Italian craft beer coming to a bar near you soon!
We were invited along to the first of a series of national launches for award-winning Italian brewer Menabrea in the UK. This is the latest partnership between C&C Group and a brewer (the other being Heverlee). The beer has been brewed in the town of Biella in the Piedmont region of Italy (not too far from Milan) since 1846 and is well-known throughout Italy. We came across Menabrea before in Zizzi’s and liked its light, easy-going, soft taste. So we were eager to try the amber beer too.
On offer will be Menabrea Bionda, a 4.8% ABV pale & slightly floral lager available on draught and in 330ml bottles, as well as Menabrea Ambrata, an amber beer at 5.0% ABV available in 330ml bottles, which was brewed to celebrate Menabrea’s 150th anniversary. Venues such as Massimo Italian restaurant has it on draught now and it will be available from outlets such as Epicures, Coias etc.
We met with Managing Director Franco Thedy, who himself represents the 5th generation of the Menabrea family. Franco is now determined to expand the profile and success of his brand around the world, building on 160 years of rich heritage in traditional brewing techniques and multi-award winning beers.
A brand new UK website, www.menabrea.co.uk, is now available as well as social media such as Instagram and Twitter.
There is even Menabrea cheese called “Sbirro” which is made using local cheese from Biella with their amber beer which is then covered in spent grain! It was delicious!
We liked both of the beers, they were light and refreshing and not heavy on the palate. Be on the look out for them, they’re perfect with Italian food – it’s as if they designed it that way!
