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This guide will always be under construction, the data regarding pubs and shops are still quite scarce. I need your help to improve this guide!
If you have any information or review of a microbrewery or of some very interesting tavern or beer shop in Italy with a very good choice of beers (also imported beers, belgian english etc...) please go to the bottom of this page
Note: In the description of some microbreweries you can find some positive or negative opinions (by myself or other reviewers) about the quality of their beers. Don't take these reviews as absolute truth.... many brewpubs have been visited just after their birth, if you visit them after a while their beer could be different (improved, hopely!) so it is always worth trying them.
This Clickable Map can be of help to find the places
MICROBREWERIES
Microbrewery in this guide means a small independent brewery, wether producing and selling beer through distributors to pubs and shops (this is usually named "microbrewery") or producing beer for its own pub or restaurant (commonly known as "brewpub")
PUB
Pub, taverns, restaurants etc. featuring a very good choice of beers, at least 80, or maybe just less but with a good and balanced selection and/or difficult to find beers.
SHOPS As above.
MICROBREWERIES
The list is getting bigger, not only because I am finding them, also because some opened quite recently. I will try to get infos about all of them, and hope to try the beers by many of them. As far as I know, most of these breweries are using grains and not extract. I note also that they are brewing mainly lagers; but some ales are also turning up.
Northwest
BIRRIFICIO CASA DEL POPOLO - See map at n. 27
Via F.lli Borghini 34 - 28877 Anzola d'Ossola (VB) - tel. 0323 83031
birrpop@tin.it
Opened just recently (end 98), these are the infos directly from the owner:
"we make three styles of lagers: a Pilsener beer, an Amber and a dark-red Munich type. Besides the beers, we offer snack-food with a choice of cheese, hams and meats of our valley from nearby Switzerland and from Tyrol. In our place you can find also traditional local spirits. (...) "
BEBA srl - See map at n. 1
Viale Italia, 11 - 10069 Villar Perosa -
tel, fax 0121 315755
Microbrewery, producing various types of lagers: light, amber and dark, each at a standard and at a stronger gravity. The beers are available on draught at (many) pubs and bottled versions are planned. They are also served at a sort of club called Ass. Cult. TRAIN ROBBER'S SYNDICATE opened Fri. Sat. Sun 20.00 - 02.00, at the same address of the brewery. The brewery itself can be visited by calling in advance.
LE BALADIN - See map at n. 2
P.za 5 luglio n°15 - 12060 Piozzo (CN) - tel: 0173 795431
One of the best known and most appreciate italian brewpub, and the best I ever visited in Italy. Teo is an expert and enthusiast brewmaster (contrary to most italian micro, they did not start with "ready-to-go" equipment) and brews exclusively top fermenting beers.
The ales are mainly of belgian style but there is also a good Stout. In the range of beers there are also a golden ("pseudo-pilsen" ale), the Isaac white (all three at about 5%). The very good Ambree' has been recently replaced by a very interesting Bitter. The Super Baladin (7.5%), the strongest and more complex, is their top and best known product. Isaac and Super Baladin are also available bottle-conditioned, and can be found in some shops also. For other infos, also about food and live music have a look at their
site
NUOVO BIRRIFICIO ITALIANO srl - See map at n. 3
Via Castello, 51 - 22070 Lurago Marinone (CO) -
tel, fax 031/895450
birrificio@birrificio.it
Brewpub. They produce four botton-fermented beers, a Pilsener, an amber and a dark on draught (called Tipopils, Rossoscura, Negra) and the bottle conditioned lager Amber Shock. I could taste the first three of them, and appreciated most the Pils.
They have also an informative and interesting
website
LA FABBRICA - See map at n. 28
Via P.R.Giuliani 38 - Saronno (VA) - tel 02 967 09 493
www.publafabbrica.com
"It is located near the 'Posta nuova' in Saronno, on the Varesina road.
Typical dishes, focaccia, hams, live music, maxiscreen, parking, etc etc."
Report by Gian Matteo "Jaffar"
I visited it myself: there were three beers available (two lager and a sweet and spicy white), all about at 4.5%, not bad but a bit bland to my taste.
IL VIAGGIATORE - See map at n. 29
Via Piave, 131 - 20020 Cogliate (MI) tel 02 964 61 099
Also this has been reported by Gian Matteo. Maxiscreen, live music, setting in "train" style; hams, sandwiches. Parking.
Reviewed also by other people; opinions of beer are not too good, and beware the prices when there is music!
OFFICINA DELLA BIRRA - See map at n. 43
via Matteotti 11 - Bresso (MI) - tel 02/6106076
Brewpub reviwed by Marco Zini
who liked particularly the Weiss; they make also a pale lager and a stronger
and slightly sweeter amber lager. Opened in June 99.
BIRRERIA LAMBRATE (Skunky Pub) - See map at n. 4
via Adelchi, 5 angolo via Porpora - 10100 Milano -
tel 02/70638678
www.birrificiolambrate.it
Brewpub. It has been the first microbrewery I could visit. I must say I've been satisfied, all the beers are of good quality. The pilsener "Montestella (5% abv) is daringly hopped for being the basic beer on sale. The amber Lambrate (7%) is very good, also La Rossa (7%) and the strong S.Ambroeus (8%) are no bad at all. A reviewer, Nicola, informs me about a new smoked beer they make, the Ghisa (4.7%). Nice place; you can eat, besides the sandwiches, good assortments of selected cheeses and delicatessen
ZYTHUM - See map at n. 47
via Rutilia - Milano
Information coming from it.hobby.birra. The place is nice and wide
(looks like a disco-pub); the food is "fusion" i.e. a mix of mexican,
arabian, japanese etc. The beers are: weiss, pilsener, strong lager,
an amber "cream ale"... according to the reviewers they are a bit
light-bodied and unexceptional, at least at the moment of their
visit to the pub, just at their opening.
SOLARAMA Snc - Vedi mappa al n. 55
V. Spluga 66, San Cassiano (SO)
Microbrewery
"IRON TWINS" BREW BAR - See map at n. 30
Via Legnano 31 - Bergamo tel. 035 341723
Thanks to Roberto Sonzogni for the report
HOPS - See map at n. 42
S. Martino della Battaglia - Desenzano (BS)
Same ownerships and characteristics of the pub in Riccione with the
same name.
CENTRALE DELLA BIRRA - See map at n. 5
Viale Trento Trieste 62/A - 26100 Cremona -
tel, fax 0372/33267
centralebirra@dinet.it
Brewpub. One of the first to open in Italy, it is the head of the
association gathering most of the italian micros
FABBRICA BIRRA BUSALLA - See map at n. 46
Loc. Birra, 3 - Savignone ( GE ) - Tel. 010 9640161 010 9641500
I could taste one beer of this brewpub in advance, before its opening,
at a beer festival; a pale lager not exceptional but enjoyable, witha slight
yeast aroma. I could get more infos from Alessio on italian beer newsgroup.
The pub is only 150 from the highway exit, tirning left towards Casella.
It han no closing days, and there is live music on thurday evening. They brew a
pale lager at 4.8% (perhaps the one I tasted?), another fuller bodied (5.5%)
and a stronger amber (7%), more aromatic and bitter, quite appreciated by
my reviewer. Very good bruschette and dishes with cheeses and cold meats.
and more...
MENABREA - See map at n. 40
Via Ramella Germanin 4 - 13051 Biella
Not a new wave micro (it is in fact an old brewery more than 100 years old). The small production (50000 hl) and the craft of their products, however, claim for a place in my list, where it holds a position of prestige: its 'hell' lager obtained the best world rating by the Tasting Institute di Chicago.
The beers are not widely available and are more easily found at the brewery, where there is a pizzeria-restaurant.
Northeast
HOPF AND CO - See map at n. 6
P.za delle Erbe 17 - 39100 Bolzano - tel: 0471/300788
Produces a good hefe-weizen; the other two pale lager (at least according to the reviewer) are just sufficient. Worth a vist anyway; besides being located in the central Piazza delle Erbe, the pub itself is in an ancient and tipically Tyrolean location, split in several floors with interesting furniture. They serve good and tipical local food.
GREITER - See map at n. 7
Via Castel Verruca, 13 - 39012 Merano (BZ) -
tel 0473/244687
Paolo De Martin, a homebrewer who is also expert of the Nord-East micros, tell us among other facts:"It's an actual microbrewery, in that it supplies a dozen of Pubs around Merano and further away in the Vicenza region. (...). Karl is brewing with Weihenstephan yeasts malt from Erlangen and hops that are grown by himself. (...) it is not above sufficiency for the hell and the dark lager, while the weizen is of high standard (it's a matter of taste anyway) (...)"
There is also a
review still on the Web.
SAN GABRIEL - See map at n. 31
Busco di Ponte di Piave(TV)
Reported by C. Avanzi
LA LOCANDA - CECCHET - See map at n. 38
Viale dei Dendrofori, 22 - 32100 Belluno (BL) - tel: 0437950772
This place (an the following one, of the same ownership) has been reported by Piero "Eydenet". I summarize his words:
"Presently they produce un unfiltered lager (Zwickel) - good - and they are going to make a Pils, named "Grendel"; both unpasteurized.
Malts and yeasts are from Weihenstephan. Three brewmasters are at work, not willing to push production to bigger volumes.
Beer cuisine of personalized german-tyrolean style; also an english style roon and a little biergarten.
LA LOCANDA - CECCHET - See map at n. 39
Via Montelungo, 2 - 32032 Feltre (BL) - tel: 043983774
VECCHIO BIRRAIO - See map at n. 8
Via Caselle, 87 - Campo San Martino loc. Marsango (PD) -
tel, fax 049/552088
Brewpub. They produce four different beers: a Pilsener and three stronger beers (an amber, a red and a dark). The place opened in 16/8/97 and matches the beers with some beer cooking, for example "risotto with radicchio and beer" "flemish chicken" and more. It is opened from Tuesday to Sunday, from 19.00 to 2.00. The brewery can be visited by calling in advance.
Again Paolo De Martin:"
You feel the Canadian-American background (...) they use toasted malts also for the pale lager (...) and use the same top fermenting yeast for all the beers
(...) the dark beers are of some distintion while the pils in my opinion is not correctly balanced (...) Anyway, not bad for being a new entry."
BREK ristoranti s.p.a. - See map at n. 9
Via Carducci 54 - 30173 Mestre (VE)
S. JOHANNES BRAU - See map at n. 10
Via Rimembranza, 6 - San Giovanni di Casarsa (PN) -
tel, fax 0434/86040
Brewpub. Our "reporter" Paolo is quite satisfied:
"Apart from the price of beers, a bit high in my opinion, the hand of the German Brewmaster Andy is quite skillful. The Weiss bier, 5.2° alcool is among the best ones I have ever tasted. According to the seasons they feature many different styles of beer; usually you can find the Pils, well balanced with a good malt finish, a Dunkel-style amber and the above mentioned Weiss."
BEFED PUB - See map at n. 11
Via Vittorio Veneto 22 - 33081 Aviano (PN)
MASTRO BIRRAIO - See map at n. 12
Via Nazionale, 97 - 33048 S. Giovanni al Natisone (UD) - tel, fax: 0432-756521
Brewpub with pizzeria; Paolo reports that they use equipment and supplies from Hungary and english yeasts and the results are by now still unexceptional
CITTAVECCHIA - See map at n. 48
Viale Stazione di Prosecco 5/c - 34010 Sgonico (Trieste) tel 040-211009
It is really a microbrewery, it has not its own pub but supplies beer
to pubs and restaurants around Trieste. The brewmaster, Michele, is an expert
and enthusiast homebrewer who made the big step and turned professional.
He has started with two beers, a pale lager and an amber lager in the
Vienna style, stronger but more attenuated, drinkable but quite tasty.
I could sample (and enjoy!) the beers at the very start of the production,
directly from the maturation tanks.
Besides, in Verona a new micro seems to have started in summer 1999; I am waiting for details.
Centre
LINDBEER - See map at n. 32
Argelato - Bologna
Producing a light and an amber lager. Giovanni "Laser" Spinotti who reported it remembers the good quality of the beer and its "pleasant" effects. N.B. according to other sources, the brewery could have closed now
MILLENNIUM - See map at n. 45
Via Rimesse - Bologna
By now (summer 99) producing just one type of beer. As our reviewer
informs us, theyuse dry extract and quality at the moment was unexceptional.
HOPS - See map at n. 13
Via Parini - Portocanale Riccione (RN) - tel: 0541 607920
Reported both by Deckard and Glauco Bianchi, which tell us it is a quite busy brewpub with up to 10 beers in thei offer, but not more than 3 or 4 at the same time
THE NORTON BREWING COMPANY srl: see Birreria Amarcord
LE BIRRE AMARCORD - See map at n. 14
Via Norvegia,7 - 47900 Rimini tel 0541-743558 fax 0541-747063
Microbrewery; originatly a brewpub (Norton Brewing Co.);they later
moved the equipments elsewhere and increased the production, supplying also
other pubs and restaurants: They still supply the beer to the original pub,
now called "Cuba Libre" in summer and "Alterego" in winter.
Four beers are available both on draught and bottled:
E Figoun (Pale lager), La Mi Dona (Weiss), La Putena (Amber), e
La Tabachera (Golden strong lager). The bottles are also
available in a few beershops.
IL CIRCOLO 50 - See map at n. 15
Centro Commerciale "Il Giglio" - 50013 Campi Bisenzio (FI) - Tel 055-8969826
Renewed, it opened again at the same address. Ton Notermans sent us a review.
GASTHAUS ALPENKELLER - See map at n. 44
via Cola d'Amatrice n. 13 - Ascoli Piceno - tel 0736 41786
Paola, a beer enthusiast, informs us
about the first brewpub in Marche, opened in May 99.
"There you can drink a dry and clean pilsener, balanced in its malt and hops
flavour; and a Dunkel, malty and aromatic with a good head (...) Very simple food, but
if you want to eat, there is a good restaurant just nearby the pub, with
german and regional dishes."
IL BIRRAIO - See map at n. 41
Zona Porta Sole - Perugia
"Nice and warm place in irish country pub style. They make a light and an amber (slightly tart but good), with a 200 liters batch; yeast are from UK (Nottingham)". Thanks to
Stephan for the infos!
BREW PEOPLE: Closed
STAZIONE BIRRA - See map at n. 33
Via Placanica, 172 (Fraz. Morena Sud) - Roma
Many reports of this brewery, but opinion are conflicting (both positive and negative), also because it is a Disco-Pub with loud music etc..
The beer produced at rotation are:
Amber, 6,0% vol. -
Doppel Bock, 6,0% vol. -
Dunkel, 5,5% vol. -
Hell, 5,2% vol. -
Stout, 5,0% vol. -
Weizen, 5,4% vol.
BIRRIFICIO TURBACCI - See map at n. 37
Centro Sportivo Mezzaluna - Mentana (Roma)
South
ADDIS SCOPEL - See map at n. 17
Loc. Suspantu - 09012 Capoterra (CA)
ALE HOUSE - See map at n. 20
Via L. Baio loc. Coste - 81020 S. Angelo in Formis (CE) - tel, fax: 0823-960439
BIRRA ST JOSEF'S - See map at n. 18
V. cala 5 - 80067 Sorrento (NA) - tel: 081/8072965
Micro. "...they produce three styles of beers, a light pilsener blonde, a strong lager and an amber lager" (informations of 22/5/97, thanks Antonio)
TRE FONTANE - See map at n. 19
Via Vizzano, 73 - Taranto -
tel 099/7772001
WILD SPIRIT - See map at n. 34
Via G.B. Vico - 90011 Bagheria (PA)
Thanks to Gian Matteo who gave me the info, also Sicily is now in the list!
Still to check
Here are some more references but with no other informations, some could be closed, or about to open or even... never existed!:
Lorenzo Vecchiato - Castelfranco Veneto (TV)
Birra Dolomiti - Cagliari
Wildmann - Bolzano
Alpe Lab. - Lana (BZ)
Birrificio Italiano - Benevento
Wellington - Torino
PUB
Osteria Italia - See map at n. 21
Via Alliaud, 6 - 10054 Cesana Torinese (To) - Tel 0122 89132
In a ski resort between Sestriere and Claviere, has a particularly good and complete selection of Belgian beers; the owner is a real beer enthusiast. The crepes are quite appetizing. Prices of beers are mid-high, but reasonable, considering it has no real alternatives at the same level in the surroundings.
Piper Pub - See map at n. 54
Via del Ridotto 22 - Torino - tel. 011 251728
Infos coming from I.H.B. and another reviewer. Six draught beers, more than 300
bottles beers and a selection of 140 whiskies.
Bar Birreria Il Cantuccio - See map at n. 35
V. Marconi 35, 28016 Legro - Orta San Giulio (NO) - tel: 032290481
Reported and reviewed by Alessandro Lombardi: "Right in front of the Railway Station of Orta, it used to be (and maybe it still is, my note) the pub in Europe featuring the largest number of beers, with its name in the Guinness Book of record.
Still very well-stocked (I believe 800 beers), it also has a beer cellar where, at my birthday, I could find two beatiful 1.5 litres bottles of McChouffe for my collection."
Il Fundeghè - See map at n. 51
Via Nicolini 1 - 22060 Cabiate (CO) - tel. 031-767041
Francesco Ragazzini, whom I thank
for the info, tells us of a very good beer selection, maybe even better than
the Woodstock itself.
Woodstock - See map at n. 36
Via Pestalozzi, 1 - 20143 Milano (MI) tel: 0289120479
Very good selection, maybe not as many as the claimed 400 but at least 200-300.
The place is large but quite crowded on friday and saturdays (sometimes with some detriment of the service). High prices. The report and the comments are by Marco Zini whom I thanks.
Moonshine 8 - See map at n. 50
Zona piazzale Corvetto - Milano
Again
Marco Zini informs us about a pub in Milan.
Tiny but pleasant place, with an "alternative" atmosphere. Music on friday and
saturday evening. Excellent selection focused expecially on belgian ales,
from the abbey beers to the small micros' products. A note: mainsteam beers
have the same price of the rarest specialties... perhaps to "punish"
the drinkers that come to such a place just to order a Bud (that's what Marco
thinks, and I agree!)
Irish Pub - See map at n. 22
Via Bolzano, 23 - 16166 Genova - Tel 010 332284
Very good selection, more than 150 beers, mainly belgian but not only. Crowded on Friday and Saturdays evening. Pub food, good sandwiches and salads.
Birreria Amadeus - See map at n. 23
Via Dagnini, 1 (ang. Via Murri) - 40137 Bologna - Tel. 051 6234011
Closed in Sundays.
"Standard" (i.e. not Irish, English etc) pub, with a lot of beers, 109 of which 7 on draught, including Ceasurus at 12% ABV and Gordon Blond. Often crowded, loud music. (thanks to Michele for the tip and the infos)
Goblin - See map at n.56
strada naz. Giardini - Pavullo nel Frignano (BO)
Info and review by Gianandrea "Ciuffo" Bruni:"A pub devoted to Belgium owned by true beer lovers, where by thei choiche "mainstream beers are not served". Quite good sandwiches and snacks, but the real plus are the 12/14 beers on tap (the number can vary) and the quite remarkable selection of rare bottled belgian ales. It is a must to come here just after the owners had a trip to Belgium..."
Brasserie La Loggia - See map at n. 52
P.zza Vittorio Emanuele, 11 - 56125 Pisa - tel. 050-46326 Fax 050-506435
Email: info@barlaloggia.com -
www.barlaloggia.com
Informations coming from
Flavio Romboli of the Pub,
whom I thank.
"There are 5 draught beers and about 70 bottled beers changing according
to the season; beer cooking with emphasis to fish. The brasserie is also t
he site of the beer club "Vino d'Orzo". Have a look at their
site
Bayern - See map at n. 49
Via Bresci n°4 (P.za del Mercato Nuovo) - 59100 PRATO - tel. 0574 24120
Information coming from I.H.B. Very good selection of draught beers
(Celtic and the beer ranges by Morrel's, Wieninger, Augustiner) and a
number of bottled beers including Samuel Adams. More infos on their
site.
Oasi della Birra - Palombi - See map at n. 24
Piazza Testaccio 38/41 - Roma -
Tel. 06/5746122.
"... It is also a traditional "enoteca" (wine bar & shop) that in the evening becomes a pub, featuring probably the widest available beer selection in the country (about 500, of which many on draught in the evening). Opening time is 8-13,30 and 17-19,30 for the shop, 19,30-1 for the pub where it is also possible to eat interesting selections of hams and cheeses, soups and food which is well matched with the beers." (thanks to Marco Bolasco for the review)
Estremo Sud - See map at n. 53
Via Matteotti, 3 - 70044 Polignano a Mare (Bari)
Pizzeria with more than 70 beers available
and more...
There are a few other places that (altough they do not meet the required
minimum beer selection) some reviewers for some reasons considered worth
mentioning. I put them here at random, and thank the people who informed me:
Fabio recommends the Baxter Music & Beer (Via Monte Coriolano - Potenza
Picena (MC)); Lele points out The Scotsman (Varese) because of its
hand-pumped scottish ales. Stefano likes the ControCorrente Risto-Pub
(Via Nazionale 52 Spinone al Lago (BG)) because of the beer, the nice place,
the music and... the beauty of the girls who own the pub! Another beer lover
recommends the Cicci' Coco' (Castelceriolo (AL) Via Milanese 13)
because of the quality of the beer, the pleasant location and the food.
Other mentions for the Old Fox Pub (P.za S.Agostino, Milano), english looking
but (sometimes) with tipical Milan food; finally Alice, the owner, informs us about
her pub-restaurant, the Dug Out Pub near Schio, which, altough it has not
by now as large a beer selection as the best pubs, offers cider, the Sheperd Neame
ales range, tipical local food and live music.
SHOPS
A Tutta Birra - See map at n. 25
Via Palazzi,15 - 20124 Milano - Tel 02 201165
It's one of the best shop I know of, excellent selection of more than 350 beers, mainly belgian but with a good choice of german, english and rest of the world also. The knowledgeable owner and the beer guides at your disposal will help you in your choice. Prices are mid-high but, as I said before, reasonable, and you can't compare the shop to a supermarket where you can buy two 6-packs of Heineken. They also store glassware and other beer items and they sponsor beer events, have a look at their
site
Bianchi Bottiglieria - See map at n. 26
Via di Sottoripa, 67/r - 16100 Genova - Tel 010 206791
In front of the port, the Expo and the Aquarium. I think it's the best-stocked in town, about 50-60 beers. Medium prices. Good choice of wines and spirits.
Oasi della Birra - Palombi
Roma - see the Pub section.
and more...
According to some info I received, it is possible to find a good selection of beers in the Auchan stores, for example in:
Torino - C.so Giulio Cesare
Roma - Via Prenestina
THANKS for their infos to the people already mentioned in the reviews and also to: Nazzareno "Naz" Todini, Nicola Granello, Giorgio Sorbara, Ernesto 'The Animal' Grande and Lubiford (Vincenzo Tucciarone);
and also to Daniele, Alessio, Filippo, Michele, Gianluca Lombardi, Ighon, Claudio, Monica. Many of them sent their reviews to the
usenet newsgroup it.hobby.birra.
For the infos I could find in their sites, besides Lubiford and Gianluca Lombardi also Roybeer and Rich Stueven (see my links page). Besides, Enrico Borio of BEBA and
Guido Taraschi of Centrale della Birra who helped me to write this list about their... "competitors" also.
Thanks also to the persons who sent informations but preferred not to have their name
here and to all the people I am surely forgetting about!
Send me your reviews
Help me improve this guide! I need data about:
- Microbreweries and brewpubs
- Pubs and restaurant with very good beer selection (80 beers or more)
- Pubs with a less wide selection, but still 50 beers or more, which are
noteworthy for other reasons (food, service, music etc)
- Pubs having very rare brews or microbrewed beers
- Beer shops with very good beer selection
- Homebrewing shops
Let me have all the info you know (including address etc) using a form you can get by clicking the link below. Use it also for cheers, comments or telling me where do you come link:
[Feedback]
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contact me by email.
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