A Guide to Italian Beer for Tourists: List of 19 Top Italian Beers

Ciao, beer enthusiasts! Italy, the cradle of vino, is quietly brewing a rich and diverse beer culture. While you might be familiar with big names like Peroni and Moretti, Italy’s beer story runs much deeper, especially regarding local and craft brews.

This guide is crafted to give tourists like you essential knowledge about Italian beer, making your Italian holiday even more enjoyable. So, let’s say ‘Salute!’ to discovering and ordering beer in Italy.

Understanding Italian Beer Culture

Traditionally, wine was the centerpiece of Italian dining. However, the past few decades have seen a shift as Italy embraced beer.

The beer renaissance in Italy is driven by a wave of microbreweries crafting unique Italian beers that beautifully complement the nation’s diverse culinary offerings.

These brews are created for savoring, just like their food, and Italians prefer to enjoy them in ‘slow’ style rather than chugging them down.

Decoding Italian Beer Styles

Just like the varied regional cuisines that Italy proudly boasts, the beer offerings are equally diverse and unique.

From light, crisp lagers to robust, hearty ales, there’s a brew for every preference. Here’s a deeper look at some of the popular styles you’ll encounter in Italy:

Lagers: Known for their light, crisp, and clean flavor profiles, lagers are immensely popular and can be easily found across Italy. One classic example is Peroni’s Nastro Azzurro, a golden lager that shines with a balance of malted barley and corn, delivering a refreshing drinking experience that pairs beautifully with a variety of Italian dishes.
Pilsners: This style, originating from the Czech Republic, has been embraced heartily by Italian brewers. Italian Pilsners, such as Tipopils by Birrificio Italiano, exhibit a more profound hop character than lagers while maintaining a similar crispness. The balanced, subtly bitter flavor of Tipopils makes it a perfect companion for heartier Italian fare like lasagna or osso buco.
Ales: The category of ales is wide and encompasses a diverse range of flavor profiles. On one end of the spectrum, you have the Birra Moretti La Bianca, a wheat ale that presents a light, fruity flavor profile with hints of coriander and orange peel. On the other end, there’s the unique Mastri Birrai Umbri Cotta 37, an ale brewed with lentils, which imparts a rich, malty character and a distinctive, slightly sweet flavor.
Craft Beers: Over the past decade, the craft beer scene in Italy has exploded, with many breweries pushing the boundaries of traditional beer styles. Breweries like Baladin and Birra del Borgo have gained international acclaim for their innovative beers. For instance, Baladin’s Super, a reinterpretation of the Belgian strong ale style, combines a variety of spices and yeast strains to create a complex, full-bodied beer with a rich, fruity aroma and flavor.
Italian Grape Ale (IGA): In a nod to Italy’s winemaking heritage, some breweries have begun to craft this unique hybrid beer style. IGAs are brewed using a portion of grape must, resulting in beers that blur the line between beer and wine. Birrificio Le Baladin’s Terre is a notable example, offering a fragrant bouquet of aromas and a slightly tart flavor profile reminiscent of white wine.

In the Italian beer landscape, there’s a style to suit every palate, from the beer novice to the seasoned connoisseur.

The key is to dive in and try as many styles as possible.

As the Italians would say, “La vita è troppo breve per bere birra brutta” – life’s too short to drink bad beer! So, let your Italian beer adventure begin.

Navigating Italian Beer Brands

Italy may be world-renowned for its wine, but its beer scene is not to be underestimated.

The rich tapestry of Italian brewing tradition is well-represented by a myriad of brands, ranging from large, internationally-recognized labels to small, artisanal breweries.

Let’s delve deeper into some key players in the Italian beer scene, to help guide you on your quest for the perfect brew.

Peroni Brewery: Perhaps the most globally recognized Italian beer brand, Peroni Brewery has been a stalwart in the Italian beer scene since 1846. Their signature offering, Nastro Azzurro, is a classic lager known for its clean, crisp taste. If you’re in a Roman piazza café, a bottle of Peroni is likely to be a common sight.
Birra Moretti: Owned by global brewing giant Heineken, Birra Moretti is another iconic Italian beer brand. Their flagship beer, Birra Moretti L’Autentica, is a traditional, well-balanced lager that’s ideal for hot summer days. For the more adventurous, Moretti’s regional collection, ‘Le Regionali,’ offers unique brews inspired by different Italian regions.
Birra Menabrea: This award-winning brewery based in Biella, Piedmont, has been brewing beers since 1846. Their Menabrea Bionda is a gentle lager with hints of mountain flowers, a nod to its Alpine heritage. Alternatively, their Ambrata offers a more complex, malty amber beer with caramel undertones.
Birrificio Italiano: A torchbearer in the Italian craft beer revolution, Birrificio Italiano’s Tipopils has become synonymous with Italian-style Pilsners. Hoppy and full of character, Tipopils is a must-try for any beer enthusiast.
Baladin: Founded by Italy’s craft beer pioneer Teo Musso, Baladin is renowned for its innovative and high-quality brews. ‘Nora,’ a spiced ale brewed with kamut and ginger, and ‘Super,’ a Belgian-style strong ale, are standout offerings that exemplify Baladin’s creative approach.
Birra del Borgo: Another leader in Italy’s craft beer movement, Birra del Borgo offers brews like ‘ReAle,’ a hearty IPA, and ‘Duchessic,’ a sour ale fermented with wild yeasts, making for an exciting exploration of flavors.
Birrificio Le Baladin: This craft brewery stands out with their Italian Grape Ale (IGA), ‘Terre.’ Aged in oak barrels with a hint of white muscat grapes, ‘Terre’ is a unique hybrid that appeals to both beer and wine lovers.
Birrificio Lambrate: Based in Milan, this brewery’s ‘Ghisa’ is a smoky stout that breaks away from the traditional Italian lager scene, while their ‘Montestella’ offers a more traditional, light, and floral lager.
Birra Ichnusa: Originating from the island of Sardinia, Ichnusa is a refreshing lager that perfectly complements the Mediterranean climate. The Non-Filtrata version offers a deeper taste, with unfiltered malted barley bringing a cloudy appearance and robust flavor.
Birrificio Angelo Poretti: Based in Lombardy, this brewery has a rich history dating back to 1877. Try their ‘4 Luppoli Lager,’ a golden, easy-drinking lager that is a popular choice across Italy.
Birra Flea: From the region of Umbria, Birra Flea offers an array of artisanal beers. Their ‘Bianca’ is a witbier with the added complexity of pink pepper, coriander, and orange peel.
Birrificio del Forte: Located in Tuscany, Birrificio del Forte prides itself on crafting elegant beers with character. Check out ‘Vanitas,’ a Belgian-style, high-fermentation blonde ale with rich, fruity notes.
Birrificio Torrechiara – Panil: Known for their craft and sour beers, this brewery in Emilia-Romagna offers ‘Panil Barriquée Riserva,’ an Italian take on the traditional Flanders Red Ale, matured in oak barrels and notable for its tart, fruity complexity.
Birra Toccalmatto: This innovative brewery in Emilia-Romagna crafts intriguing beers like ‘Salvia Divinorum,’ a saison brewed with sage and Szechuan peppercorns for a unique, complex flavor.
Birra Artigianale di Qualità: Located in the Calabria region, this brewery’s ‘Castiglionese,’ a craft blonde ale, reflects the strong brewing traditions in Southern Italy.
Birrificio Maiella: Situated close to the Majella mountain range in Abruzzo, Birrificio Maiella uses pure, natural mountain water to create beers such as ‘Genziana,’ an amber ale infused with a local gentian root for a bitter twist.
Birra Dolomiti: Nestled in the Dolomite mountains in the Veneto region, Birra Dolomiti is known for its crisp, clean Pilsner that carries a subtle malty sweetness.
Birrificio Bruton: Hailing from Tuscany, this brewery’s ‘Stoner,’ a strong amber ale, embodies their passion for quality ingredients and creative brewing techniques.
Birrificio Olmaia: From the heart of Tuscany, Olmaia offers beers like ‘PVK,’ a well-balanced, fruity wheat beer that showcases Italian brewing creativity.

This diverse list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Italian beer.

While exploring Italy, whether you’re walking through bustling city streets or meandering through peaceful countryside vineyards, you’re likely to find a plethora of local breweries offering their unique spin on beer.

Remember, the best part of the journey is the exploration. So, immerse yourself, ask the locals, and let your taste buds guide your Italian beer adventure.

We suggest checking out these articles related to beer in Italy.

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How to Order Beer in Italy

Confidently ordering a beer in Italy is simple once you know a few key phrases.

‘Una birra, per favore’ will get you a beer, but if you want to specify the size, ‘piccola’ means small, and ‘grande’ is large.

For draught beer, ask for ‘birra alla spina’. Always remember to say ‘Grazie’ (Thank you) to your server.

Learning a few extra phrases can enhance your beer-ordering experience in Italy, making it more seamless and pleasurable.

“Vorrei provare una birra locale” – This means “I’d like to try a local beer.” It’s an excellent phrase to use when you want to taste something produced in the region you’re visiting.
“Che tipo di birra mi consiglia?” – This translates to “What kind of beer do you recommend?” It’s useful when you’re not sure what to order and you’re open to the server’s or bartender’s suggestion.
“Posso avere una degustazione di birre?” – This means “Can I have a beer tasting?” Some breweries or bars may offer a tasting flight where you can sample several different beers.
“Qual è la gradazione alcolica?” – This translates to “What is the alcohol content?” It’s important to know, especially if you’re trying stronger ales or craft beers.
“Preferisco una birra leggera / scura / amara / dolce / forte / fruttata” – These phrases will help you specify the type of beer you prefer. They mean “I prefer a light / dark / bitter / sweet / strong / fruity beer.”
“Vorrei una birra senza alcol, per favore” means “I’d like a non-alcoholic beer, please.” Some Italian breweries produce “birra analcolica,” a good option if you’re not drinking alcohol but still want to enjoy the taste of beer.
“Posso vedere il menù delle birre?” – This translates to “Can I see the beer menu?” It’s useful in places with a wide variety of beers, allowing you to take your time and make an informed choice.
“Quant’è?” – After you’ve enjoyed your beer, this is how you ask “How much is it?” in Italian.

Also check our guide with more phrases: Make your Italian adventure even better by learning essential Italian phrases for travel

Using these phrases, you’ll be able to navigate through your Italian beer journey with ease. Remember, Italians appreciate when you try to speak their language, and it could lead to more engaging and authentic experiences during your visit.

Sipping Through Italy: The Ultimate Craft Beer Travel Guide

Pairing Italian Beer with Food

Italian beer and food were made for each other.

Pair a hoppy pilsner with a salty Parma ham pizza, or enjoy a hearty lasagna with a malty amber ale. For a sweet finish, dark ales or IGAs can be a delightful accompaniment to tiramisu or panna cotta.

Pairing the right beer with your Italian meal can take your dining experience to a whole new level. Here are some additional examples of Italian beer and food pairings you can try:

“Birra Weiss con Pesce Fritto” – Wheat beers, or Weiss, are light and often citrusy, making them a great companion for fried fish or calamari. The beer’s crispness can balance the oiliness of the dish.
“Doppelbock con Osso Buco” – Doppelbock is a stronger, maltier beer with flavors ranging from chocolate to dark fruits. Its robustness pairs well with meaty dishes like Osso Buco, a slow-cooked veal shank.
“Birra Lager con Pollo alla Cacciatora” – A light lager can refresh the palate alongside a hearty chicken cacciatore, a stew-like dish rich in tomatoes and herbs.
“Birra IPA con Formaggi Stagionati” – An India Pale Ale, with its often bitter and hoppy taste, can hold its own when paired with aged cheeses. The beer’s hops contrast nicely with the cheese’s creaminess.
“Birra Saison con Caprese Salad” – Saison beers, known for their spice and fruit notes, complement the freshness of a Caprese salad, enhancing the sweet acidity of the tomatoes and the milky flavor of the mozzarella.
“Birra Stout con Tiramisù al Cioccolato” – A dark stout, with its roasted malts and often coffee-like flavor, pairs splendidly with a chocolate tiramisu, where the beer can highlight the dessert’s cocoa bitterness.
“Birra Amber Ale con Pasta al Ragù” – Amber ales, known for their balanced malty and hoppy notes, can accompany a hearty pasta dish with meat ragù, as the beer’s slight sweetness complements the savory flavors.

Remember, while these are some suggestions, the best pairing is the one you enjoy the most. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find your personal favorite combinations!

Conclusion

Navigating the Italian beer landscape as a tourist has never been easier with this handy guide. Remember, the key to enjoying beer in Italy is to take it slow, savor every sip, and pair it with some delightful Italian food. So here’s to your Italian adventure — Cin Cin!

Happy Italian beer trails!