IN BREVE
- The fifth edition of XMAS Beers celebrates beers dedicated to Christmas, highlighting the best Italian interpretations.
- The winner is Christmas Crumble by Birrificio Lariano, awarded for its balance and aromatic complexity.
- In second place is Guastafeste by Birrificio Fam. Mukkeller and in third Primatia by Birrificio Birranova.
- Two special mentions go to Caput Mundi and Santo Stefano for originality and consistency with the Christmas theme.
Christmas beers return to the spotlight with the fifth edition of XMAS Beers, the Unionbirrai competition held as part of Beer of the Year. The initiative highlights the most successful Italian interpretations of the Christmas theme, featuring aromatic nods to the festive season and limited-edition recipes.
The winner of this year’s edition was Christmas Crumble from Birrificio Lariano in Sirone, Lombardy. The jury awarded it for its ability to express the typical scents of Christmas with balance and complexity. Second place went to Guastafeste from Birrificio Fam. Mukkeller in Porto Sant’Elpidio, Marche. Third place went to Primatia from Birrificio Birranova in Triggianello, Puglia, a previous winner of the last edition.
SPECIAL MENTIONS AND STATEMENTS
Two special mentions were awarded: Caput Mundi from Birrificio dei Castelli in Arcevia and Santo Stefano from Birrificio Agricolo Pagus in Darfo Boario Terme. The jury noted them for their originality and consistency with the theme.
The words of Simone Monetti, general secretary of Unionbirrai, summarize the nature of the beers presented: “Italian Christmas beers recall the richness and abundance of the holidays, with notes reminiscent of typical seasonal sweets. They cannot be traced back to a specific style, but they share some common characteristics: they are limited editions, often full-bodied, spiced, with amber or dark tones, and a complex aromatic profile.”
THE CULTURAL VALUE OF CHRISTMAS BEERS
Monetti also emphasizes the symbolic dimension of the competition: “With BdA XMAS Beers, we want to showcase the ability of Italian craft brewers to transform every beer into a story, into an emotion to be experienced during the holidays. These beers are not just to be tasted: they are experiences to be given, shared, and remembered. To the winners and all participants,” Monetti concludes, “goes our thanks for the commitment, creativity, and passion they put into every drop.”
JURY AND EVALUATION METHODOLOGY
The final tastings were conducted blind, according to Unionbirrai regulations. The panel, composed of expert tasters, analyzed each beer, evaluating its sensory profile, originality, and ability to convey the Christmas spirit.
