briar processing earned him a British patent for his innovative production process, which is said to make Ashton pipes 12–14% lighter than pipes from other brands. Bill Taylor also emphasized that both the pipe bowl and the mouthpiece play an equally significant role in delivering a pure smoking experience. In both cases, the best materials and perfect craftsmanship are essential.

Pipes by Ashton: Briarwood is the Key

Bill Ashton Taylor personally selected the briarwood for his pipes. He traveled to Italy twice a year to choose the best wood, forging excellent relationships with the briar sawmills. For his smooth pipes, Bill preferred Calabrian briarwood, known for its hardness and lightness, often used to create beautiful crossgrains and birdseye patterns. For sandblasted finishes, he chose Tuscan briarwood, which develops a textured surface reminiscent of early Dunhill Shell Briar pipes after the softer wood parts are removed.

Oil Curing

The unique production process, inspired by Dunhill, was refined by William Ashton Taylor. It involves heating the briar bowls and soaking them in a blend of natural oils.

This process, lasting over two weeks, removes unwanted residues and imparts the wood with the nutty flavor characteristic of Ashton pipes. Even today, under the leadership of Jimmy Craig, this process continues.

Continuing the Tradition

After William Ashton Taylor’s passing on September 16, 2009, his former employee Jimmy Craig took up the mantle, continuing the Ashton tradition. The pipe community has warmly acknowledged Jimmy’s work, with connoisseurs considering him a worthy successor. We, too, believe that Ashton’s high quality standards remain evident in its pipes.

All Ashton Pipe Tobaccos

Ashton’s pipe tobaccos are renowned for their quality and variety, offering blends that appeal to both beginners and experienced smokers. Each blend has its unique character, ranging from mild and sweet to bold and spicy, meticulously crafted with great attention to detail.

The Artisan’s Blend is a robust mix of Cypriot Latakia, Virginia, Kentucky, Black Cavendish, and Perique. It delivers an intense, full-bodied flavor for discerning smokers. With the Consummate Gentleman, Ashton presents a classic English blend of Virginia, Black Cavendish, and Latakia. The spicy blend suits all experience levels. The Gold Rush features pure Virginia tobacco with natural sweetness and notes of hay, honey, and citrus. Mild and light—ideal for beginners and relaxed moments.

Overview of Ashton Pipes: Finishes and Gradings

Ashton produces pipes in all colors and sizes. For simplicity, we have summarized the key information. This way, you can always keep track, even with longer product names. And don’t forget: If you have questions, our customer service is always available!

Sandblasted Pipes

Pebble Grain – dark, almost black surface; Claret – reddish, slightly brown surface; Old Church (OC) – natural golden-brown tone.

Smooth Pipes

Gilt Edge – reddish to wine-red; Oak – dark brown; Sovereign – natural, light finish; Sovereign SG – natural, light finish with Straight Grains, numbered 1–5; Achievement – pipes with unusual shapes or unique features.

Pipe Sizes

X: very small; XX: small; XXX: medium; LX: medium-large; ELX: large; Magnum: very large to "gigantic".