Angra Wine & Spirit, the local distributor for Birra Menabrea in Singapore, has introduced two of the four beers in the Italian brewery’s premium range of ‘Top Restaurant’ beers here targeted at higher-end restaurants.
Italy’s Piedmont region is best known for its enchanting and powerful Barolo and Barbaresco wines, but not many people know that it’s also home to Italy’s oldest beer brewery. Tucked away in the charming town of Biella at the foothills of the Alps near the Swiss border is Birra Menabrea, founded by Giuseppe Menabrea back in 1846 when he stumbled unto an underground cave system he believed was perfect for lagering beer. Today Birra Menabrea has grown into one of the most recognisable beer brands coming out of Italy, and exports over 40 countries around the world, including Singapore.
Of course, Birra Menabrea’s signature best-selling and award-winning lager, the Bionda, has been selling in Singapore for a number of years now, as well as the Ambrata, its rounder, maltier amber cousin. But the ‘Top Restaurant’ range comes in slightly differently. For one, they come in a 75cl bottle that’s perfect for sharing like you do with wine. But it’s also a more modern take on usually pedestrian beer styles; for example, the Pils is a far hoppier take of the German pilsner, with a strong dose of Magnum hops for bittering in addition to the usual Hallertau varietal, giving the beer a strong, persistent bitter finish that will help to cut through rich foods. Menabrea’s Bock is also a take on the German autumn seasonal, but like the Pils is a far hoppier version to complement its big roasty flavours and a rather high 7.5% ABV, well-suited to pair with heavy meat dishes or sweet desserts.
The other two Birra Menabrea ‘Top Restaurant’ beers, the Weiss and the Light, are not available in Singapore.
For more information on Birra Menabrea’s ‘Top Restaurant’ range, contact its Singapore distributor Angra Wine & Spirit.
