It's been 24 years since I was last in Italy, and I really don't remember any beer experiences. Does Italy have a national beer like the U.S.? (I mean national brands like Coors or Bud) I know wine will be plentiful and possibly cheap, but is it going to cause an international incident to ask for a brewski? And I know some may think this heretical, but I have actually grown to like some non-alcoholic beers in the U.S.
They cut down alcohol calories and ease intoxication issues. I think I have had a NA brew from Europe, but I think it was Dutch. Maybe there's some aficionado who can fill me in.
Posted by
Collierville, Tennessee, USA
520 posts
We like Peroni which is also available in the states.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
117 posts
My understanding is that beer drinking has not been very common, but is becoming more and more popular, especially with the younger crowd. I don't think you'll raise any eyebrows by ordering a beer. There are actually several "national" breweries in Italy, runing the gamult from "Wow" to "I should've ordered wine". Personally, I've had a few different brews by Moretti (which you can easily get here in the States), and it's, well, not bad. Not great, but drinkable. I've also had a few from some the smaller labels and they were pretty good (sorry, can't remember their names). This site runs down the basics: www.romefile.com/foodanddrink/italian-beer.php Cheers!
Posted by
point pleasant beach, nj, usa
646 posts
If you like it on tap - ask for birra alla spina - piccolo or grande. Don't think you'll cause an international incident by asking for a beer, but maybe a non-alcoholic one......
Posted by
OP
Vestavia Hills, AL, 35216
109 posts
Thanks for the input. That web site had a reference to Moretti Zero, a non-alcoholic brew. Now if I can just learn to pronounce it ZEHro instead of ZEErow!
Posted by
Wiesbaden, Germany
791 posts
Beer is very common here. In the northern half of Italy most places have German beer on tap. I'm not a big Peroni fan, I think it's horrible but the Moretti isn't too bad. My favorite Italian beer is called Forst and is made up in the Dolomites. In the tourist areas you'll find places selling common swill such as Becks and Heinekin everywhere.
Posted by
Catadupa Alamere, CA
515 posts
Baladin beer hands down In Rome http://blogs.forbes.com/booze/2010/07/06/bar-open-baladin-rome/ The home office (burbs near Turin)
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/1675 We have it here in Cal. It it not cheap, but well worth it If you want off the rack, my go to is Nastro Azzuro ("blue ribbon"), by Peroni if you enjoy a lager. Not Sam Adams, but way better than Coors
Posted by
Anna Texas, USA
145 posts
When we were there a couple of years ago I drank a lot of beer. It is very common. The hard part is finding ice if you need it to cool it down. I think Peroni is a pretty good, but you can get just about anything you like. If you watch some of the tourist shows where people are dining in Italy, you will always see people drinking beer. If you can get Peroni on tap it is better. I sometimes have a glass of wine and a beer at the same time. Why? Because I like to. You will do fine.
Thanks - Bill
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8171 posts
If you are into Microbrews, do some searching. They are rare, but there are a few in Italy.
Posted by
Cesena, Italy
791 posts
Italians are'nt really known for beer. My Italian friends who do drink beer usually prefer Dutch, German or French beer. But the Italian brews are'nt too bad really. They certainly beat out Bud/Coors/Miller etc etc. I find it hard to suck down a Coors now.
Posted by
Saint Helens, OR, USA
304 posts
Italy is amazing. They do so many things right. The food! The wine! But the birra? Italian beers are mediocre at best! There's only one style or type of beer. Nastro Azzurro Moretti, Peroni and the one or two other brands basically all taste the same. HOWEVER...After a morning of hiking in the hot sun, one of those cosi i cosi birre go down pretty darn easy with a pizza.