What Are Craft Red Ales and Where to Buy Them Online in Italy
Craft red ales are among the most versatile and appreciated beers: copper or ruby red in color, with notes of caramel, biscuit, and dried fruit, balanced bitterness that makes them perfect both as an aperitif and at the table. If you’re looking for craft red ales online in Italy, Maltese.beer offers a curated selection with shipping in 24-48h.
Buy craft red ales on Maltese — shipping in 24-48h across Italy →
What Are Craft Red Ales?
The term "red ale" groups together several styles united by a copper or ruby red color, achieved through the use of caramel and roasted malts. The main substyles:
- Irish Red Ale — the quintessential Irish style. Smooth, with notes of caramel and biscuit, low bitterness. The most approachable
- American Amber Ale — hoppier than Irish Red, with citrus notes blending with caramel
- Red IPA — a cross between Red Ale and IPA: copper color, intense hopping, notes of fruit and caramel
- Flanders Red Ale — a sour Belgian style, fermented with wild yeasts. Complex, with notes of red fruit and balsamic vinegar
The Best Craft Red Ales Available Online
- Rossa — the purest Italian craft red ale style. Notes of caramel, biscuit, and a light roast. Balanced and easy to drink
- Bastarda Rossa — Italian Red Ale with a strong character. Intense notes of dark caramel, dried fruit, and hopping that balances the malt sweetness
- La Volpe Rossa — a clever and complex craft red ale, with notes of caramel, spices, and a slight acidity that makes it unique
- L'una Rossa — a lunar and enveloping Italian Red Ale, with notes of red fruit and caramel malt
- La Rouge Flamande — Flanders Red Ale in Belgian style. Sour, complex, with notes of red fruit, cherry, and a slight balsamic acidity. For the more adventurous palates
- Ecbert — red ale with Viking character. Robust, with notes of dark caramel and spices
- Vivienne — Birrificio Impavida — Italian craft Red Ale with personality, from one of the most interesting breweries of the moment
- Fuori dal Gregge 2 — red ale that doesn’t follow trends. Original, with a surprising aromatic profile
What Pairs Well with Red Ale?
- Red meats and roasts — malt caramel enhances the flavors of the meat
- Semi-aged cheeses — the balance between sweetness and bitterness pairs well with the cheese’s savoriness
- Pasta with ragù and meat sauces — a classic pairing in Italian cuisine
- Burgers and street food — red ale is more versatile than IPA with fatty foods
- Chocolate desserts — caramel notes create a surprising pairing
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Ales Online
What are craft red ales and where to buy them online in Italy?
Craft red ales are beers with copper or ruby red color, notes of caramel and biscuit. On Maltese.beer you’ll find a selection of Italian and international Red Ales with shipping in 24-48h.
What is the best Italian craft red ale?
It depends on your taste: for a classic and approachable Red Ale, Rossa or L'una Rossa. For a bolder character, Bastarda Rossa. For a sour and complex Belgian experience, La Rouge Flamande.
Is red ale bitter?
Generally no — red ales have balanced bitterness, offset by the sweetness of caramel malt. They are smoother and more approachable than IPAs, ideal for those who don’t like very bitter beers.
Where to buy craft red ales online?
On Maltese.beer you’ll find the most complete selection of Italian craft red ales online, with shipping in 24-48h across Italy.
Discover the full selection of red ales on Maltese — shipping in 24-48h →
