PERONI NASTRO AZZURO ~ BIRRA PERONI (owned by Asahi)

Peroni Nastro Azzuro is supposed to be the breweries premium Euro-lager. Sampled from a bottle the beer poured crystal clear straw yellow with a creamy white head, which lasted a few minutes. The head left no lacing as it dissipated. Lots of visible carbonation was present. Smell is pretty much generic Euro-lager – subtle bready malt and some floral hops and lagery yeast. There was also a slight sulphur odour. No surprise herein the taste – it taste’s like a light watery Euro lager. Malty at the start followed by slight metallic taste and then floral hop, that lingers in the aftertaste. A very simple taste profile with a clean finish. The body was light, the mouthfeel was watery, and the carbonation was quite lively. A little thin for my taste, but thirst quenching.

5.1% from Roma, Italy

BASILISK PARADISE SAISON ~ BREWFIST & FLYING MONKEYS

This is a collaboration with Flying Monkeys in Barrie, Ontario and Brewfist in Codogno, Italy. This collab has resulted in a saison brewed with ‘grains of paradise’ (Melegueta pepper), orange, basil and rosemary. Sampled on draught. The beer poured a hazy golden amber colour with an off white head, which left some lacing. The nose is mild and has yeasts, fruity esters, malts, and some floral and herbal notes, and grassy hops (Styrian Golding, Cascade and Magnum were used). The taste follows along the same lines as the aroma: some sweet dried fruit, hay, farmhouse funk, pale malts, herbals (especially hints of Basil) and a hoppy finish. The beer has a medium body and is moderately carbonated. I really enjoyed this saison and its complexities of flavour. Well done!

6% from Codogno, Italy and Barrie, Ontario 30 IBU