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The last weekend Artebirra, an Italian historical beer event, was held in Pasturana (AL). As usual, linked to the festival the Miss Pasturana contest was called, which aims to reward the most deserving among the many tap beers available. Yesterday the official blog of Artebirra published the results of the competition, sanctioning the triumph of a newcomer brewery: Loverbeer.

Based on the votes of the jurors, the queen of Artebirra is the Madamin, an amber ale fermented and matured in oak barrels, according to an ancient Belgian recipe. It’s therefore a very peculiar beer, in line with the philosophy of Valter Loverier, founder and brewer. As written some months ago, Valter has just started his adventure, being nevertheless an old acquaintance of the brewing circle as a very talented homebrewer. We must say that before Artebirra 2010, those who had had the chance to taste Madamin were all been charmed by its elegance: this result confirms its superior quality.

But Walter did not stop here, scoring a double-shot. The silver medal goes in fact to another of his creature: the Papessa, a complex and alcoholic Imperial Stout, almost comparable to a Barley Wine. Whereas each brewer had two beers on draft, Loverbeer scored the best possible result. A deserved acknowledgement for Walter’s abilities. We suppose that his beers will begin to win prizes abroad as well: definitely not a mission impossible.

Personally I am very happy also for the third ranked beer, the Ipè from San Paolo brewery. I learned about the Turin brewer only recently, since when its products are available in Rome. I was impressed by the first taste I had: some good beer, clean, consistent to styles. The Ipè is a classic American Pale Ale, brewed with the inevitable use of American hops.

For the record, this is the list of jurors at Artebirra, who performed the difficult task of assessing these beers: Riccardo Franzosi (Montegioco brewery), Saviero Meroni (MOBI taster), Teo Musso (Baladin brewery), Andrea Paini (Toccalmatto former brewer), Marco Piraccini (MOBI Vice-Chair), Mauro Queirolo (homebrewer), Francesco Reale (AIS sommelier), Stefano Ricci (Unionbirrai taster).