Piccolo Birrifico - Sesonette

Purchased From: Harvest Fine Wines & Spirits
Serving Type: 11.2 oz. bottle, poured into a tulip glass

Sesonette is an Italian take on the classic Belgian Saison style. It pours a light orangey amber, significantly darker than I expected for the style. A fine yeast suspension accents the hue of the beer and a few larger, darker specks of yeast float gently through the brew. The white foam head is made of fine carbonation, the small size was also unexpected, especially for a pour in a tulip glass. The aroma carries a honey sweetness with the added character of a light sun tea. The spiciness on the nose is a definite nod to the Belgian roots of the beer. A minor boozy hint rounds of the nose.

The beer is very interesting and a unique and inventive take on the style. While the makings of a Saison are present, this Italian version is more a reinterpretation of what a Saison can be than it is a Saison that happens to be made in Italy. The advertised juniper berries are a defining flavor in the beer. They add both sweetness and a singular herbal edge to the beer. The carbonation is very mild, but the beer is never watery. It remains refreshing throughout. A sweet waxy honey comb element adds some depth and character to the beer, which finishes with a minor crispness and a lasting sweetness coupled with mild spice.

Final Verdict: A-

Birrifico le Baladin - Super Baladin Ale

Purchased From: Harvest Fine Wines & Spirits
Serving Type: 8.45 oz. bottle, poured into a tulip glass

This interesting Italian take on a Belgian strong ale comes in an uniquely-shaped and disappointingly-small 8.45 oz. bottle. The beer pours a fuzzy amber cider with a fine yeast suspension and gently rising carbonation. The head is a fluffy light tan made of fine carbonation bubbles. The retention is solid for the original size, but leaves very little lacing behind. The nose is slightly spicy with a huge white grape juice component. Light candied fruit notes show the beer's significant Belgian influences.

The beer is lightly earthy with a gritty grain texture. It's very sweet up front with apricots and dried fruit essence. The beer is fairly complex and spicy with just a hint of alcohol. The finish is slightly thin, but it delivers a lasting bouquet of mild citrus notes and a considerable winey character. Expensive for sure, but worth a try for this rare import.

Final Verdict: B+

Birra Moretti - La Rossa

Purchased From: Harvest Fine Wines & Spirits
Serving Type: 11.2 oz. bottle, poured into a Pokal glass

Coming from the makers of a middling Euro Pale Lager is a very solid doppelbock. While I find Birra Moretti's lager to be better than Peroni's, I don't come close to loving it. Their doppelbock, La Rossa, on the other hand, it quite good. It pours a clear medium brown body with a mahogany glow. The pale tan head is light and springy with excellent retention.

The nose carries mild toasted malts and is a bit nutty. There's a bit of cellar-like dustiness and a slight astringency. The mouthfeel is creamy despite the airy foam head. The beer is sweet with prominent toasted malts and minor dark fruits near the finish. The flavor is quite pleasing, but a bit thin. It reminds me a bit of Guinness, in that way. The beer wraps up with a lasting dryness and some hints of sweet candy-like cherries.

Final Verdict: B

Peroni Nastro Azzurro

Peroni Nastro Azzurro

Purchased From: Harvest Fine Wines & Spirits

Serving Type: 12 oz. green glass bottle, poured into a pilsner glass

Peroni is perhaps the most well-known Italian beer and it has been making large gains in the American market since the brewer was acquired by SABMiller. 

The light-medium straw body pours with a medium sized white head made of frothy foam. The retention is alright, but there’s no lacing from Peroni. The malts and noble hops produce a pungent nose with a bit of dryness.

The front is very grainy with crisp carbonation and some mild bittering. The noble hops are definitely for aromatics, rather than bittering (similar to Moretti). Unfortunately, the flavor here seems to hit a brick wall. It disappears about halfway though a sip and you’re left with nothing.

Final Verdict: C+

Note on pricing: This beer is a bit expensive in the United States. Not unexpectedly its priced similarly to other ‘premium import lagers,’ which are often (in my opinion) overpriced for their overall quality. And finally, an anecdote, I once unwittingly paid $14 for a 12 oz. bottle of Peroni at a bar in Bermuda. Unreal. 

Birra Moretti

Birra Moretti

Purchased From: Harvest Fine Wines & Spirits

Serving Type: 11.2 oz. bottle, poured into a pilsner glass

Moretti is one of two Italian beers that I’m familiar with, and I think its the better of the two. Neither are fantastic, and both are typical examples of European Pale Lagers. The style was originally formulated in response to the high popularity of the Munich Helles lager style, which, of course, was a Bavarian take on the original Czech Pilsners.

Moretti, now owned by Heineken, pours with a muted but full straw body and minimal head. The foam faded away quickly, but left a few lace specks on the glass. The beer has a fresh pilsner-like smell with noticeable noble hops aroma.

The bold malty sweetness is very apparent in the flavor. It’s met by a nearly biting carbonation that makes the beer crisp and refreshing. There are hints of dandelion bitterness, but the noble hops are more for aroma than bittering. This beer is very enjoyable and worthwhile, but far from amazing.

Final Verdict: B-