in breve
- Registration is now open for the fourth edition of Harvest Beers, the Unionbirrai competition dedicated to Italian craft beers made with fresh-picked hops
- The competition categories include Fresh Hop Beer and Wet Hop Beer, awarding the best in each.
- A prize has been introduced for the best beer made with Italian ingredients, highlighting national origin.
- The awards ceremony will take place on November 16 during the Birrifici Aperti event.
The fourth edition of Harvest Beers is underway, the competition organized by Unionbirrai in collaboration with Italian Hops Company. The initiative is dedicated to the best Italian craft beers produced with fresh-picked hops, in both fresh and wet versions. The event is part of the Beer of the Year project with the goal of highlighting the direct relationship between agriculture and brewing production, focusing on seasonality, freshness, and quality of ingredients.
The competition features two categories: Fresh Hop Beer, reserved for beers made with dried hops used within two weeks of harvest, and Wet Hop Beer, dedicated to those produced with fresh undried hops, used within 24 hours of harvest.
THE AGRICULTURAL VALUE OF CRAFT BEER
“With Harvest Beers we want to emphasize the agricultural value of Italian craft beer, closely tied to the land and the harvest season – states Simone Monetti, General Secretary of Unionbirrai –. At this time of year, breweries can best express the aromatic characteristics of fresh hops, delivering to consumers a product that is alive, authentic, and unrepeatable.”
The competing beers will be judged by a panel of tasters selected by Unionbirrai through blind tastings. The top three finishers in each category will be awarded.
A SPECIAL PRIZE FOR 100% ITALIAN BEERS
The 2025 edition introduces an award dedicated to the best beer produced with entirely Italian ingredients. The new section aims to certify the national origin of ingredients, starting with hops, and to highlight not only the agricultural commitment, but also the cultural, environmental, and tourism potential of the brewing supply chain.
“Visiting a hop yard is now an experience comparable to a walk through a vineyard – Monetti continues – an opportunity to discover authentic territories, people, and productions. The special prize for 100% Italian beers also strengthens the connection between production and beer tourism, giving value to those who invest in the national supply chain with consistency and vision.”
REGISTRATION AND AWARDS CEREMONY
Registration for the competition is open until November 3. Beers must be delivered by November 6 to the Italian Hops Company headquarters in Campogalliano (Modena). The awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, November 16, coinciding with the national Birrifici Aperti event.
