Birra Salento: The Art of Craft Beer in the Heart of Salento
In the picturesque area of Leverano, in the heart of Salento, lies Birra Salento, a craft brewery that skillfully combines tradition and innovation to create authentic and high-quality beers. Founded in 2010 as a beer firm, it achieved full production independence in 2017 by equipping itself with a modern facility capable of managing brews of 50 hectoliters and an annual production approaching 15,000 liters. This milestone has allowed Birra Salento to establish itself as a point of reference for fans of Apulian craft beer.
The true strength of Birra Salento lies in the careful selection of raw materials, which uniquely enhances local products. The pure water used comes from the scenic Pietra del Pertusillo lake, while the barley is locally grown according to varieties such as Concerto and Odyssey, born from a valuable collaboration with the University of Salento. Equally important are the hops—partly self-produced—and the skillful use of typical Mediterranean spices and herbs, such as thyme, myrtle, chili pepper, and wild fennel, which give each beer an intense and distinctive character, capable of evoking the deep roots of Salento.
The Beer Lines of Birra Salento: A Journey Through Taste and Territory
Birra Salento offers several beer lines, each with its own identity and inspiration:
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Passione: a celebration of Salento culture, with beers like Taranta, a Belgian Style Ale finely spiced with pepper, and Pizzica al peperoncino, which combines local tradition with a spicy and vibrant note.
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Tradizione: reinterpretations of European beer styles, including Nuda & Cruda, a refined and light Pils, and Agricola, a Helles that manages to elegantly blend malt sweetness and balanced bitterness.
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Provocazione: bold and modern beers, perfect for those seeking strong flavors, such as Tipa, an IPA with an easily enjoyable taste, and Laguna Beach, a fresh American IPA with notes of citrus and tropical fruits and a pleasantly persistent bitterness.
In addition to production, Birra Salento offers guided brewery tours, a complete experience where visitors can observe every phase of the production process up close and taste the full range of beers, accompanied by typical local snacks.
Customer care is paramount, with flexible hours from Monday to Saturday, free parking, and accessibility ensured even for those with reduced mobility.
Birra Salento represents a true treasure trove of Salento flavors, able to tell with passion and authenticity the story of Italian artisanal tradition in the world of beer.
