The Award-Winning Beers at Beer&Food Attraction 2026

Awarded Beers at Beer&Food Attraction 2026

The 21st edition of Birra dell'Anno celebrated the excellence of the Italian brewing scene during Beer&Food Attraction 2026 in Rimini. A competition that since 2005 has been the benchmark for promoting national craft beer, with 73 international judges who blind-tasted 1,746 beers from 212 Italian breweries.

This year the most coveted award went to Birra dell'Eremo from Assisi (Perugia), which wins the title of Brewery of the Year 2026 with an extraordinary record: 4 golds, 2 silvers, and 2 bronzes in 6 different categories.

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THE TRIUMPH OF BIRRA DELL'EREMO

Birra dell'Eremo dominated the competition thanks to a versatile and top-quality production. Among the awarded beers stand out:

• Tuka and Eternal Summer – Golds in the New England IPA category (Cat. 19)
• Idioteque and Two Much – Medals in the Speciality IPA category (Cat. 18)
• Doe – Silver in the Barley Wine category (Cat. 24)
• Doe Balsamic Vinegar Barrel Aged – Gold among wood-aged beers (Cat. 35)
• Madue – Silver in the fruit use category (Cat. 36)
• Stones – Gold among the Sour Italian Grape Ale (Cat. 44)

A result that testifies to the ability of the Umbrian brewery to excel in different styles, from hoppy IPAs to complex sours, up to characterful barrel-aged beers.

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GEOGRAPHY OF EXCELLENCE: LOMBARDY LEADS

The Lombardy confirms itself as the most awarded region with 57 recognitions (10 golds), followed by Piedmont (29 awards), Marche (24 awards), Emilia-Romagna (5 golds, 16 total awards) and Umbria (4 golds, 17 awards).

Also significant is the performance of emerging regions such as Abruzzo (3 golds), Lazio (3 golds) and Puglia (2 golds), demonstrating a brewing movement that is increasingly widespread and mature throughout the national territory.

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SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS

In addition to the main title, two awards celebrated innovation and territoriality:

Best Collaboration Brew
Panatè Saison from Birrificio La Piazza (Turin), made in collaboration with La Granda di Lagnasco (Cuneo), won in the special cereals category (Cat. 33) and received the award for best brewing collaboration.

Best 100% Italian Beer
Real IGA Gose from Il Mastio di Belforte del Chienti (Macerata) has earned recognition for the exclusive use of Italian raw materials, also winning in the Red Italian Grape Ale category (Cat. 43). A virtuous example of a short supply chain and national agricultural enhancement.

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THE NEW FRONTIER: LOW AND NO ALCOHOL BEERS

Among the 46 categories in competition, the new section dedicated to nablab beers (low and no alcohol, up to 1.2% vol.) has attracted great interest. The winner was Hop Gainer from Birranova Brewery of Conversano (Bari), which placed two beers on the podium of this rapidly growing category also in the craft segment.

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STYLES AND TRENDS: THE WINNERS BY MACRO-CATEGORY

Lager and Pilsner
Among the low fermentation beers stand out Evolution 3.0 from Ibeer (German/Bohemian Pilsner), Eger from PicoBrew (Italian Pilsner) and Bu from Mister B Brewery (European Lager).

IPA and Hoppy Ales
The most crowded categories see the triumph of Easy Peasy Hop Squeezy IPA from Bibibir (American IPA), Breaking Hops from MC77 (Double IPA) and the already mentioned Tuka and Eternal Summer from Birra dell'Eremo (NEIPA).

Belgian Styles
Triplexxx from Croce di Malto (Tripel) and Mukkamannara from Birrificio Mukkeller (Belgian Dark Strong Ale) represent Italian excellence in interpreting Belgian styles.

Stout and Porter
Pablito from Birrificio Manerba (Porter) and Bulk from Hammer (American Porter) lead the low-alcohol dark beers, while Daarbulah from Hammer dominates among the Imperial Stouts.

Specialty and Sour
Rusticana 2025 from Birrificio Claterna (fruit beers), Tropical Gose from Crak Brewery (Sour Fruit Ale) and the Italian Grape Ales from Birra dell'Eremo and Il Mastio confirm the creativity and experimentation of the Italian craft movement.

The winning beers of Beer of the Year 2026 for each category

Special mentions in italics.

CAT. 1 – Light beers, low fermentation, low alcohol content, inspired by German and Czech styles (German and Bohemian Pilsner)

• Evolution 3.0 – Ibeer;
• The Pilsenger – Birrificio Agricolo Poggio Rosso;
• MuPils – Birrificio Mukkeller;
• Bevera – Birrificio Menaresta.

CAT. 2 – Light beers, low fermentation, low alcohol content, characterized by a clear presence of aroma and bitter hops, inspired by German style (Italian Pilsner)

• Eger – PicoBrew;
• Slurp – Soralamà;
• Accountant, are you ready? – Wild Raccoon;
• Testa di malto – Birrificio Legnone;
• Italian Pils – Bandiga.

CAT. 3 – Light beers, bottom fermentation, low alcohol content, European inspired (European Lager, Helles, Zwickl, Keller, Dortmunder Export)

• Bu – Mister B Brewery;
• Alus – 50&50;
• Saloon – Beor Brasserie;
• Ventiquattro/Sette – Birrificio Agricolo Valderon.

CAT. 4 – Light and amber beers, bottom fermentation, from low to high alcohol content, characterized by a clear presence of aroma and bitter hops, American inspired (Hoppy Lager, Imperial Hoppy Lager, India Pale Lager, American Pale Ale and American India Pale Ale with bottom fermentation)

• Brewer’s Collection Cold IPA – Birrificio Rurale;
• Bassa Marea – Birrificio Lariano;
• 10 – Birra Kbirr;
• Benzina – Mister B Brewery;
• Jack IPA – Birrificio Legnone.

CAT. 5 – Light and amber beers, top fermentation, low alcohol content, Anglo-Saxon inspired (English Golden Ale, English Pale Ale)

• Costa Ovest – Birra Puddu;
• Yes Sir – Birrificio Artigianale Noiz;
• Jason – Bibibir;
• James Blonde – Birra 100Venti;
• Golden Jazz – Fabbrica della Birra Perugia.

CAT. 6 – Light and amber beers, hybrid fermentation, low alcohol content, German or American inspired (Kolsch, Alt, California Common, Cream Ale)

• Moonella – Vertiga;
• Iron Bridge – Birra Garlatti Costa;
• Basei – Birrificio Basei;
• Mahlzeit – MC77;
• Buttiga – La Buttiga.

CAT. 7 – Amber beers, bottom fermentation, low alcohol content, German inspired (Vienna, Märzen)

• Gustav – Birrificio Artigianale Noiz;
• La Pozza – Fogliarubia;
• Cucunera – Birrificio Manerba;
• Märzen – Birrificio Elvo;
• Good Bye, Winter – Wild Raccoon.

CAT. 8 – Dark beers, bottom fermentation, low alcohol content, German inspired (Munich Dunkel, Schwarz, Dark Lager)

• Diamond – Anbra;
• Schwarz After Sauna – Crak Brewery;
• BibiDunkel – Bibibir;
• Batzen Dunkel – Batzen;
• Vencesalo – Lucky Brews.

CAT. 9 – Light, amber and dark beers, bottom fermentation, high alcohol content, German inspired (Bock, Doppelbock, Eisbock, Hellerbock, Maibock, Strong Lager)

• Bock – Birrificio Claterna;
• Stop the Music – Ibeer;
• Hygge – Mudita Brewery;
• Zante – Serra Storta;
• Chagall – Birrificio La Piazza.

CAT. 10 – Amber beers, top fermentation, low and medium alcohol content, British inspired (Mild, British Bitter, Extra Special Bitter, Irish Red Ale, British Brown Ale)

• Tea Time – Ibeer;
• Slapback – Birrificio Artigianale Noiz;
• Roger Bitter – Birra 100Venti;
• Red&Go – Birrificio Otus;
• Nora Ale – Birrificio Babylon.

CAT. 11 – Light and amber beers, top fermentation, low/medium alcohol content, hoppy, Anglo-Saxon inspired (English IPA)

• Rabelott – Birrificio Balabiòtt;
• Suburbia – Fabbrica della Birra Perugia;
• Amitabh – Ofelia;
• No Borders IPA – Birra 100Venti.

CAT. 12 – Light, amber and dark beers, top fermentation, low alcohol content, hopped, Anglo-American inspired (Session APA, Session AIPA, Session IPA)

• Ddh Session Ipa – Bibibir;
• God of Laif – 50&50;
• Punto – MC77;
• One for the Road – Zona Mosto;
• Chopper – Liquida.

CAT. 13 – Light and amber beers, top fermentation, low alcohol content, hopped, American inspired (American Pale Ale)

• Kalopsia – 50&50;
• Assaggio Solo – Birrificio Mukkeller;
• Doppio Scoop – Birrificio Barbaforte;
• Aditus – Alchemist Ale;
• Freevola – Birra 100Venti.

CAT. 14 – Light and amber beers, top fermentation, medium alcohol content, hopped, American inspired (American IPA)

• Easy Peasy Hop Squeezy Ipa – Bibibir;
• Wabi-Sabi – Mudita Brewery;
• Obice – Birrificio Barbaforte;
• Bomberone – Mister B Brewery;
• United – 50&50.

CAT. 15 – Light and amber beers, top fermentation, high alcohol content, hopped, Anglo-American inspired (Double IPA, Imperial IPA)

• Breaking Hops – MC77;
• Azz – Birra Gaia;
• Mario tra 20 anni – Fabbrica della Birra Perugia;
• Slitta – Birra Due Tocchi;
• Taribo – Hammer.

CAT. 16 – Light beers, top fermentation, low to medium alcohol content, with use of wheat and other cereals, hopped, Anglo-American inspired (White IPA, American Wheat)

• Vergott – Birrificio Lariano;
• White Shock – Bibibir;
• 6A – Bibibir;
• Extrema Ratio White – Birrificio dei Castelli;
• American Bianchina – Birra 100Venti.

CAT. 17 – Amber and dark beers, top fermentation, from low to high alcohol content, hopped, Anglo-American inspired (Red IPA, Brown IPA, Black IPA)

• 2 di Picche – Birrificio Menaresta;
• Apache – Birra 100Venti;
• Sciura Ipa – Ma.Bo.Beer;
• Hopale Nera – Meraki Birrificio Artigianale;
• Red Zeppelin – Birrificio Rurale.

CAT. 18 – Light, amber and dark beers, top fermentation, from low to high alcohol content, hopped, Anglo-American inspired (Speciality IPA, Rye IPA, Belgian IPA)

• Idioteque – Birra dell’Eremo;
• Tilikum – Residual;
• Two Much – Birra dell’Eremo;
• La Rocca – Birrificio Manerba;
• Zolla – Turris Birra.

CAT. 19 – Light and amber beers, top fermentation, heavily hopped in aroma, US inspired (New England IPA)

• Tuka – Birra dell’Eremo;
• Turbia – Lucky Brews;
• Eternal Summer – Birra dell’Eremo;
• Zero Fucks Given – Birrificio Agricolo Valderon;
• Bowtie – MC77.

CAT. 20 – Light and amber beers, top fermentation, high alcohol content, Anglo-American inspired (English Strong Ale, American Strong Ale, Scottish Ale Export, Heavy Scottish Ale)

• Sir Alestrong – Birra 100Venti;
• Bad Scott – Funky Drop;
• Kamasutra – Birrificio Calibro22;
• Loch – Officine Birrai;
• Milf Passion – Birrificio Legnone.

CAT. 21 – Dark beers, top fermentation, low alcohol content, Anglo-Saxon inspired (Porter, Stout)

• Pablito – Birrificio Manerba;
• Porter – Birra Puddu;
• A – Il Viaggio;
• Cabossa – Croce di Malto;
• Batzen Urporter – Batzen.

CAT. 22 – Dark beers, top fermentation, low alcohol content, American-inspired (American Porter, American Stout)

• Bulk – Hammer;
• Molon Labe – Eastside Brewing;
• Nero a Metà – Birrificio Agricolo Poggio Rosso;
• Corva Nera – Birrificio Mukkeller;
• Rye Stout – La Collina Trattoria & Birrificio Artigianale.

CAT. 23 – Dark beers, top fermentation, high alcohol content, Anglo-American inspired (Robust/Baltic Porter, Imperial Porter, Russian Imperial Stout)

• Daarbulah – Hammer;
• Harry Porter – Residual;
• Fiol – Birra Gaia;
• Mata Leao – Delta Esse Brewery;
• Rio Nero – Birrificio Artigianale Leder.

CAT. 24 – Dark beers, top fermentation, high alcohol content, Anglo-American inspired (Barley Wine, Old Ale, American Barley Wine)

• Pillow Talk – Dark Room Barrel Project – Jungle Juice Brewing;
• Doe – Birra dell’Eremo;
• Riserva – Birra Gaia;
• A Promise Kept – MC77;
• Knock Out Ed. 2024 – Birra 100Venti.

CAT. 25 – Light, amber and dark beers, top fermentation with Weizen yeast, from low to high alcohol content, with use of malted wheat, German-inspired (Weizen, Dunkelweizen, Weizenbock)

• Bianca – Serra Storta;
• Merlino – Società Agricola del Graal;
• Weizen – Brew Gruff;
• Weiss Pagus – Birrificio Agricolo Pagus;
• Vieni&Weiss – Birra 100Venti.

CAT. 26 – Light beers, top fermentation, low alcohol content, with use of unmalted wheat, Belgian-inspired (Blanche, Witbier)

• Fear of the Blanche – Birrificio Calibro22;
• Witaly – Bibibir;
• Fiordalisa – Birrificio Manerba;
• Opalita – Birra Garlatti Costa;
• Schofgorbans – gustAhr.

CAT. 27 – Light beers, top fermentation, low alcohol content, Belgian-inspired (Belgian Blond, Belgian Pale Ale)

• Anarchiste – Birra 100Venti;
• Zona Mugnetti – Birrificio Mukkeller;
• Belgian Pagus – Birrificio Agricolo Pagus;
• Teresa – Birrificio di Legnano;
• Nazionale Baladin – Birrificio Baladin.

CAT. 28 – Light and amber beers, top fermentation, from low to high alcohol content, Belgian-inspired (Saison, Biere de Garde, Farmhouse Ale)

• Pirata – Birrificio Mazapegul;
• Prsdè – Funky Drop;
• Road to Vallonia Verde – PicoBrew;
• Bandit – Birrificio Babylon;
• Hoppy Saison – Lametus Beer Co..

CAT. 29 – Light beers, top fermentation, high alcohol content, Belgian-inspired (Belgian Golden Strong Ale, Tripel)

• Triplexxx – Croce di Malto;
• St Simplicius – Birrificio Humus;
• Torture of the Wheel – Birrificio Balabiòtt;
• Drake – Birrificio Alto Tevere;
• La Mancina – Birrificio del Forte.

CAT. 30 – Dark beers, top fermentation, high alcohol content, Belgian-inspired (Belgian Dark Strong Ale, Dubbel, Quadrupel)

• Mukkamannara – Birrificio Mukkeller;
• Christmas Stexxa – Birrificio Troll;
• Monk’s Soul – Birrificio Manerba;
• Marte – Birrificio Artigianale Alba;
• Saint Michel – Birrificio Babylon.

CAT. 31 – Light, amber, and dark beers, high or low fermentation, from low to high alcohol content, with the use of spices

• Zirbans – gustAhr;
• Exxtasy – Birralfina;
• Sinister Noise – Eastside Brewing;
• Mostaccina – Birrificio Artigianale Curtense;
• Donza – Vetra.

CAT. 32 – Light, amber, and dark beers, high or low fermentation, from low to high alcohol content, with the use of coffee and/or cocoa

• Bart Coffee – Oldo;
• Vetra Black Chocolate – Vetra;
• Coffee Porter – Birra Puddu;
• Beegne’ – Mister B Brewery;
• Barrelborn Coffee Edition – Ritual Lab.

CAT. 33 – Light, amber, and dark beers, high or low fermentation, from low to high alcohol content, with the use of special cereals (including ancient grains)

• Panatè Saison – Birrificio La Piazza;
• Black Feet – Croce di Malto;
• Metra – La Petrognola;
• Kiss Me Again – Eastside Brewing;
• Maranea – Birrone.

CAT. 34 – Light, amber, and dark beers, high or low fermentation, from low to high alcohol content, smoked and peated

• Smoked Hops – Hilltop Brewery;
• B-Side Track n.4 – Dulac;
• Dawn – Serra Storta;
• Attila – Birrificio Seiterre Lyon;
• Saze – Birra Bajon.

CAT. 35 – Light, amber, and dark beers, high or low fermentation, from low to high alcohol content, aged in wood

• Doe Balsamic Vinegar Barrel Aged – Birra dell’Eremo;
• Feed Your Monsters – Dark Room Barrel Project – Jungle Juice Brewing;
• Mansueto Bourbon Reserve 2024 – Crak Brewery;
• Papanero Maple Syrup & Bourbon Ba – Ritual Lab;
• Due Torri – Birrificio Claterna.

CAT. 36 – Light, amber, and dark beers, high or low fermentation, from low to high alcohol content, with the use of fruit

• Rusticana 2025 – Birrificio Claterna;
• Madue – Birra dell’Eremo;
• Qirat – Birrificio Tarì;
• Drop Out – Tangerine Rush – Lzo;
• Edgar Allan Pone – Free Lions Beer.

CAT. 37 – Light, amber, and dark beers, high or low fermentation, from low to high alcohol content, with the use of chestnuts

• The Cat – Birrificio Ad-Meata Brew House;
• Jingle Rats 2 – Antikorpo Brewing;
• Castanea – 5+ Birrificio Artigianale;
• Deria – Birrificio Agricolo Pagus;
• Gabiana – Birrificio Menaresta.

CAT. 38 – Light, amber, and dark beers, high or low fermentation, from low to high alcohol content, with the use of honey

• Double Bee – Birrificio Artigianale Alba;
• Bee – Birra Eretica;
• Claus – Birrificio Elvo;
• War Is Over – La Collina Trattoria & Birrificio Artigianale;
• Queen Bee – MC77.

CAT. 39 – Light, amber, and dark beers, top fermentation, mixed, spontaneous, Brettanomyces, from low to high alcohol content, characterized by sour notes, with added fruit (Sour Fruit Ale)

• Tropical Gose – Crak Brewery;
• Funky Persic – Ma.Bo.Beer;
• Ma’Rouge – Birrificio Menaresta;
• Saaz Lemon and Salt – MC77.

CAT. 40 – Light, amber, and dark beers, top, mixed, spontaneous fermentation, Brettanomyces, from low to high alcohol content, characterized by acidic notes, without added fruit (Sour Farmhouse/Sour Ale)

• Sour Faire – Beer In;
• Fera – Ritual Lab;
• Urban 20 – Hofbrauerei Hubenbauer;
• Birra Madre – Birrificio Menaresta.

CAT. 41 – Light beers, top fermented, low alcohol, salty and/or lactic, inspired by German styles (Berliner, Gose)

• Dulcis in Fundo – Birrificio dei Castelli;
• Kamikaze – Qubeer;
• Gosexy – Batzen;
• Tutti Frutti – Birra Garlatti Costa.

CAT. 42 – Light, amber, and dark beers, top or bottom fermented, from low to high alcohol content with use of grapes, must, pomace, cooked wine from white grapes (White Italian Grape Ale)

• Ruffiana – Birrificio Birranova;
• Iga con Uve Bianche – Birrificio Artigianale Alba;
• Jolly Blue White Label – Birrificio Artigianale Curtense;
• Nina Blanc – Microbirrificio Doppiobaffo;
• Pur – Birrificio Artigianale Leder.

CAT. 43 – Light, amber, and dark beers, top or bottom fermented, from low to high alcohol content with use of grapes, must, pomace, cooked wine from red grapes (Red Italian Grape Ale)

• Real Iga Gose – Il Mastio;
• Cantina – Pontarola Riserva 2019 – Crak Brewery;
• Intrigata – Birrificio Barbaforte;
• La Murusa – Dulac;
• Sciatò Rouge – Birrificio Un Terzo.

CAT. 44 – Light, amber, and dark beers, top or bottom fermented, from low to high alcohol content with use of grapes, must, pomace, cooked wine from red or white grapes, characterized by acidic notes (Sour Italian Grape Ale)

• Stones – Birra dell’Eremo;
• Colpo di Coda – Birrificio Cuoremaltò;
• Easy Peasy Naseta Squeezy Gf 2025 – De Lab Fermentazioni;
• Insolita Rossa – Fabbrica della Birra Perugia.

CAT. 45 – Light, amber, and dark beers, top or bottom fermented, with alcohol content below 1.2% by volume (Low/No Alcohol Beers)

• Hop Gainer – Birrificio Birranova;
• Giara Af – Birrificio Birranova;
• Mundaka Zero – Crak Brewery;
• Free Monkey – Batzen;
• Lucid Kaos – Antikorpo Brewing.

CAT. 46 – Light, amber, and dark beers, top or bottom fermented, from low to high alcohol content, freely inspired (Extraordinary Ale / Extraordinary Lager)

• Italian Uncommon Ale – Ritual Lab;
• La Fumarola – Birra La Dama;
• Lanza 1986 Extra Strong Lager – Birra Lanza;
• Boh 19 – Mister B Brewery;
• Leipahiva – Birrificio Claterna.

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CONCLUSION

Birra dell'Anno 2026 celebrated a mature, diverse, and top-quality Italian brewing scene. From German and Belgian traditions to American innovation, including influences from local territory and the national agricultural supply chain, the awarded beers tell a story of a constantly evolving scene.

For enthusiasts and industry professionals, this list represents a valuable guide to discovering the excellences to seek out and taste in the coming months.