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Here we are in high summer. Probably many of you have passed one of the last few days organizing or participating in the inevitable summer BBQ, where a considerable problem is finding the right beer to match pork chops, sausages and vegetables. Fortunately, a few weeks ago appeared an interesting post on the site Beeriety, from which I drew inspiration for today’s article: they talk about 5 BBQ suitable beer styles, today I want to introduce 5 Italian beers suited for a BBQ with friends .

In some cases following the advice of that “source”, in others focusing on different styles. Obviously I’m curious to know what you all think about it, perhaps basing on previous experiences. Let’s start…

1. Rodersch (Bi-Du brewery): in the heat of these days a “simple” pale may be the most valuable lifeline for an enthusiast. Therefore I can’t but crave for a Rodersch, which I have chosen as my personal “beer of the summer” 2010. Its light body and an overall elegance is probably little suited to the strong flavours of a barbecue, but you can’t give up drink this beer in this heat. To keep within reach all day long.
2. Friska (Barley Brewery): How not to mention wheat beers, maybe the ultimate summer style? The Friska is one of the warhorses of the talented brewer Nicola Perra, who brews his personal interpretation of a Belgian Blanche. As expected it is a generously spiced refreshing beer. Unlike the traditional Blanche, is characterized by a more structured body, which probably makes it more appropriate to support barbecued beef and pork.
3. Zahre Beer Affumicata (Sauris brewery): Rauchbier represent perhaps the most appropriate style for a barbecue, since their smoky taste perfectly match grilled meat. The most famed is Schlenkerla, brewed in Bamberg, while picking an Italian example is not that easy. There are several brews that are marked out by a smoky note (Lambrate Ghisa, Toccalmatto Fumè du Sanglier, etc…), yet they’re not traditional Rauch. So if I have to pick up a name, I have to dig into my memories recalling a very good Zahre Beer Affumicata brewed by the Friulian Sauris Brewery.
4. Bibock (Birrificio Italiano): still a beer that draws inspiration from Germany, where - coincidentally – national cuisine is characterized by the abuse of flavorful meat. This historic beer brewed by one of the major Italian brewers is well suited to the occasion, thanks to its full body and a dry and quite bitter end. The alcohol content is quite strong (6.2% ABV), but not enough to render it difficult to drink on hot summer days.
5. 4punto7 (Opperbacco brewery): let’s conclude with another summer style. Even if it should not be the best combination for a barbecue, Golden Ale is an invaluable relief in this heat. This style is increasingly brewed in Italy, so that we could recall dozens. No doubt one of my favorite is the 4punto7 of Opperbacco, which is fulfilling without being extreme: highly drinkable and refreshing, with the added value of a rather intriguing hopping.

And what about you? What are your favorite beers during a barbecue?