Birra Moretti Vs Peroni | Which One Is The Better Beer?
Birra Moretti and Peroni are both iconic Italian beers. Although Peroni is probably more well-known around the world, Birra Moretti is a firm favorite in the European market. If you’re wondering how these beers are different and which beer is better, then look no further than this guide to Birra Moretti Vs Peroni. First, the quick answer.
Birra Moretti is a traditional Italian lager with a pronounced malty backbone and a gentle bitterness. Peroni (Peroni Nastro Azzurro), on the other hand, is a premium lager characterized by a light, crisp profile with delicate citrus undertones and a clean finish. While both brands capture the spirit of Italian brewing, Peroni has a lighter, more refreshing taste.
This, obviously, is not the whole story when it comes to Birra Moretti and Peroni. In this guide, we take an in-depth look at Birra Moretti and Peroni (Peroni Nastro Azzurro). We’ll discuss the contrasting flavor, smell, appearance, and history of each beer, as well as the calories and alcohol content of these lagers.
Related: Poretti Vs Moretti / Moretti Vs Madri
History
Birra Moretti, founded by Luigi Moretti in 1859 in Udine, northeastern Italy, quickly became one of the country’s most cherished beers. From its early days as a small brewery, Moretti’s distinctive lager, with its rich, malty flavor, captured the palate of Italians, leading to its national acclaim.
Over time, as the brand expanded its reach, it retained its original recipe and traditional brewing methods, solidifying its reputation as an emblem of Italian beer culture. By 1996, the brand’s prominence drew the attention of the Heineken Group, which subsequently acquired Birra Moretti, integrating it into its global portfolio while preserving its unique Italian identity.
The Peroni Brewery was established in 1846 by Francesco Peroni in Vigevano, Lombardia. In the subsequent decades, while the brand produced various beers, it was the introduction of “Peroni Nastro Azzurro” in 1963 that truly made waves. This premium lager, with its crisp and refreshing profile, became synonymous with Italian elegance and style.
As Peroni’s popularity surged domestically and internationally, it evolved into a symbol of Italian sophistication, marrying tradition with contemporary flair, and firmly establishing itself as a beacon of Italy’s beer heritage on the global stage.
Flavor
Birra Moretti lager has a taste similar to other European lagers like Stella Artois and Heineken. It has a distinct malty richness with subtle grassy and cereal undertones. The beer balances these malty notes with a gentle hop bitterness, resulting in a smooth, medium-bodied drink with a refreshing finish.
Compared to Moretti, Peroni lager is more light and crisp, which leads to a more refreshing taste. On the palate, it delivers a blend of subtle malt sweetness with a faint hoppy bitterness. The beer’s carbonation adds to its refreshing nature, giving it a clean, brisk finish.
For those who prefer an easy-drinking lager with a clean and crisp taste, Peroni is the beer to go for. For those who prefer a more robust flavor in their lagers, Moretti is the one to choose.
Mouthfeel
Birra Moretti offers a medium-bodied mouthfeel with a noticeable malty richness that fills the palate, making each sip feel rounded and substantial. On the other hand, Peroni Nastro Azzurro is lighter on the tongue, marked by its effervescent and crisp nature, evoking a sensation of refreshment and delicacy.
Calories
Birra Moretti has 134 calories per 330ml (the standard EU/UK Bottle Size), whereas Peroni Nastro Azzurro has 137 calories per 330ml. As you can see, there is little difference in the calories of these two beers.
Alcohol Content
Peroni Nastro Azzuro is the slightly stronger lager with an ABV of 5.1% compared to Birra Moretti’s ABV of 4.6%. As with the calorific content of these beers, the difference is only small and unlikely to have any noticeable impact on most drinkers.
Appearance
When poured, Birra Moretti has a rich golden hue and produces a steady, medium-sized white head that lingers, hinting at its full-bodied nature and traditional brewing roots.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro is lighter compared to Moretti. It has a pale, pristine gold appearance, and when poured, Peroni has a slender, fine white head. Although the head doesn’t stay for long, it perfectly complements its crisp and airy character.
Wrapping Up: Moretti Vs Peroni
Both Moretti and Peroni are revered Italian lagers, but they are distinct when it comes to taste and appearance. Moretti, with its rich golden appearance, offers a full-bodied mouthfeel and a pronounced maltiness, like that of traditional European lagers. In contrast, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, gleaming with a pale gold sheen, presents a lighter and crisper taste profile. For those wondering which one is the better beer, I personally prefer the more robust taste that Moretti offers. However, for those of you who prefer a more refreshing and crisp beer, I would suggest the Peroni.
