Menabrea Ambrata amber lager beer, 330 ml

Menabrea is Italy’s oldest continuously operating brewery: they have been crafting beer since 1846 in Biella, in northern Italy, at the foot of the Alps. The historic brewery still operates at its original site today, and one of the defining foundations of Menabrea’s beers is the pure, soft water of the Biellese Alps, which is combined with carefully selected malt and hops. In addition to over a century and a half of tradition, the brewery remains known primarily for its balanced, elegant, and classic-style beers.

Menabrea Ambrata is a bottom-fermented, Märzen-style amber lager with a 5% alcohol content. Its warm amber color is complemented by bronze hues and a persistent, cream-colored foam; its character comes from the blending of lighter and darker malts.

In both aroma and taste, the toasted malt takes center stage, with a slightly sweet, full, and round character. It is fuller-bodied and creamier than a classic pale lager, yet it does not become heavy: the restrained hopping provides moderate bitterness, and a pleasantly dry, clean finish at the end of the sip balances the malt-driven sweetness. Its bitterness is 22 EBU, and its original extract content is 11.8 °Plato.

Due to its maltier character, it pairs particularly well with aged cheeses, roasted and braised meats, and risotto, though Menabrea also recommends it with seafood. It can also be an exciting choice alongside a Mediterranean antipasti or cheese platter, especially with more characterful, longer-aged cheeses.

It is best enjoyed chilled to 6–8 °C, when the toasted malt aromas and the beer’s creamier body are most beautifully expressed.

Ingredients: water, barley malt, corn, hops.

Alcohol content: 5% vol.