Exploring Italian beer brands, I’ve organized a diverse list below to enhance your search and swiftly guide you to the ideal brew.
Start with the comparison table below to start jump straight to the list where I talk about each of the brands.
Key Takeaways
- You’ll find familiar names like Peroni and Moretti offering reliable and classic flavors, while Baladin and Birra del Borgo bring creativity and new tastes to the table.
- The selection ranges from Menabrea’s northern brews, reflecting the crisp Alpine air, to Ichnusa’s embodiment of Sardinia’s warmth.
- Noteworthy mentions include Birrificio Italiano and Birra del Borgo, which have gained international recognition for their quality.
- My personal picks? Peroni for tradition, Baladin for innovation, and Birrificio Italiano for a fusion of both. Enjoy!
Italian Beer Brands Comparison
Here’s a table that offers a quick reference for anyone interested in comparing Italian beer brands and their most notable offerings.
| Brand | Year Established | Region | Beer Type Specialty | Scale of Production | Best Known For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peroni | 1846 | Rome, Lazio | Lager | Large-scale, international | Peroni Nastro Azzurro |
| Moretti | 1859 | Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia | Lager | Mass-produced | Moretti Lager |
| Menabrea | 1846 | Biella, Piedmont | Traditional lagers and ales | Large-scale | Menabrea Bionda |
| Birra Ichnusa | 1912 | Sardinia | Lager | Medium-scale | Ichnusa Lager |
| Birra Baladin | 1996 | Piozzo, Piedmont | Craft beers | Small to medium-scale | Baladin Super |
| Birra del Borgo | 2005 | Borgorose, Lazio | Craft beers | Craft scale | Duchessa Saison |
| Birra Messina | 1923 | Sicily | Mediterranean flair beers | Regional | Messina Lager |
| Toccalmatto | 2008 | Fidenza, Parma | Innovative brews | Craft scale | Zona Cesarini Pale Ale |
| Birrificio Italiano | 1996 | Lombardy | Classic style craft beers | Craft | Tipopils |
| Birrificio Lambrate | 1996 | Milan, Lombardy | Innovative brews | Medium-scale | Gaina Pale Ale |
| Poretti | 1877 | Varese, Lombardy | Traditional lagers and pilsners | Large-scale | Poretti 4 Luppoli Lager |
| Birra Amarcord | 1997 | Romagna | Ales with local ingredients | Medium-scale | Amarcord AMA Bionda |
| Birra Raffo | 1919 | Taranto, Apulia | Classic Italian lagers | Regional | Raffo Lager |
| Pedavena | 1897 | Pedavena, Veneto | Traditional lagers and dark lagers | Medium-scale | Pedavena Lager |
| Birra Castello | 1997 | Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia | Eco-friendly modern lagers | Large-scale | Castello Lager |
| Forst | 1857 | South Tyrol | Alpine-style lagers | Large-scale | Forst Premium Lager |
| Birrificio Elav | 2010 | Bergamo, Lombardy | Italian craft beers | Small-scale | Elav Grunge IPA |
Things To Know About Each Brand
Peroni
Peroni is arguably the most popular Italian beer on the international stage. It’s the one you’re likely to find in any bar around the world when you ask for an Italian beer. Founded in 1846, Peroni has become synonymous with Italian style and culture.
Their Nastro Azzurro is an upscale lager that’s both crisp and light, making it exceptionally easy to drink. It’s not the most complex beer out there, but its appeal lies in its refreshing simplicity and chic branding. To me, Peroni is like the well-tailored suit of beers — it may not be the most distinctive, but it’s always in fashion and fits a wide range of occasions.
Moretti
Birra Moretti’s iconic mustachioed man on the label is instantly recognizable, and it’s a brand that you’ll find almost everywhere in Italy. Established in Udine in 1859, it’s a household name that stands for dependable, accessible beer.
Their standard lager is a go-to for many Italians and is a staple in casual dining. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s just good, solid beer. While some beer enthusiasts might look for more complex profiles, Moretti delivers consistency, which has its own charm.
Menabrea
Venturing north to the alpine town of Biella, Menabrea is Italy’s oldest brewery still in operation. Founded in 1846, it has stood the test of time, which says a lot about the quality of its beer. Their brews are refined and embody the Italian knack for balance and subtlety.
Their lager, in particular, has a clean taste with just the right amount of hops. It’s a classic beer that doesn’t scream for attention but rather earns it with each sip. Personally, I find their attention to tradition and quality admirable, a reminder that sometimes the original way is still the best way.
Birra Ichnusa
Birra Ichnusa is more than just a beer; it’s a taste of Sardinian life. Its simplicity is its strength – a straightforward lager that’s perfect for a hot day on the beach or a simple meal with friends.
Personally, I appreciate a beer that doesn’t try too hard to impress with complexity but delivers on quality and taste. It’s the kind of beer you keep coming back to for its familiarity and reliability.
Birra Baladin
Birra Baladin is for the adventurous drinkers out there. Teo Musso‘s creativity shines in each bottle, making Baladin a fascinating brand to explore. I’m particularly fond of ‘Nora‘ for its historical inspiration and unique taste profile – it’s a beer that tells a story with every sip.
What they’re doing is not just brewing; it’s crafting a narrative through beer, which is quite an experience for the palate.
Birra del Borgo
Birra del Borgo has earned a special place in my heart with their bold and experimental brews. Their ‘Duchessa‘ is a standout – it’s not every day you find a beer made with spelt that maintains such a delightful flavor profile. It’s earthy and rustic, a true embodiment of the Italian countryside.
Birra del Borgo is a brand for those who love to try new things and appreciate a beer that breaks the mold.
Birra Messina
Hailing from the sun-kissed shores of Sicily, Birra Messina is a testament to the island’s brewing prowess. Established in the early 1920s, it’s a relatively younger player, but what it lacks in age, it compensates with its vibrant character.
The beers here are crafted to complement the Mediterranean climate – refreshing, with a hint of citrus. I’ve found their Cristalli di Sale, with its touch of salt, to be intriguingly refreshing on a hot day. Birra Messina doesn’t just brew beer; they brew a slice of Sicilian life.
Toccalmatto
Toccalmatto is a craft beer trailblazer, nestled in the province of Parma. Since its inception in 2008, it’s been all about innovation and bold flavors. They’re not afraid to experiment, which is refreshing in a country known for its beer traditions.
Their Zona Cesarini, an IPA with tropical notes, is a standout for me. It’s a beer that challenges the palate and showcases the creativity Italian craft brewing can offer. Toccalmatto may not have the history of others, but it certainly has guts and character.
Birrificio Italiano
Birrificio Italiano is a cornerstone of the Italian craft beer movement. Located in Lombardy since 1996, they’ve been at the forefront of the Italian craft beer scene, championing quality and complexity. Their Tipopils, a German-style pilsner, is a revered classic. It’s crisp, with a floral hop aroma that’s both refreshing and sophisticated.
I appreciate their commitment to the craft, and their beers often remind me why I fell in love with Italian brewing. Birrificio Italiano balances tradition and innovation, making it a beloved icon among aficionados.
Birrificio Lambrate
Birrificio Lambrate stands as a bastion of Milanese craft beer culture. Since 1996, this brewery has been churning out beers that are as bold and characterful as the city it calls home.
The Ghisa, a smoky stout, is a personal favorite when I’m looking for something with depth and a little edge. It’s the perfect companion to a hearty Italian meal or as a stand-alone drink to savor. Lambrate has a knack for producing beers that are distinctly Milanese – a fusion of tradition and a modern, cosmopolitan spirit.
Poretti (Birrificio Angelo Poretti)
Birrificio Angelo Poretti, often just called Poretti, is a name that’s synonymous with Italian beer tradition. Founded in Varese in 1877, it’s a brand with a storied past and a diverse range of brews. Their “4 Luppoli” lager is a staple—it’s balanced, with a subtle hoppy finish, making it versatile for any occasion.
While Poretti may not be as experimental as some craft breweries, their dedication to quality has kept them relevant and respected in the Italian beer landscape.
Birra Amarcord
Birra Amarcord brings a cinematic flair to the Italian beer scene, inspired by the legendary filmmaker Federico Fellini. Founded in the scenic region of Romagna in 1997, they artfully blend local ingredients and storytelling in their brews.
Their Ama Bionda, an ale with an aromatic profile, is a reflection of the region’s zest for life. It’s a brewery that doesn’t just create beer; it creates narratives in a bottle, which is something that always captures my imagination.
Birra Raffo
Birra Raffo is the pride of Taranto in Southern Italy, a brand with a loyal regional following since its inception in 1919. It’s the embodiment of a classic Italian lager, with a crisp taste that speaks to its Mediterranean roots.
Drinking a Raffo is like taking a sip of the southern Italian sun – it’s refreshing, straightforward, and unfailingly satisfying, especially on a hot day. Their commitment to tradition is what I admire, and it’s what makes Raffo a staple in its homeland
Pedavena
Birra Pedavena, hailing from the small town of Pedavena, has been brewing since 1897. This historic brand is named after the town itself, and their beers are as deeply ingrained in the local fabric as the brewery’s iconic building is in the landscape.
Pedavena’s brews are straightforward, no-nonsense beers. While they might not be the most adventurous, their La Rossa, a well-rounded dark lager, shows that they can indeed craft a beer with complexity and nuance.
Birra Castello
Birra Castello takes its name from the Castle of Udine, and they’ve been a part of Italy’s beer fabric since 1997. Although relatively young, Castello has made strides in sustainability, proudly championing eco-friendly production methods.
Their beers, like the Castello Premium Lager, are clean, accessible, and have a modern edge. I respect their environmentally conscious approach, which, coupled with their reliable quality, makes Castello a forward-thinking player in the Italian market.
Forst
Forst, a name that resonates with beer lovers in Italy for its storied past and quality brews, hails from the Alpine region of South Tyrol. Since 1857, it’s been synonymous with beers that echo the purity of the mountainous terrain they originate from.
The Forst Premium Lager, for instance, is a testament to their brewing finesse – clean, well-balanced with just the right touch of hop bitterness. It’s the kind of beer that invites you to relax and enjoy the moment, which is what I appreciate after a long week. It doesn’t try to be avant-garde, but rather, perfects the basics.
Birrificio Elav
The last on our list, Birrificio Elav is the up-and-coming star of the Italian craft beer scene. Established in 2010 in the Lombardy region, Elav has quickly made a name for itself with its innovative and bold flavors.
Their “Punks Do It Bitter” is an English-style bitter that stands out for its robust flavor profile and artful balance – a personal favorite when I’m looking for something with a bit more character.
Elav is not afraid to push the boundaries, and their experimentation with styles is both admirable and a beacon for the evolution of Italian craft beer.
Italian Beers in the USA
Italian beers may not have the same immediate recognition in the USA as their German or Belgian counterparts.
When exploring Italian beers in the States, you’ll find that the larger brands like Peroni and Moretti are widely available in most liquor stores and supermarkets. These flagship Italian lagers are the ambassadors of the country, with their crisp and refreshing profiles that pair effortlessly with food.
Venturing beyond these well-trodden paths, the quest for brews from smaller Italian breweries can be a little more challenging, yet also rewarding.
For the enthusiasts eager to sample the artisanal creations from breweries like Birra Baladin or Birra del Borgo, here are some tips to enhance your search:
Specialty Stores Are Your Best Bet:
Begin your search at specialty beer shops or Italian delicatessens. These stores often curate their selections and might stock smaller batches of Italian beers.
Online Marketplaces:
With the burgeoning e-commerce in specialty foods and drinks, you can often find a wider variety of Italian craft beers available online. Websites that specialize in international beer delivery may offer a range of Italian beers from the craft breweries we’ve highlighted.
Ask Local Brewpubs:
Some local brewpubs and bars with a focus on international beers might occasionally have Italian craft beers on tap or in bottles. It never hurts to ask, and you might be pleasantly surprised.
Beer Festivals and Tastings:
Keep an eye out for beer festivals and tasting events, which sometimes feature international sections. These can be golden opportunities to taste and learn about Italian craft beers directly from knowledgeable vendors or even the brewers themselves.
Check the Importer:
On the label of any Italian beer, look for the importer’s information. A quick search for the importer can lead you to other places where their products are sold, potentially uncovering more Italian beer options.
Build Relationships:
Befriend the proprietors of your local beer shops and ask them about potential special orders. If there’s a demand for these niche Italian beers, they might consider stocking them regularly.
In your pursuit of popular Italian beers in the USA, remember that while the big names are effortlessly enjoyable, the real gems often come from the less expected places. These smaller breweries inject passion, tradition, and a touch of Italian flair into every bottle.
Bottom Line
I’ve taken great pleasure in traversing the landscape of Italian beer brands, which spans from traditional stalwarts to modern craft innovators.
My journey through Italy’s beer culture has been as varied and rich as the country’s own heritage. I hope this curated list has been a helpful guide in your quest for the perfect pint.
You may also want to check out our page, Italian Cooking and Living for more interesting articles.
