The Mystery
It has long been speculated who is behind the Mastro Berardi brand. In any case, there was no "Signiore Beraldi". However, the German importer respected the artist's wish not to be named. Recently, however, it has been confirmed that Aldo Pierluigi is behind the brand and has been known to long-established pipe smokers since the 1970s.
Diligence and family
Aldo is one of the very few not to be found in the "pipe metropolis" of Italy, but on the outskirts of Rome. Here he works with great diligence and together with his son Andrea and his wife Anna, making pipes for at least eight hours a day. Why do we emphasize this fact so much? Because it is not exactly common among pipe makers to go to work with such great diligence and regularity. But here it is. Of course, other, higher quantities are also possible.
The beginnings
Aldo Pierluigi is a trained carpenter and was used to working with wood from an early age. When pipe smoking became very popular in Italy in the 1970s, he also discovered it for himself and carved his own pipes early on. At first only for himself and his friends. His style was very playful at first and he had a penchant for big pipes. This passion also brought him into contact with his first American importer, who was vacationing in Rome and happened to pass by his workshop. In the 1980s his pipes were offered on the American market for the first time - and with great success. Until 2009, this was his only distribution channel.
Distribution in Germany
Since September 2009 Aldo Pierluigi's pipes are also available in Germany. The company Aßmann Raucherbedarf from Karlsruhe has always had a "hand" for fine pipes from Italy. And together with the pipes by Claudio Cavicci, Damian Rovera and Mario Pascucci, these have now been distributed in Germany by Sven Aßmann. Again, the launch was an instant success. Because the price-performance ratio of Mastro Beraldi pipes is as good as unbeatable.
Best briar quality
No compromises are made in terms of quality. The wood is even bought directly from the Bruyère cutters in Italy and selected on site. Before the pipes can be made out of it, the Ebauchons first dry for three years in Aldo's cellar so that they have the optimum humidity for further processing. Anyone who has held a Mastro Beraldi in their hands will notice its unusually low weight. A sure sign of outstanding wood quality. Initially, the mouthpieces were still made of ebonite, but now his mouthpieces are mostly made of acrylic. A special acrylic from Pirelli is used, which is a bit softer and more bite-friendly. All mouthpieces are hand cut.
Other woods
He has an experimental style that also has classic overtones. Even if briar remains the predominant material for his pipes, bog oak and olive wood have also recently been added to the repertoire. Each Mastro Berladi is unique, which is unique in the world. That's why you shouldn't think twice if you like a pipe.
