24 Baroni Craft Brewery: the excellence of Sicilian beer
The 24 Baroni Brewery, located in Contrada Sant'Onofrio in Nicosia, in the heart of eastern Sicily, represents one of the most interesting and promising realities in the Italian craft beer scene. Founded in 2014 from the passion and entrepreneurial spirit of brothers Antonio and Giacomo Cosentino, both graduates in Business Economics, this brewery skillfully combines tradition and innovation, offering products that tell the story and reflect the Sicilian territory.
The name “24 Baroni” is inspired by the ancient baronial families of Nicosia, a nod to the rich local cultural heritage. This identity is reflected not only in the meticulously designed and meaningful labels but also in the authentic flavors of the beers, true tributes to the aromas and character of Sicily.
Production method and artisanal quality
Production at 24 Baroni Brewery follows rigorous artisanal methods respectful of traditional techniques. The beer is brewed with top fermentation followed by bottle refermentation, a slow and natural process that gives aromatic complexity and a character in constant evolution. The ingredients used are carefully selected:
- high-quality malted cereals
- prized hops
- selected yeasts
- pure water sourced from the Nebrodi and Madonie mountains, which makes up about 95% of the beer's composition
This water is particularly appreciated because it imparts a fresh and distinctive taste, comparable to the finest alpine waters. The brewery’s beers are unpasteurized, unfiltered, and completely natural, free from chemical preservatives or stabilizers.
After the primary fermentation in temperature-controlled steel tanks, the beer is bottled for the second fermentation, which creates the characteristic foam formation and leaves a small yeast residue at the bottom—a sign of a genuine and living product.
Innovation and awards
24 Baroni Brewery does not limit itself to tradition: in 2018 it launched a gluten-free beer, made possible thanks to advanced techniques that lower the gluten content to only 10 parts per million, making it perfect even for those following a gluten-free diet.
Over the years, the brewery has collected numerous prestigious awards and recognitions that confirm the quality of its productions:
- 4th place in the 'Dark Top Fermentation' category with the Nera beer at Beer Attraction in Rimini, 2016
- “Great Beer” recognition for the Bionda II Sulla Honey in the Slow Food Guide 2016-2017
- 2nd place in the category at the 14th Beer Attraction for the Nera “Beer of the Year” 2017
- Gold medal in Lyon 2017 for the Bionda II Sulla Honey in the flavored beers category
- Silver medal for the Rossa also in Lyon, 2017
- First place at the Premio Cerevisia 2017 as Best Brewery in Southern Italy and Islands
With an annual production exceeding 200,000 bottles, 24 Baroni Brewery is also a reference point for enthusiasts, thanks to tasting days and open cellars that allow a close-up experience of the magic of Sicilian craft beer.
The care for quality, the connection with the territory, and the attention to the environment, with the use of energy from renewable sources, testify to the brewery’s constant commitment to enhancing Sicilian tradition without giving up innovation and sustainability.
