Last Updated on July 15, 2024
Beer is one of the most popular drinks in the world. In fact, research indicates that it is the most consumed alcoholic beverage and the third most popular drink. The first two are water and tea! Naturally, this popularity has led to the creation of a large number of beers. Every country has its own recipes.
If you are planning to visit Florence then you’ll probably want to know a little more about craft beer in the city. You may also find these recommendations on pubs and bars in Florence useful to help you sample as many of the different varieties as possible.
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Beer options in Florence
Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It was founded as long ago as the 1st Century BC by the Romans, although there are indications of a settlement before this. In short, it has a long history, an array of stunning architecture, and is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. In addition, it is a modern, vibrant city and the perfect place to sample a craft beer or two.
Italian Grape Ale
Perhaps the most famous is the Italian Grape Ale. This beer is highly fermented and uses grape must to create the perfect flavour. It’s originally from Florence, making it one of the most authentic craft beers in the city. You will find it in abundance in the pubs of Florence.
This Ale is really a merging of beer and grape. The grapes, the same ones used to make Tuscan wines, add a delicate flavour. The white grapes add notes of apricot and peach, while the red grapes are closer to cherry. In effect, these are beers with a slight hint of fruit.
Archea craft beer
The Archea brewery isn’t technically in Florence but it has become a popular drink in Florence bars, restaurants, and clubs. There are several options from this beer range, many establishments will offer you a testing rack. You’ll get four small glasses of Archea beer ranging from pale to dark. It is worth trying.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro
This beer is made in Rome and has been brewed since 1963. It has a characteristic citrus flavour and a golden colour that looks inviting in the glass. It is a popular beer throughout Italy, even in Florence, and a must try when in town.
Of course, Peroni offers several delicious craft beers, but this is probably the beer of choice while in Florence or Rome.
Birra Moretti
Birra Moretti is another Italian beer. (Although since 1996 it has been owned by the Dutch company Heineken). It is brewed in the region of Venezia Giulia. It has been brewed since 1859 and has become part of Italian culture. It can be found everywhere in Italy and is another excellent and popular choice in Florence. The taste is surprisingly light, but at the same time rich and traditional.
Menabrea Beer
This beer is produced in Biella, Piedmont and has been manufactured since 1846, illustrating just how delightful and valued most Italian beers are. This beer was produced by the Menabrea family for many years and today is exported to 25 countries across the globe.
The beer has a delightful balance of fruity citrus and flowers with a slight bitterness. It’s light, easy to drink, and great by itself or with a meal. The Menabrea products are very popular in Florence, you won’t need to go far to find one.
Birra Poretti
The Poretti Brewery was founded in 1876 and stayed in the family until 1973 when Carlsberg took a major shareholding.
However, Carlsberg didn’t obtain full ownership until 2002. The brewery offers an impressive collection of beers, many of which are worth tasting! Every bottle tells you the number of hops used. Each beer has its own unique flavour, from light and flowery to dark and mysterious. Fortunately, there are plenty of places in Florence where you can try these beers.
Ichnusa Beer
This is probably one of the most famous of all Italian beers. Of course, it originates in Sardinia. The brewery first opened in 1912 and it’s responsible for several innovations, such as cylindrical fermentation tanks and making them vertical.
This beer is brewed with pure barley malt and has a slightly bitter taste. It also has notes of caramel and a range of exotic aromas: it must be tried to be believed.
Craft Beers
As you can see, many beers are popular in Florence. Indeed, Florence has an extensive collection of unique craft beers made by small breweries in the area. You’ll find a selection in most bars and restaurants. It’s worth sampling them, you never know when you’ll find the one that you can’t live without. It can be helpful to plan a tour of the right bars to help you sample as many different craft beers as possible.
