Posted in Beers | No comments

Last Saturday afternoon I attended the presentation of Zona Cesarini, the new beer from Toccalmatto held at Domus Birrae. The event was attended by Bruno Carilli (owner of the brewery) and Alessio “Allo” Gatti (the brewer), who explained their new creation to the present. For the occasion a two line tap has been set up for the Grooving Hop and of course for the new beer. Definitely a beautiful event and what’s more for free.

After this necessary introduction, let’s talk about beer. A purely aesthetic remark: the Zona Cesarini has a really beautiful label, with a typically Toccalmatto illustration, confirming that the company continues to mind the visual appearance of its products as well. Although the name, the image has nothing to do with football: is instead a tribute to Japan, with the classic Rising Sun on the background, on which three military aircraft stand out. The theme of the label is easily explained, since the Zona Cesarini is an India Pale Ale brewed with a particular Japanese hops, the Sorachi Ace. The brewer calls it a “Pacific IPA” to tell the truth, to emphasize the presence of another unusual hops: the New Zealand Pacific Gem.

The two varieties are used in a mixture which includes other hops. The result is a very peculiar range of aromas and flavours, with hints of tropical fruit that blends with a very spicy, almost peppery touch. The taste is fresh and refreshing, with a long finish. A new interpretation of style by Toccalmatto, which again does not hide his preference for generously hopped beers. Oh, almost forgot the reason for that name! The hopping takes place right before fermentation, then in the zona Cesarini, precisely. The Italian expression “zona Cesarini” (Cesarini zone) was originated as a reference to football player Renato Cesarini, who often scored decisive goals during the last minutes of the match.

This is not the only news from Toccalmatto. Another brand new beer will be soon available. The Stria, a Kolsch brewed with German hops, which is currently available only in some Italian pubs (such as bir&fud in Rome and Pazzeria in Milan). Furthermore, the two guests brought two bottles of two oak aged beers: the Italian Strong Ale (matured in grappa barrels) and the Russian Imperial Stout (aged in Sagrantino di Montefalco barrels). I had the opportunity to try the first at the last Pianeta Birra and I must say that it acquired an unpredictable smoothness. I liked it in Rimini but now is even better. I think the other is still too young, being bottled in January, with booze and wood notes that need time to blend and soften.

Another two interesting reports on new Italian beers. The first is from Bad Attitude, which will host the opening ceremony of the Birrificio Ticinese in June. Among the events planned there will be a home brewer meeting (Sunday, June 20), which will outline the features of the fourth Bad Attitude beer, the 101ers. The character of the new creation will be drawn based on tips from fans. Every home brewer should brew his own version. In a subsequent meeting, the staff of Bad Attitude will choose the best recipe that will become the definitive 101ers. The winner will brew the first batch at the brewery. In short, a fun and engaging Bad Attitude style trick.

I conclude my post today with a quick update on the Birrificio Sorrento. In mid-May the company has begun production of its second beer. It is called Minerva and is produced by eight different malts (especially Vienna), four hops, and a “surprise”, which probably involve the use of any particular ingredient. The beer should be available very soon.