This appears to be the same mob that was behind the 'La Biretta Chiara', which ended up a very decent Italian lager. In an equally fancy bottle with minimalist design, most likely the work of a man named Sven, I am as bewildered as you about what exactly lies inside the near black bottle.
The beer pours a stunning deep amber colour, and appears astonishingly cloudy for what is a European export lager. A huge amount of foam bellows from the surface, leaving a head quite near the size of Christina Ricci's. I had to actually stop pouring, and wait for it fade somewhat before resuming. This is a very impressive looking beer for what advertises itself as 'golden coloured' and 'inspired by the German Marzen'.
The flavour is dominated by malts, which is a trait I've noticed across a few Italian lagers. There is also a smooth nuttiness through it and a long bitter finish. It's really a poor man's Amber Ale... which given that it's an Amber Lager is pretty much a true to fact statement. That being said, what a great lager it is when comparing it with the rest of the Euro crowd. In terms of quality it sits alongside the lighter sibling, this is more of a versatile beer that would probably go well with food, whereas the LBC was hugely refreshing. That was summer, this is winter.
6.5/10
glad you enjoyed the 'na Biretta beers, you should keep an eye out for the Rossa & Nera.
ReplyDeleteThere is also an organic lager made with unmalted spelt & the limited release vintage shockwood will be arriving soon.