In the heart of Italy’s rich brewing culture, the Italian Beer Awards 2024 stand as a testament to the nation’s vibrant and evolving craft beer scene. As a beer and food journalist, I am thrilled to bring you an insider’s look into this prestigious event that showcases the pinnacle of Italian brewing mastery.
The year 2023 was a challenging period: statistical indicators experienced a significant decline after years of growth, and intrinsic difficulties compounded the challenges commonly faced by all productive sectors.
The event overview by Andrea Turco – Cronache di Birra
“If we talk about evaluations, we can start with the one outlined by the fair’s organization. According to the press release circulating since a few days ago, the 2024 edition has been a “record-breaking” one for Beer&Food Attraction, with a +20% increase in professional visits compared to the previous year. It’s essential to specify that these numbers don’t solely pertain to the beer-related aspects of the event; instead, it encompasses various fields, ranging from mixology to food, beverages, and technologies. However, the impression of a higher turnout compared to twelve months ago was evident and, at least in initial analyses, served to inject a bit of positivity into the environment. Going beyond a superficial interpretation, though, there is a sense that many of the additional visits might not have been strictly linked to the world of industry professionals; in other words, the data perhaps got a boost from attendees not precisely in the target demographic. Nevertheless, on the whole, the assessment can be considered positive. Those who expected a subdued edition had to reconsider, fortunately, we might add.”
The Italian Beer Awards, hosted by Birra dell’Annohttps://www.birradellanno.it/it/bda2024/ , have become synonymous with excellence, spotlighting the most exceptional beers across diverse categories. This year’s competition, with its finger on the pulse of the ever-growing craft beer movement, saw an impressive array of entries, each vying for the coveted title of the best in its class.
THE NUMBERS
- 2153 Italian beers registered
- 255 breweries
- 45 categories
Best Italian craft brewery 2024
The official website reveals fascinating insights and intriguing statistics about the event. With a record-breaking number of submissions, the competition has grown exponentially, underscoring the dynamic nature of Italy’s beer renaissance. The meticulous judging process, conducted by industry experts and seasoned tasters, ensures that only the finest brews are bestowed with the prestigious title of “Birrificio dell’Anno” (Brewery of the Year), prize won by Ritual Lab.
For the brewery in Formello, Rome, it’s a hat-trick, following victories in the 2020 and 2022 editions. After all, Giovanni Faenza, head brewer, has been recognized as one of the most talented brewmaster not only in our country, but all-over the world. Since its establishment in 2014, Ritual Lab has taken the stage, first with clean and crispy Lagers, then with a precise and never over-the-top interpretation of classic hoppy beers inspired by the Anglo-Saxon tradition. Click here to read some beer tasting of Ritual Lab craft beers.
As we delve into the winners across categories such as Pilsners, Ales, and Specialty Beers, we’ll explore the nuances of each brew, celebrating the art, innovation, and passion that define the Italian brewing landscape. Join me on this flavourful journey through the best beers of 2024, as we raise a glass to the artistry that continues to elevate Italy’s standing in the global craft beer community.
Best Italian Craft Beers 2024
Italian Beer of the Year 2024 Awards – the list and categories
Category 1. Light Beers, Bottom Fermentation, Low Alcohol Content, German and Czech Inspiration
1. KRIS PILS – MEZZOPASSO
2. SVEVA BREWERY – GRADO PLATO
3. PILS – BIRRIFICIO CLANDESTINO
Mention of Honor: Craft Brewery Leder Geneva
Category 2. Light Beers, Bottom Fermentation, Low Alcohol Content, Characterized by Clear of Aroma and Bitterness Hops, German Inspiration
1. LAGRIGNA – BIRRIFICIO LARIANO
2. SELVA – BIRRA BAJON
3. TESTA DI MALTO – BIRRIFICIO LEGNONE
Category 3. Light Beers, Bottom Fermentation, Low Alcohol Content, European Inspiration
1. PLINK – FUNKY DROP
2. KELLERPILS – RURAL LAB
3. RUSTHELL – OPPERBACCO
Mention of Honor: Jungle Juice Brewing – Hausbier
Category 4. Light and Amber Beers, Bottom Fermentation, Low to High Alcohol Content, Characterized by Clear Presence of Aroma and Bitterness Hops, American Inspiration
1. BREWER’S COLLECTION COLD IPA – BIRRIFICIO RURALE
2. NEW ZEALAND AFTER SAUNA – CRAK BREWERY
3. AROMATHERAPY AFTER SAUNA – CRAK BREWERY
Category 5. Light and Amber Beers, Top Fermentation, Low Alcohol Content, Anglo-Saxon Inspiration
1. HARABAN – FOGLIE D’ERBA
2. GOLDEN JAZZ – FABBRICA DELLA BIRRA PERUGIA
3. AMBRATA – LA CURTENSE
Category 6. Light and Amber Beers, Hybrid Fermentation, Low Alcohol Content, German or American Inspiration
1. SPITZE – ACME BREWERY
2. MAHLZEIT – MC77
Category 7. Amber Beers, Bottom Fermentation, Low Alcohol Content, German Inspiration
1. GUSTAV – NOIZ
2. LUCKY SHOES – CITTAVECCHIA
3. AMBER AFTER SAUNA – CRAK BREWERY
Category 8. Dark Beers, Bottom Fermentation, Low Alcohol Content, German Inspiration
1. MUNICH B.E. – BIRRIFICIO ESTENSE
2. SCUBI – BIRRONE
3. LA TENEBROSA – BIRRIFICIO LEUMANN
Mentions of Honor: Birra Elvo – Schwarz ////Birrificio Humus – Humus Dunkel
Category 9. Light, Amber, and Dark Beers, Bottom Fermentation, High Alcohol Content, German Inspiration
1. ZI CARMÈ – BIRRA LOW PROFILE
2. DOPPELBOCK – BIRRA MASTINO
3. SABBA – BIRRIFICIO HUMUS
Category 10. Amber Beers, Top Fermentation, Low and Medium Alcohol Content, British Inspiration
1. BORGNA – BIRRIFICIO ARTIGIANALE FILODILANA
2. PORTA DEL MONTE – BIRRIFICIO BIRRIFICIOFORTEBRACCIO
3. EL BATOLON – RAMPEÈR BIRRIFICIO OSTERIA
Category 11. Light and Amber Beers, Top Fermentation, Low/Medium Alcohol Content, Hoppy, Anglo-Saxon Inspiration
1. RABELOTT – BIRRIFICIO BALABIÒTT
2. PALE ALE – RIVERSA
3. HOP HOP – BEER IN
Category 12. Light, Amber, and Dark Beers, Top Fermentation, Low Alcohol Content, Hoppy, Anglo-American Inspiration
1. BEST PEP – BIRRIFICIO HUMUS
2. PERUJAH – FABBRICA DELLA BIRRA PERUGIA
3. BE ADORABLE – MISTER B BREWERY
Category 13. Light and Amber Beers,Top Fermentation, Low Alcohol Content, Hoppy, American Inspiration
1. AMERICAN – BIRRIFICIO CUOREMALTO
2. MDM-APA – BIRRIFICIO BABYLON
3. MIRABILIA – BIRRIFICIO DEI CASTELLI
Category 14. Light and Amber Beers, Top Fermentation, Medium Alcohol Content, Hoppy, American Inspiration
1. IN THE FLESH – ANTIKORPO BREWING
2. UNITED – 50&50
3. ASTRA – BIRRIFICIO ALTO TEVERE
Category 15. Light and Amber Beers, Top Fermentation, High Alcohol Content, Hoppy, Anglo-American Inspiration
1. TUPAMAROS – RITUAL LAB
2. GIANT STEP VERDE – CRAK BREWERY
3. KYRA – BIRRA DELL’EREMO
Category 16. Light Beers, Top Fermentation, Low and Medium Alcohol Content, with Use of Wheat and Other Cereals, Hoppy, Anglo-American Inspiration
1. PEA – BIRRIFICIO BARBAFORTE
2. AMERICAN BIANCHINA – BIRRA 100VENTI
3. EXTREMA RATIO WHITE – BIRRIFICIO DEI CASTELLI
Category 17. Amber and Dark Beers, Top Fermentation, Low to High Alcohol Content, Hoppy, Anglo-American Inspiration
1. SERA NERA – EASTSIDE BREWING
2. JUNGLE FEVER – JUNGLE JUICE BREWING
3. DJANGO SGUINZAGLIATO – BIRRIFICIO WHITE DOG
Mention of Honor: Fabbrica della Birra Perugia – Cosmo Rosso
Category 18. Light, Amber, and Dark Beers, Top Fermentation, Low to High Alcohol Content, Hoppy, Anglo-American Inspiration
1. RITUALS VILLE VOL.19 – RITUAL LAB
2. LA ROCCA – BIRRIFICIO MANERBA
3. TULIO – BIRRIFICIO MUKKELLER
Category 19. Light and Amber Beers, Top Fermentation, Massively Hoppy in Aroma, American Inspiration
1. TUKA – BIRRA DELL’EREMO
2. TARAB – MUDITA BREWERY
3. SORRY PIER – PICCOLO BIRRIFICIO CLANDESTINO
Category 20. Light and Amber Beers, Top Fermentation, High Alcohol Content, Anglo-American Inspiration
1. KAMASUTRA – BIRRIFICIO CALIBRO22
2. BAD SCOTT – FUNKY DROP
3. WINTERNEST – LUCKY BREWS
Mention of Honor: Mezzopasso – Millican Extra
Category 21. Dark Beers, Top Fermentation, Low Alcohol Content, Anglo-Saxon Inspiration
1. PONTE DI FERRO – TURRIS BEER
2. BLACKOUT – BIRRIFICIO RURAL
3. BLACK BELT – RITUAL LAB
Category 22. Dark Beers, Top Fermentation, Low Alcohol Content, American Inspiration
1. CORVA NERA – BIRRIFICIO MUKKELLER
2. TIME IS THE ENEMY – LIQUIDA
3. NOIR – BIRRIFICIO ALTOTEVERE
Category 23. Dark Beers, Top Fermentation, High Alcohol Content, Anglo-American Inspiration
1. BABBO NATALE È MORTO – BIRRIFICIO CALIBRO22
2. ERNESTA LUIGIA – LUCKY BREWS
3. FEED YOUR MONSTERS – JUNGLE JUICE BREWING
Category 24. Dark Beers, Top Fermentation, High Alcohol Content, Anglo-American Inspiration
1. CANTINA MANSUETO 2017 – CRAK BREWERY
2. XYAUYÙ BARREL – BALADIN
3. XYAUYÙ ORO – BALADIN
Category 25. Light, Amber, and Dark Beers, Top Fermentation with Weizen Yeast, Low to High Alcohol Content, with Use of Malted Wheat, German Inspiration
1. WEIZEN – BIRRIFICIO MANERBA
2. VIENI & WEISS – BIRRA 100VENTI
3. WEISSER BOCK – BATZEN
Category 26. Light Beers, Top Fermentation, Low Alcohol Content, with Use of Unmalted Wheat, Belgian Inspiration
1. SAN LORENZO – MC77
2. REBE – MOSTODOLCE
3. WAHINE – ANTIKORPO BREWING
Category 27. Light Beers, Top Fermentation, Low Alcohol Content, Belgian Inspiration
2. ZONA MUGNETTI – BIRRIFICIO MUKKELLER
3. ECLIPSE – BIRRIFICIO ALVERIA
Category 28. Light and Amber Beers, Top Fermentation, Low to High Alcohol Content, Belgian Inspiration
1. SAISON – RITUAL LAB
2. LESTER KESTLER – MILVUS
3. GARE DE ROUBAIX – BIRRIFICIO MEZZAVIA
Category 29. Light Beers, Top Fermentation, High Alcohol Content, Belgian Inspiration
1. DOLLY – BIRRIFICIO ARTIGIANALE FILODILANA
2. TRIPEL – BIRRIFICIO CLATERNA
3. EFFIMERA – 50&50
Mention of Honor: Mukkeller Brewery – Gusta
Category 30. Dark Beers, Top Fermentation, High Alcohol Content, Belgian Inspiration
1. VEDO DOPPIO – BIBIBIR
2. MUKKAMANNARA – BIRRIFICIO MUKKELLER
3. GRANATA – BIRRIFICIO DICIOTTOZEROUNO
Category 31. Light, Amber, and Dark Beers, Top or BottomFermentation, Low to High Alcohol Content, with Spices
1. D’ORO ROSSO ANBRA – ANONIMA BRASSERIA AQUILANA
2. MALVAROSA – BIRRIFICIO TARÌ
3. GINA – BIRRIFICIO ARTIGIANALE FILODILANA
Category 32. Light, Amber, and Dark Beers, Top or BottomFermentation, Low to High Alcohol Content, with Coffee and/or Cocoa
1. EFFETTO NOTTE – BIRRA DELL’EREMO
2. SPAGHETTI WESTERN – BREWFIST
3. SANTA LUCIA – MISMA BREWERY
Category 33. Light, Amber, and Dark Beers, Top or BottomFermentation, Low to High Alcohol Content, with Special Cereals
1. MAYO – BIRRIFICIO 61CENTO
2. RIENZBRÄU, SCHWARZER EMMER – ARMIN GATTERER
3. MEHR WEIZEN – GUGGENBRÄU
Category 34. Light, Amber, and Dark Beers, Top or BottomFermentation, Low to High Alcohol Content, Smoked and Peated
1. ALBA – SERRA STORTA
2. KAMALEON RAUCHBIER – THE WALL ITALIAN CRAFT BEER
3. THE BAD / SENTENZA – BREWFIST
Mention of Honor: Birrificio Rurale – Smoked Porter
Category 35. Light, Amber, and Dark Beers, Top or BottomFermentation, Low to High Alcohol Content, Aged in Wood
1. PAPANERO – BOURBON BA RITUAL LAB
2. LAMBERWINE – BIRRIFICIO MENARESTA
3. D’ANNATA – BIRRIFICIO MENARESTA
Mention of Honor: Il Mastio – Real IGA Barrel
Category 36. Light, Amber, and Dark Beers, Top or BottomFermentation, Low to High Alcohol Content, with Fruit
1. RUBUSLURM – LA DIANA
2. LEI NON SA CHI SONO IO! – BIRRIFICIO CALIBRO22
3. MANGO IPA – BIRRA PUDDU
Category 37. Light, Amber, and Dark Beers, Top or BottomFermentation, Low to High Alcohol Content, with Chestnuts
1. DU MARÒN – BIRRIFICIO CLATERNA
2. BASTARDA ROSSA – BIRRA AMIATA
3. CHESTNUT COPPERPOT – BIRRIFICIO DEL VULTURE
Mentions of Honor: Oldo Corte della Birra – Casta e Pura, Mister B Brewery – Biassanot
Category 38. Light, Amber, and Dark Beers, Top or BottomFermentation, Low to High Alcohol Content, with Honey
1. MIELIKA – BALADIN
2. CLAUS – BIRRA ELVO
3. MARTELLINA – MOSTODOLCE
Category 39. Light, Amber, and Dark Beers, Top Fermentation, Mixed Fermentation, Spontaneous, Brettanomyces, Low to High Alcohol Content, Characterized by Acidic Notes, with Fruit
1. LBR SOUR FRUIT – BIRRIFICIO LAMBRATE
2. ZERO A SETTE – BIRRIFICIO REVERTIS
3. MASTRO CILIEGIA – PICCOLO BIRRIFICIOCLANDESTINO
Category 40. Light, Amber, and Dark Beers, Top Fermentation, Mixed Fermentation, Spontaneous, Brettanomyces, Low to High Alcohol Content, Characterized by Acidic Notes, without Fruit
1. OH MAMMASOURA! – BIRRAFON
2. S.EXP III – METEMPSICOSI – KAMUN BIRRIFICIO ARTIGIANALE
3. URBAN 21 – HOFBRAUEREI HUBENBAUER
Mention of Honor: Birrificio Italiano – Wildekind
Category 41. Light, Amber, and Dark Beers, Top Fermentation, Low Alcohol Content, Salted and/or Lactic, German Inspiration
1. GOSE – RITUAL LAB
2. LOST PARADISE – BIRRIFICIO ARTIGIANALE BONDAI
3. FUNKY GOSE – BIRRIFICIO COLLEROSSO
Category 42. Light, Amber, and Dark Beers, Top or BottomFermentation, Low to High Alcohol Content, with Grapes, Must, Grape Marc, Cooked White Grapes
1. IGA CON UVE BIANCHE – BIRRIFICIO ARTIGIANALEALBA
2. IGA – LA CURTENSE
3. SCIATÒ MARGOT – BIRRIFICIO UN TERZO
Mention: Birra dell’Eremo – Selva (here the beertasting of the prev)
But… What is an IGA/ Grape Ale/ Italian Grape Ale?
Read the article
Category 43. Light, Amber, and Dark Beers, Top or BottomFermentation, Low to High Alcohol Content, with Grapes, Must, Grape Marc, Cooked Red Grapes
2. SCIATÒ ROUGE – BIRRIFICIO UN TERZO
3. INTRIGATA – BIRRIFICIO BARBAFORTE
Mention of Honor: Dulac – La Murusa
1. IGA CON UVE ROSSE – BIRRIFICIO ARTIGIANALE ALBA
Category 44. Light, Amber, and Dark Beers, Top or BottomFermentation, Low to High Alcohol Content, with Grapes, Must, Grape Marc, Cooked Red or White Grapes, Characterized by Acidic Notes
1. SELVA SOUR – BIRRA DELL’ERMO
2. JULITTA – BATZEN
3. NATURE VIVA 2021 – BIRRIFICIO OPPERBACCO
Mention of Honor: CRAK Brewery – Cantina Keno 2019
Category 45. Light, Amber, and Dark Beers, Top or BottomFermentation, Low to High Alcohol Content, Free and Non-Classifiable Inspiration ( (Extraordinary Ale / Extraordinary Lager)
1. BIRRA SANTA – BIRRIFICIO DEL FORTE ///// CANTINA GIOTTO – CRAK BREWERY
2. TEMPURA CRUNCH – REBEL’S
3. MUNDAKA ZERO – CRAK BREWERY
