 Peroni Nastro Azzurro Beer Review - The Pride of Italy

April 2, 2023 Kirsten Moreton

Peroni Nastro Azzurro is one of the most recognisable beers in the world. Very commonly found in bars, restaurants and supermarkets, and is a respected premium Italian beer.

Vigevano, a town in northern Italy, is where it all began for founder, Francesco Peroni, in 1846. Vigevano is a small town close to Genova in the region of Lombardia, surrounded by mountains, ice and glacier water. It’s no surprise that Peroni was able to create such a refreshing, crisp brew from this. Using a sustainable supply chain, but able to evolve and innovate whilst remaining true to its traditions. As the beer gained in popularity, legend has it that King Vittorio Emanuele II enjoyed a tipple.

A second brewery arrived in Rome in 1863, with Francesco’s son, Giovanni, taking control of it. By the mid 1930s, all of the business had moved to Rome, and the brewery had become the biggest in Italy.

An ocean liner, SS Rex, became the fastest ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean in 1933. It was awarded the blue riband, known in Italian as, “Nastro Azzurro.” A symbol of passion, flair and Italian style, and regarded as the pride of Italy. Peroni Nastro Azzurro, born in 1963, took its inspiration from this, and has used a blue ribbon on its logo ever since. Following a quick search, no links have (yet) been made between SS Rex and the Blue Riband chocolate bar.

Peroni Nastro Azzurro, a 5.1% ABV lager, consists of maize, water, barley and hops. The maize is exclusively grown in Lombardi, within a fertile plain, known by the locals as “the island between the earth.” It sits between the Adda and Brembo rivers. The soil, irrigated by melted snow from the nearby Alps, allows Peroni Nastro Azzurro the golden colour likened to Prosecco. High quality pure and soft water, two-row spring barley, and bitter aromatic hops (saaz saaz and hallertau magnum) are the secrets behind this unique look, aroma and taste.

The aroma is subtle, but with noticeable notes of citrus. The taste and mouthfeel is refreshing, light and mellow, with a clean, fast finish. It goes beautifully with Italian pasta dishes and seafood. Peroni Nastro Azzurro is best served chilled at 3-5°C.

The Peroni brand and product line reached worldwide status by the mid 1990s. It was bought by SABMiller, the London-based giant in 2003, becoming only one of a few international brands in its portfolio. Peroni was taken over again in 2016, by Japanese firm, Asahi Group Holdings. Bought at the same time as Grolsch, Asahi paid a combined $3 billion, part of the biggest beer merger in history.

While the ownership of the brand doesn’t particularly appear to have had an effect on the buyer’s choice, under the Asahi portfolio, Peroni Nastro Azzurro continues to expand it’s brand and appeal across the world.

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