The Best Places To Buy Italian Beer

Italian beer is a lot of fun, especially if you're a fan of pale lagers, and it's now possible to buy Italian beer online from several retailers. In the US, Drizly offers home delivery, while BeerHunter also has a wide range of Italian beers available. If you're in the UK, Beers of Europe offers free delivery on orders over £100, and you can also try specialist sites like BeerHunter and GotoLiquorStore. If you're in Italy, you can buy alcohol almost everywhere if you're 18 or older, including in supermarkets, grocery stores, bars, restaurants, and liquor stores.

Online retailers

If you're looking to buy Italian beer online, there are several retailers that can help you out. Many online shops offer a variety of Italian beers, including well-known brands like Peroni and Moretti, as well as craft beers from microbreweries.

One option is BeerHunter, which offers a range of Peroni beers, including the Originale Red Label Premium Italian Lager, the Nastro Azzurro Alcohol-Free Lager, the Gluten-Free Lager, and more. They also have alcohol-free options from Birra Moretti.

Another retailer, Beers of Europe, provides a broader selection of Italian beers, including craft beers from smaller breweries. They offer products from Birrificio Artigianale Napoletano, Birra Oxiana, Birradamare, and Menabrea, among others. Beers of Europe also provides free delivery for orders over £100.

For those interested in craft beers, Convitis might be the perfect choice. They collaborate with microbreweries to offer unique craft beers that are hard to find elsewhere. Their selection includes beers from Italy and other countries, with styles ranging from classic lager to more particular options like Baltic Porter and Fruit Ale.

Beer Hawk is another online retailer that, while not specialising in Italian beers, does offer a selection from Italy. They highlight the Birra del Borgo brewery, which produces globally acclaimed beers while also experimenting with weird and wonderful flavours.

Finally, By Italy offers a premium selection of Italian ales distinguished by their peculiar yeast fermentation and unique taste. They offer the Parma Strong Ale Bronze and the Parma Golden Ale, both made with yeasts from Lambrusco.

Supermarkets/grocery stores

Italian beer is widely available in supermarkets and grocery stores, both in Italy and internationally. In Italy, beer can be purchased at most restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience stores. Popular Italian brands include Peroni and Moretti, which can be found everywhere, including small convenience stores. These larger brands tend to be light and fizzy, and are often available in both cans and bottles. In addition to these, there are also microbrews available at some supermarkets and specialty stores.

Outside of Italy, Italian beer can be purchased online and delivered directly to your door from websites such as Drizly, Beer of Europe, and GotoLiquorStore. These sites offer a range of Italian beers, including craft beers and pale ales, which are growing in popularity in Italy. For those based in the US, Italian beers can also be purchased from Total Wine & More.

When purchasing Italian beer, it is worth noting that prices may vary depending on the brand, quality, location, and type of store. Generally, Italian beer is cheaper when purchased from markets or grocery stores rather than bars or restaurants.

Bars and restaurants

Although Italy is known for its wine, beer is also widely available across the country. If you're looking to sample Italian beer at bars and restaurants, here are some places to consider:

Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fa'

Located in Trastevere, just a short hop from Piazza Trilussa, this lively neighbourhood bar is constantly bustling with a diverse crowd. With 16 taps featuring a rotating selection of artisan Italian ales, it's a popular spot for beer enthusiasts. The bar also often spills out onto the pavement, creating an inviting atmosphere. Its name roughly translates to "What did you come here for?" reflecting the place's playful spirit.

Bir & Fud

Just across the cobbled alleyway from Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fa', Bir & Fud is another top craft beer bar in Rome. While they offer a range of beers on tap, they truly excel when it comes to food. They serve delicious Neapolitan-style pizza, fresh from their pizza oven, which is considered by many to be the best in Rome. It's an ideal spot if you want to pair your beer with some tasty bites.

Open Baladin

Stepping into Open Baladin, you'll be greeted by a bright orange wall adorned with hundreds of illuminated bottles, showcasing their impressive selection of brews. They offer a wide range of modern beers, including NEIPAs, sours, stouts, bitters, and lagers. With over 40 beers on tap and 100 bottles available, there's something for every taste. The venue also boasts an extensive vegan and vegetarian menu, as well as classic bar foods like burgers and sandwiches.

L'Osteria di Birra del Borgo

This unique space, located near the Vatican, is the brainchild of former academic Leonardo Di Vincenzo. It combines his passions for beer, traditional taverns, and local cuisine. Their small on-site brewery, Birra del Borgo, has a 350-litre capacity, and they offer 24 beers on tap. To complement the beer, they serve a pizza menu of sharable teglia. The beers incorporate ingredients and wild yeasts sourced from Di Vincenzo's hometown near Lazio and Abruzzo, adding a local twist to your drinking experience.

Be.Re

Conveniently situated near the Vatican Museums, Be.Re is the creation of Manuele Colonna, a well-respected beer aficionado in Rome. With 20 beers on tap, including a variety of cask options, they offer a mix of Italian and international brews. Be.Re also features an on-site branch of the popular street food chain Trapizzino, making it a great spot for a quick bite and a refreshing beer.

Queen Makeda Grand Pub

Queen Makeda stands out not only for its extensive beer selection but also for its elegant atmosphere. With 40 craft beers on tap and a commitment to showcasing Italy's diverse brewing scene, it offers a range of styles. They always have a couple of their own beers on tap, including Jumping Ale and Red Mermaid Bock. Additionally, they serve sushi, Japanese cuisine, and burgers, making it a unique dining and drinking experience.

When visiting bars and restaurants in Italy, don't forget that you'll need to provide ID if you want to enjoy a cold beer. So, bring your identification and get ready to explore the wonderful world of Italian craft beer!

Liquor stores

If you're looking to buy Italian beer, your local liquor store is a great place to start. Many liquor stores these days offer a wide variety of craft and international beers, and Italian beers are no exception. Here are some tips for finding Italian beers at your local liquor store:

Check the Import Beer Section

Most liquor stores organize their beers into sections, such as domestic, import, and craft. When you enter the store, look for the import beer section, as this is where you'll find the majority of Italian beers. This section typically features beers from a variety of countries, so be sure to look specifically for Italy.

Ask the Staff for Recommendations

If you're unsure where to find the Italian beers or are looking for a particular brand, don't hesitate to ask the staff for assistance. The staff at liquor stores are often knowledgeable about their beer selection and can point you in the right direction. They may even be able to recommend specific Italian beers based on your taste preferences.

Look for Well-Known Italian Brands

Keep an eye out for well-known Italian beer brands. Beers such as Peroni, Moretti, and Nastro Azzurro are widely available at liquor stores across the globe. These beers are popular exports and are likely to be stocked by your local liquor store.

Explore Craft Beer Selections

In addition to the mainstream Italian beers, many liquor stores these days offer a diverse range of craft beers, including Italian varieties. Look for smaller-batch beers from Italian craft breweries, which can offer unique and innovative takes on traditional styles. These beers often have eye-catching labels and distinctive names.

Check for Seasonal Offerings

Italian breweries often release seasonal beers throughout the year, so keep an eye out for limited-edition offerings. For example, during the summer months, you may find Italian wheat beers or refreshing lagers, while the winter might bring Italian-style stouts or holiday-themed beers.

Consider Online Liquor Stores

If you can't find a suitable Italian beer selection at your local liquor store, consider exploring online liquor stores. These stores often offer a wider variety of beers, including Italian options, and can deliver directly to your doorstep. This can be a convenient way to discover new Italian beers without leaving your home.

Vending machines

The ADIVINO vending machine is one option for purchasing bottled wines and beers in Italy. It can be installed in various locations, including wine bars, restaurants, companies, and wineries, and offers remote management and real-time monitoring capabilities. The machine has two temperature-controlled zones to ensure proper storage for different types of beverages, and it can accommodate bottles of various dimensions and sizes, with a maximum capacity of 42 products.

Another option is the "Jena" beer vending machine, which offers flexible payment options, including cash, card, smartphone, and smartwatch. It has a built-in cooling system that can chill beverages to a temperature of 4° Celsius and features adjustable shelf widths to accommodate different can and bottle sizes. The "Jena" machine also includes inventory monitoring capabilities, allowing users to check stocks and sales online.

In addition to these specialised options, there are also more general vending machines in Italy that offer a range of products, including chilled alcoholic drinks such as beer and cider. These machines are often found along main avenues and busy streets, providing a convenient option for purchasing beverages at any time of day or night.

Frequently asked questions