Founded in 1846, Francesco Peroni started his own brewery, Birra Peroni, in the town of Vigevano, about an hour from Milan. The climate, quality of ingredients and a location near the mountains provided the perfect combination for an excellent beer that quickly became popular. So popular that in 1864, Francesco’s son, Giovanni opened a second branch in the capital city of Rome. Just eight years later, the headquarters for Peroni moved to Rome, and the business began its climb to become the number one beer in the country.
Rebranding in the 1960’s changed Birra Peroni’s name to Nastro Azzuro, meaning Blue Ribbon, after the Luxury Italian liner SS Rex was awarded the Blue Ribbon for becoming the fastest passenger liner to cross the Atlantic 30 years earlier. This rebranding included the iconic ribbon that is still on the bottle today, in homage to the Peroni’s link to the sea. Peroni Nastro Azzurro may now be at the top of the game but it never forgets its roots. Aromatic hops and fresh barley malt provide a clean, bitter and desirable character.
Laurence Baillie Brown –
A beer I know well and like a lot. It has a light and pleasant flavour and accompanies food – especially Italian food – very effectively. A very satisfying beveridge.