First of a double special this week, in which we cover two beers from Peroni.

The first is the more common, and massively more popular – but sadly, not particularly inspiring. Tomorrow’s brew is far superior.

Transcript

Hello, this is DrinksAhoy and this… is Beverage Guide Express.

In this episode, we’re covering Peroni Nastro Azzurro.

It’s a premium Italian pale lager, its name translating to ‘blue ribbon’ in honour of the Blue Riband awarded to the Italian ocean liner, the SS Rex.

At 5.1% by volume, it’s of typical strength for such a lager.

Nastro Azzuro is manufactured by Birra Peroni, currently based in Rome, Italy but founded in Vigevano in 1846.

The beer was launched in 1963, at the 30-year anniversary of the Blue Riband award the beer is named for.

As well as this premium lager, there’s the original Peroni, Gran Riserva, Peronicino, and the light Leggera.

Peroni Nastro Azzuro pours a light yellow-amber colour, with slight carbonation.

Initial aroma is clean – hint of barley, and little else. Not a particularly inviting scent.

First sip is sharp, slightly acidic with the carbonation apparent.

The principal flavour is slightly sweet maize: but otherwise there’s not much to this lager, other than a slightly bitter metallic aftertaste.

Like most lagers, this one is designed for drinkability. Despite being named for a Blue Riband award: it’s unlikely to win any such thing.

Thanks for watching, and join me next time for another, more thoroughbred variety from the scuderia Peroni.

Until then – cheers!