Lombardia is one of the cradles of Italian craft beer. Since the 1990s, with the arrival of the first microbreweries, the region has built a dynamic movement, capable of innovating while respecting European brewing traditions. Today, Lombardia counts dozens of independent breweries, many of which are recognized nationally and internationally.
Among these are historic names like the Birrificio Italiano of Lurago Marinone (Como), pioneers of the scene with the famous Tipopils, and the Birrificio Lambrate of Milan, which since 1996 has been a true institution in the Italian craft beer landscape. But alongside the big names that paved the way, new generations of brewers are winning over enthusiasts and beer lovers with modern styles, bold experiments, and meticulous attention to quality.
In this article, we will focus on two Lombard craft breweries experiencing explosive growth and confirmed among the most loved on Maltese: Birrificio WAR and Birra Gaia.
Birrificio WAR (Cassina de’ Pecchi)
Founded in 2016 in Cassina de’ Pecchi, on the outskirts of Milan, Birrificio WAR immediately imposed its philosophy: beers with a strong character, modern and full of personality. Behind the name “WAR,” which stands for We Are Rising, is also the experience of the Radaelli family, who run a careful and sustainable farm: it’s no coincidence that the brewery opened by young Francesco is an agricultural brewery that produces most of its raw materials in-house.
From the start, the brewery focused on American-style hopped beers, with many IPA variants that highlight the explosive aroma of new world hops; Amen, Mezzo Fatto, and Tutto Fatto are the first that come to mind. But the range doesn’t stop there: there are also lighter beers with a more classic approach, like the Pils Franco, and more experimental recipes that find new answers to the brewmaster Lorenzo Mascherini’s curiosities in the new internal lab.
Besides product quality, WAR stands out for its eye-catching design and strongly recognizable identity, which has made it one of the most followed and appreciated Lombard craft breweries among young consumers. On Maltese, it is consistently among the most requested breweries, and it’s easy to see why: every label and every sip tell a story of passion, innovation, and courage.
Birra Gaia (Carate Brianza)
If WAR represents the pop and modern soul of Lombard craft beer, Birra Gaia embodies the search for balance, elegance, and versatility. Born in Carate Brianza, this brewery has established itself thanks to a production style that combines tradition (European and beyond) with contemporary sensibility.
Birra Gaia’s range is very broad: from clean and fresh Lager, ideal for those seeking the freshness of Teutonic-inspired beers, to so-called white beers - Weiss, Blanche, and their variants - soft and spicy, passing through Belgian Ale rich in nuances, English-style bar beers, and modern IPA. Each beer is designed to be accessible but never trivial, with particular care for the balance between malt, hops, and yeast.
Another strength of Birra Gaia is its versatility in food pairings: whether it’s an informal dinner or a gourmet menu, the beers from this Brianza brewery always find their place at the table. It’s no surprise, then, that on Maltese they are among the favorites for those seeking quality, drinkability, and stylistic consistency.
Other breweries to watch
Alongside WAR and Birra Gaia, Lombardia continues to be a lively laboratory for craft beer production. Beyond the pioneers like Italiano and Lambrate, the region boasts a network of dynamic producers who enrich the offer of Lombard craft beers with personal interpretations and diverse styles. On Maltese you can discover the creations of Birrificio Menaresta, a Brianza-based brewery known for the strong character of its Sour beers and more, those of Birrificio Rurale from Desio (MB), which produces with meticulous respect for especially European traditions, and not to forget the bottled and canned masterpieces from Brewfist of Codogno (LO).
There are also young breweries like Pratorosso and Zona Mosto, whose productions confirm the energy of the regional craft scene. Among the names to watch are also Mister B - sometimes an eccentric producer but worth discovering -, 50&50 from Varese, conquering the world with awards, Extraomnes famous for its elegant Belgian Ales, Birrificio DuLac with beers inspired by the Lario area, and also Nix Beer, Malaspina Brewing, Hammer Beer, and Birra Riversa, each with a distinctive style and production philosophy. In Monza, Birra del Carrobiolo is an institution, while in the Bergamo area Qubeer is establishing itself thanks to cutting-edge production technologies.
Lombardia thus confirms itself as a mosaic of stories and interpretations, capable of satisfying every enthusiast, from the novice to the most demanding beer geek.
Craft Lombardia
Lombardia is undoubtedly one of the most interesting regions for those who want to explore the world of Italian craft beer. From pioneers like Birrificio Italiano and Lambrate to younger, more disruptive realities like Birrificio WAR, Birra Gaia, and many others, Lombard breweries represent a mosaic of stories, styles, and passions worth knowing and tasting.
On Maltese you can find a curated selection of the best Lombard craft beers: whether you are looking for an explosive IPA, a refreshing Lager, or a Belgian Ale rich in nuances, there is always a beer ready to surprise you.
