A fortuitous encounter with Amiata’s brewer at a lambic café in Eizeringen sped us to Tuscany and led us to import our first Italian artisanal beers. The Cerullo brothers are producing exceptionally balanced Belgian-influenced beers with a rare Tuscan delicacy of spicing that puts focus on local and indigenous ingredients – from Amiata heirloom chestnuts, to Marruca honey and Maremma saffron and even local crocus!
Over the course of we will introducing them to our American audience. First up, their Contessa – ranked as one of only fifty-five 5 ***** star beers of 1200 reviewed in the Slow Food Guide to Italian Beers. We say this Chinook, Cascade and Amarillo hopped beer is a stupendous IPA – Italian Pale Ale.
Here is what The 2011 Slow Food Guida Alle Birra D’Italia writes about Contessa:
Brewery Info
“Golden and clear in appearance, (Contessa) exhibits a nose of citrus hops and honey malt. In the mouth, it is very soft, with great body and structure, while the final hop is quite pronounced, gradual and harmonious.This beer is complex, long, very balanced, with a pleasant citrus finish. ***** Five Star (highest rating)
We have come to the point in our importing & brewing careers that no matter where we find them, when we come across beers brewed with supreme dedication, originality and heart we dub them “honorary Belgian beers”. Such is the case with the beautiful bottle-conditioned ales that Claudio and Gennaro Cerullo are making in the poetic setting of the Monte Amiata amidst chestnut forests and vineyards at their adorable Amiata Brewery in Archidosso. We can’t wait for you to try these beers.
