Birrificio del Ducato

Montezuma: The Ancient Journey of Cocoa in Birrificio del Ducato’s New Chocolate Stout

birredelducato — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 08:17:27 +0000

There are flavors that carry with them the weight and magnificence of History. For the Aztecs, cocoa was not simply food, but a true catalyst of vital energy: a sacred beverage reserved for rulers, so precious that it was used as currency in imperial markets. Chronicles tell that the emperor Moctezuma II consumed dozens of cups a day before facing government decisions or ritual ceremonies.

That deep bond between the sacredness of ancient civilizations and the art of contemporary brewing has now found a new liquid form. Thus was born Montezuma, our new 4.5% ABV One Shot Chocolate Stout.

Beyond the mold: the tailored soul of a modern Stout

When thinking of a dark, structured beer, collective imagination immediately drifts to heavy, cloying brews, challenging to approach outside the colder months. With Montezuma, we chose the exact opposite stylistic approach: taking a bold, imposing raw material and redesigning it to elevate clean execution and drinking dynamic.

The result is a beer that breaks the category’s clichés. Beneath a deep black coat, embellished with ruby highlights and topped by a dense, compact hazelnut head, lies an amazingly agile structure.

The Sensory Profile: What to Expect in the Glass

Served at the ideal temperature, Montezuma releases a layered yet accessible aromatic bouquet:

On the Nose: Roasted cocoa nibs and dark chocolate dominate, accompanied by warm, comforting nuances reminiscent of cocoa paste and baked pastries (brownies).
On the Palate: The entry is soft and smooth. The bitterness of the roasted malts and cocoa balances perfectly with a medium-light body, finishing with an remarkably dry, crisp, and clean tail.

It is precisely this dry finish that makes all the difference—clearing the palate and delivering extraordinary drinkability for a beer of this style.

Recommended Pairings & Serving Suggestions

To fully appreciate its nuances, we recommend serving Montezuma chilled (between 8°C and 10°C / 46°F–50°F), allowing it to evolve slightly in the glass. It is the ideal companion for the end of a meal, pairing perfectly with:

Nut pastries (almond or hazelnut cookies and biscotti)
High-percentage dark chocolate cakes and desserts
Complex blue cheeses, where the roasted notes cut cleanly through the richness

Exclusively Available on Draft

Montezuma is brewed in limited quantities and distributed exclusively in 16-liter kegs.

The beer will be officially available starting Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

Are you a venue owner or a craft beer enthusiast looking for the nearest tap? Contact our team or your local distributors to reserve your kegs before stock runs out.

The post Montezuma: The Ancient Journey of Cocoa in Birrificio del Ducato’s New Chocolate Stout come from Birrificio del Ducato.

Viaemilia has always been a gluten-free beer. As of today, SGS officially certifies it.

birredelducato — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 14:15:26 +0000

Viaemilia, the world’s most awarded Italian Pilsner and the flagship beer of Birrificio del Ducato, has earned SGS product certification (No. IT26/00000912), officially confirming its naturally gluten-free status.

This is not a recipe change: Viaemilia has always been brewed with naturally gluten-free ingredients. What changes today is independent verification from SGS —one of the world’s leading testing, inspection, and certification companies — following a thorough audit of raw materials, the brewing process, and the finished beer.

The result: a certified gluten content of under 10 ppm (parts per million), a threshold even stricter than the 20 ppm required by European regulations to use the “gluten-free” label. The certification is subject to periodic surveillance audits.

Achieving this certification from a globally recognized body represents a major milestone for our company. It reinforces our long-standing commitment to maintaining high quality standards and rigorous quality assurance processes. This certification allows us to communicate the strict standards Birrificio del Ducato applies across every stage of its production supply chain even more effectively, ensuring maximum transparency for our consumers.

Marco Maccioni, Plant Manager at Birrificio del Ducato

The certification badge is already featured on Viaemilia’s updated packaging, available in the webshop, through standard distribution channels, and at partner venues.

FAQ

Has ViaEmilia changed?

No. The recipe is exactly the same as it has always been. Only the certification has changed: today an independent body (SGS) officially confirms what was already true.

Why the certification only now, if it was already gluten-free?

Because obtaining product certification requires a structured verification process (laboratory analysis, supplier control, production process checks) which takes time. We wanted to complete it to give an extra, third-party verified guarantee to those who choose Viaemilia.

What specifically does the SGS certification guarantee?

That the gluten content of Via Emilia is below 10 ppm (parts per million)—a stricter threshold than the 20 ppm set by European regulations for using the “gluten-free” label. The certification (no. IT26/00000912) is issued by SGS, an independent body, and is subject to periodic surveillance audits, not just a single one-off analysis. It is valid from June 15, 2026, to June 15, 2029.

Is it suitable for people with celiac disease?

The certification attests to compliance with the legal threshold for “gluten-free.” As with any food product, if you have doubts related to specific health conditions, we recommend consulting your doctor or healthcare specialist.

The post Viaemilia has always been a gluten-free beer. As of today, SGS officially certifies it. come from Birrificio del Ducato.

Celebrate Excellence: Our Awards at the World Beer Awards 2026

birredelducato — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 10:23:59 +0000

Every international recognition represents much more than just a medal to us: it is confirmation of an uncompromising craft path, built on passion, research into raw materials, and a constant dedication to quality. With great pride, we announce that Birrificio del Ducato has won prestigious new accolades at the World Beer Awards 2026, once again confirming the high profile of our brewing production on the global stage.

Our Award-Winning Champions

International competitions put every single aspect of a brewery’s work to the test, from technical precision to sensory complexity. The products that won over the juries of the World Beer Awards 2026 reflect the multifaceted soul of our catalog, uniting beloved classics around the world with bold interpretations of traditional and contemporary styles:

Each of these beers tells a unique story, made of aromatic balances studied down to the smallest detail and an unmistakable character that continues to stand out in the most competitive contexts in Europe and the world.

A Recognition Dedicated to Those Who Love Italian Craft Beer

Whether it is longtime enthusiasts, industry experts, specialty venues, or new admirers approaching the quality brewing world of Birrificio del Ducato for the first time, these awards belong to anyone who chooses to share our passion for fine drinking.

Behind every bottle lies the daily work of a close-knit team and a supply chain that never compromises—from the careful selection of hops and malts to the meticulous care of the fermentation processes.

Discover the Selection of Winners

To celebrate these milestones together and offer the opportunity to rediscover our full range of champions, we have reserved a special initiative in our online shop. (Available for shipping just to Italy)

Visit the official Birrificio del Ducato shop to discover the award-winning beers and special surprises dedicated to our enthusiasts.

The post Celebrate Excellence: Our Awards at the World Beer Awards 2026 come from Birrificio del Ducato.

Birrificio del Ducato triumphs at the Cerevisia Awards 2026: 4 beers on the podium

birredelducato — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:25:12 +0000

Birrificio del Ducato has achieved prestigious recognition at the Premio Cerevisia 2026, one of the most authoritative competitions in the Italian brewing scene, once again confirming the excellence of our craft production.

LThe jury of the National Beer Tasting Board (Ba.N.A.B.) has rewarded the quality and consistency of our work, awarding significant honors to our most iconic products:

Viaemilia placed 1st in the Pilsner category.
A.F.O. took 1st place as the best Session Light.
Machete secured 1st place in the Double Imperial IPA category.
Paradox reached 3rd place in the Belgian Strong Ale Tripel category.

Questi risultati rappresentano per tutto il nostro team una conferma del rigore tecnico e della passione che mettiamo ogni giorno nella selezione delle materie prime e nel controllo dei processi produttivi. Un ringraziamento speciale va ai nostri collaboratori e a tutti gli appassionati che continuano a scegliere la nostra birra.

Questo traguardo non è solo un punto di arrivo, ma uno stimolo per continuare a esplorare nuovi orizzonti brassicoli, mantenendo sempre fede alla nostra identità.

The post Birrificio del Ducato triumphs at the Cerevisia Awards 2026: 4 beers on the podium come from Birrificio del Ducato.

Brezza Summer Fest – Volume 2 | Beer Park & Live Music

birredelducato — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:35:04 +0000

The Brezza Summer Fest – Volume 2 returns to the Palagufi in Soragna, born from the collaboration between Birrificio del Ducato and the Gufi di Soragna sports association. Our partnership goes beyond this event: we are proud to be year-round sponsors and team partners of the Gufi Sport Club di Soragna, actively supporting the activities that bring our local community to life.

What to expect at the Soragna Beer Park

This year, we are taking it to the next level by transforming the Palagufi into a full-scale Beer Park, the perfect spot for those looking for a unique Saturday night.

Freeride Mechanical Surf: Test your balance while riding the wave of our signature West Coast IPA. If you stay on, you could win a vacation for four in Marilleva 1400!
Wheel of Fortune: Take a spin and challenge your luck to win exclusive Birrificio del Ducato merchandise.
Live Music Line-up: The Brezza Summer Fest stage will host an exceptional lineup, ranging from the indie-pop sounds of Provinciale and the energetic funk of the Musicanti di Grema, to the beats of Giusta Musica and the electronic grand finale by Jamil.
Quality Food & Drinks: 12 active beer taps featuring the best Birrificio del Ducato craft beers, paired with a curated selection of food for an unforgettable evening.

Event Details

Don’t miss the second edition of the most anticipated festival in Soragna.

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Time: Starting from 6:00 PM
Location: Palagufi, Via Trento 8C, Soragna (PR)

Admission is free. Bring your friends and get ready for a memorable night.

The post Brezza Summer Fest – Volume 2 | Beer Park & Live Music come from Birrificio del Ducato.

Europe rewards Italian know-how: 9 international medals in 10 days

birredelducato — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:33:22 +0000

Updating the company’s medal collection twice in less than ten days is a rare event, witnessing the consistent quality we strive for in every single brew. For us at Birrificio del Ducato, this beginning of spring has turned into an unprecedented success: a “winning streak” of 9 international medals won between the United Kingdom and France.

Just a week ago, we were proudly celebrating the awards obtained at the European Beer Challenge (EBC) 2026, and today the news of this “double-up” comes from the prestigious Concours International de Lyon.

Success at the Concours International de Lyon 2026

The French jury confirmed the high profile of our references by awarding 5 new prizes. In a highly competitive international context, the judges rewarded the balance and organoleptic richness of our products, symbols of that Italian know-how that we have always proudly exported worldwide.

Here is the detail of the awards we won in Lyon:

Gold Medal: Freeride (West Coast IPA), Machete (Double IPA), and Verdi Imperial Stout.
Silver Medal: White Riot (Graperfruit Blanche) and our brand new Onirika (Helles).

A global podium: our marathon of excellence

The overall balance of this “record-breaking March” sees us as absolute protagonists in the landscape of high-quality production. Combining the victories in London with those in Lyon means convincing global juries that are extremely different in terms of palate and brewing tradition: a result that rewards our versatility and the technical rigor we apply to every style.

Our 2026 protagonists:

Machete (Double IPA): Double Gold Medal (London and Lyon). An absolute confirmation for one of our most iconic beers, capable of amazing judges at every latitude.
Onirika (Helles): Double Silver Medal upon debut. We are particularly proud of this result: proof that our new bottom-fermentation beer was born under a star of excellence.
Verdi Imperial Stout: The Gold in Lyon once again consecrates one of the most awarded and beloved recipes in our history.
Freeride (West Coast IPA) & Futura (Bock): Both awarded Gold, demonstrating our mastery in the use of hops and the creation of distinctive aromatic profiles.
White Riot (Grapefruit Blanche): Silver Medal in Lyon. An award that celebrates the elegance of this beer, capable of combining the freshness of citrus fruits with a bold, international character.

Quality and Dedication: Our secret

"Vincere 9 medaglie internazionali in così poco tempo è il frutto di un lavoro di squadra incessante. Dalla selezione meticolosa delle materie prime alla precisione tecnica in ogni fase, ogni dettaglio conta per portare l'eccellenza italiana nei calici di tutto il mondo."

Danilo Troianiello, Mastro Birraio

For us, these awards are not just trophies to display, but a promise kept to our distributors, partner venues, and all the enthusiasts who choose the quality signed by Birrificio del Ducato every day. We will continue to work with the same passion, one toast at a time.

The post Europe rewards Italian know-how: 9 international medals in 10 days come from Birrificio del Ducato.

Birrificio del Ducato Triumphs at the European Beer Challenge 2026: 4 Prestigious Medals

birredelducato — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 10:12:05 +0000

Another International Success

2026 is off to an incredible start! We are proud to announce that Birrificio del Ducato has been awarded four medals at the European Beer Challenge, one of the most rigorous and influential competitions in the world, where beers are judged by Europe’s leading beer buyers through a strict triple-blind tasting.

This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality, balance, and innovation.

Our Champions on the Podium

GOLD MEDAL for Futura & Machete: Two of our most iconic creations have once again reached the top step of the podium. Futura and Machete continue to set the standard for elegance and hop-forward precision on the international stage.

SILVER MEDAL for Onirika: This is the most exciting news of the year. Our new 2026 release, Onirika, has won Silver on its very first outing! It has barely hit the glasses of our fans and it has already captivated the international jury in London.

Note: For our Italian fans, Onirika is currently featured in our 2026 New Releases Promo on the webshop until March 15th!

BRONZE MEDAL for Viaemilia: Our “mother beer,” the Italian Pilsner that started it all. This Bronze proves that true craft excellence is timeless. Viaemilia remains a benchmark for drinkability and character.

A Toast to the Team

These medals are the result of the daily passion of our entire brewing team and the constant search for perfection. But above all, they are a success to be shared with all of you who choose our beers every day.

Cheers to a golden year!

The post Birrificio del Ducato Triumphs at the European Beer Challenge 2026: 4 Prestigious Medals come from Birrificio del Ducato.

Birrificio del Ducato at Beer & Food Attraction 2026: 22 beers on tap and special events!

birredelducato — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 17:00:50 +0000

From February 15th to 17th, 2026, the Rimini Expo Centre will once again host the key event for the Horeca world: Beer & Food Attraction. We at Birrificio del Ducato are ready to welcome you with a selection that blends our finest craft productions with the excellence of Belgian tradition.

Find us here: Hall D7 – Stand 110

22 Taps: Explore our full variety

This year, we’ve decided to bring a truly impressive selection to Rimini. With 22 beers on tap + 4 in bottle, our tap list is an invitation to explore the brewing landscape in all its nuances.

It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great classics and experience firsthand the quality of our latest creations, added to the lineup specifically for this edition of the fair. Along with Birrificio del Ducato, you can taste the prestigious brands of the Duvel Moortgat group:

Birrificio del Ducato: featuring our latest releases and characterful IPAs.
Chouffe: the unmistakable Belgian range, known for its freshness and the new Chouffe Framboise on tap.
Duvel: the Belgian icon, featuring the Classic, the vibrant 6.66%, and the complex Tripel Hop.
Vedett: the modern, fresh, and irreverent side of Belgium.
Maredsous: the tradition and elegance of historic abbey beers.

Special Events: Join the Party

Beyond the tastings, we have organized two special moments to celebrate together:

Chouffe Party: Sunday 15th and Monday 16th (from 4:30 PM). Music, legendary toasts, and official gadgets with the iconic gnome Marcel, right at our booth.
Ducato After Party – Off-site Event: When the sun sets on the fair, the party continues in the heart of Rimini at Club Primo Piano. An exclusive event for networking and fun outside the exhibition halls.

Stop by Hall D7 – Stand 110 to discover our 2026 lineup and raise a glass with us.

The post Birrificio del Ducato at Beer & Food Attraction 2026: 22 beers on tap and special events! come from Birrificio del Ducato.

World Beer Awards 2025: Birrificio del Ducato wins 7 medals

birredelducato — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 12:18:17 +0000

At the World Beer Awards 2025 Birrificio del Ducato marks another triumph for Italian craft beer. With 7 award-winning beers, our brewery once again proves its excellence and confirms its role as an international ambassador of Italian brewing quality.

The beers awarded at the World Beer Awards 2025

Siamo orgogliosi di condividere con voi i risultati straordinari di quest’anno:

Machete Double IPA – Gold & Italy Winner
An explosive, iconic and intense Double IPA.

Paradox Belgian Tripel – Gold & Italy Winner
Elegant and complex, blending Belgian tradition with Italian creativity.

Birrificio del Ducato silver medals

Viaemilia Italian Pilsner – Silver
Italy’s most awarded Pilsner, a true classic.

Freeride West Coast IPA – Silver

A hoppy, refreshing beer inspired by the American West Coast.

Verdi Imperial Stout – Silver
Powerful and harmonious, internationally recognized.

White Riot Grapefruit Blanche – Silver
Fresh, citrusy and perfect for summer.

Futura Bock – Silver
A bold beer that blends tradition and innovation.

A triumph for the World Beer Awards 2025 Birrificio del Ducato and Italian craft beer

With these results at the World Beer Awards 2025, Birrificio del Ducato confirm our brewery’s role as an ambassador of Italian craft beer on the global stage. Celebrate with us on the online shop.

The post World Beer Awards 2025: Birrificio del Ducato wins 7 medals come from Birrificio del Ducato.

How to Store Beer in the Heat: 3 Essential Tips

birredelducato — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 13:39:07 +0000

When temperatures rise above 40°C (104°F), it’s not just people who suffer—beer does too. Especially craft beers, which are often unpasteurized and more delicate, require proper handling in hot weather.
If you’ve ever wondered how to store beer in the heat without ruining its taste and freshness, here are three key tips to keep your beer tasting great—even on the hottest days.

1. Keep your beer cool and temperature-stable

Heat is beer’s enemy. When beer is exposed to high or fluctuating temperatures, its flavor, aroma, and carbonation can deteriorate quickly.
The ideal storage temperature is between 6°C and 12°C (43–54°F).
Use your fridge, a wine cooler, or a ventilated cellar. Most importantly, avoid sudden temperature changes.

2. Keep it away from sunlight

UV rays from sunlight can chemically alter hop compounds, resulting in a “lightstruck” or “skunky” flavor.
Store beer in dark bottles, cans, or shaded areas—never under direct light.

3. Transporting or shipping beer? Keep it cold

If you’re taking beer on the road, to a picnic, or you’re shipping it, make sure to use an insulated cooler or cold packs.
Avoid leaving beer in a hot car or in direct sun, even for a short time.

Looking for the perfect beer for summer? Read our guide on how to choose the perfect beer.

conclusion

Knowing how to store beer in the heat is crucial for maintaining quality and flavor—especially for craft beers.
With a little care and the right temperature, you’ll enjoy a beer that’s fresh, flavorful, and summer-proof.

The post How to Store Beer in the Heat: 3 Essential Tips come from Birrificio del Ducato.