ItalyBrews

How The Blackbird Became Black

The story goes that in the cold months of the year certain birds in Northern Italy do not leave for warmer climates, instead seeking refuge from the freeze by hiding out in chimneys. The result, a warm yet soot covered bird. When these birds fly the coop to look for food they are therefore black. To celebrate this fact Italians get together on the coldest day of the year in the Commune of Sarezzano, Province of Alessandria, Region of Piedmont for Birra della Merla, or the Beers of the Blackbird, and these are some thirsty birds indeed!

Now in it’s fifth year, the event takes place outdoors at La Locanda del Grue, a rustic road side pub specializing in regional fare and uber local beers, such as Birrificio Montegioco. This year’s brewers also included Orso Verde, Bi-Du and Extraomnes, all from the Lombardy Region, north of Milan.

Upon entering Locanda del Grue observe the darkened Budweiser neon sign above the bar. Not illuminated perhaps just for the event, given the audience? It’s a subtle irony I suppose. Inquire at the bar for beer and food tokens, called mèrel, beer bottle caps boasting the moniker of the event; the blackbird!

The scene in the courtyard behind Locanda del Grue is quaint with a gazebo comprising the taps from the breweries, a small grill where you can order sausages with polenta and several outposts surrounding the gazebo boasting small fire pits to help shake off the cold from your extremities.

Step inside the pub to catch a number of events sponsored by Movimento Birra including tastings and the announcement of the contest winners for the best home brewer. If you are stressed out from all the action, step over to Locanda del Grue’s anti stress machine and turn the crank while tipping back another craft beer!

Standouts from the event included Donker from Extraomnes, a rich and dark Imperial Coffee Stout and Rebelde from Orso Verde, a hopped up brew that’s proves just how hopped it really is by moving the beer from the keg thru a bar top chamber filled with wet hops!