When did Savinelli launch its pipe tobacco blends?
YSIDRON: We first tried selling pipe tobacco back in the 70s. A manufacturer in Germany made seven lines for us, but because they catered to a European taste, they didnt do very well in the U.S. market. We discontinued this line about 10-15 years ago. We now produce just one line of tobacco that we started selling last year, called Armonia, which means harmony in Italian. SMOKE: What is the difference between the U.S. and European taste in pipe tobacco? YSIDRON: Generally speaking, Americans like a more flavored pipe tobacco, as opposed to the pure Cavendish or Virginia. SMOKE: When did Savinelli decide to enter the premium cigar market? YSIDRON: We entered the cigar market back in 95, but we probably could have entered back in 93, or even before the cigar boom. I made the decision that we would get into the cigar business only when I could control the quality of product. Having been friends with the Fuente family for a long time, I went to Carlito [Carlos Fuente Jr.] in 93 and told hi
