Comments on: Italian beers: The Fourth Wave?

By: Stonch

Stonch — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:50:27 +0000

I wouldn’t describe my approach as “side-stepping”, I’d say I avoid taking a diversion!

By: SteveH

SteveH — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 20:51:43 +0000

Understood Stonch, but the whole article is about style or “the waves.” Just read Ray Daniels’ quote above:

““Belgian-style ales are hot,” Ray Daniels said, making the introductions. “I’ve begun to refer to them as the Third Wave.” He explained German and British styles were the first two waves.”

Which is why I asked my question — not whether or not the beer being brewed is good, there will always be dtractors or proponents there — just as there are here in the U.S.

Much as you side-step it, style isn’t a bad thing — in most cases, anyway.

By: Stonch

Stonch — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 03:58:05 +0000

Having spoken to several Italian brewers and others in the beer industry there, my conclusion is that they don’t think in terms of “styles”. Thank heavens.

By: Stan Hieronymus

Stan Hieronymus — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 02:42:01 +0000

where does America Beer fit in?

Ray’s statement was in the context of discussing where American brewers were finding inspiration.

Obviously the influence of America’s brewers is bouncing back the other way as well.

By: tedo

tedo — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 23:25:51 +0000

If UK, Belgium and Germany are the first three waves, where does America Beer fit in? I agree with Steve H, is Italian Beer really a style unto itself or like America, they’re taking other styles and creating their own variations?

By: Stephen Beaumont

Stephen Beaumont — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:30:19 +0000

Having judged in Milan in November 2006, and then sampled numerous Italian brews again this past year at the Flaveurs event in Montreal, I can say that in my view, the Italians are currently at a crossroads between innovation and expertise. Some breweries do traditional styles very well, others manage innovation very well, but these are the exceptions rather than the rule. Overall, I’d say they are enthusiastic, inspired greatly by the Belgians (and their American brethren) and learning fast. Most Italian breweries won’t blow you away yet, and likely won’t still for a year or three, but they’re definitely a growing force.

By: Stan Hieronymus

Stan Hieronymus — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:28:57 +0000

Right now style is the last thing on many of the brewers’ minds. Many do take inspiration for Belgium, so you’ll see references to strong golden, blond, etc.

By: SteveH

SteveH — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:36:56 +0000

“These guys make Sam Calagione look like Anton Dreher. “

A simile only a beer lover can truly appreciate!

But do the Italians actually hav a beer style(s) of their own? Or, as Sam and others have done, are they just creating their own variations on themes?

Of course — I guess you could say Dreher and Sedlmayer were also creating variations of sorts too, it was just that no one else ever really had at that time.