Sguaraunda: the craft microbrewery in the heart of the Bassa Bergamasca
In the picturesque village of Pagazzano, just steps from the renowned medieval castle, stands Sguaraunda, a family-run craft microbrewery that has marked the history of craft beer in Bergamo since 2003. Founded by Massimo Simeone and Roberto Furiosi, it was the first craft brewery in the province of Bergamo and one of the pioneers on the Italian scene.
The brewery’s name, Sguaraunda, comes from the Bergamasque dialect and means “wave breaker” or “party, conviviality.” This strong reference to local tradition and the desire to innovate is reflected in the company's production philosophy, which aims to enhance the craft beer culture by breaking conventions and proposing unique and original products.
Philosophy and high-quality craft production
The secret of Sguaraunda lies in meticulous attention to the quality of raw materials and traditional production methods. The brewery exclusively selects Italian ingredients, prioritizing:
- pure water, drawn from an 80-meter deep well, which guarantees a perfect base for fermentation;
- malt and hops grown locally, thanks to a self-sufficient production started in 2018;
- selected yeasts to ensure authentic and complex aromas.
The process involves fermentation in open tanks and natural bottle refermentation, without the use of additives or forced processes, for genuine carbonation and superior quality.
Over the years, the range of beers produced has expanded from three to as many as sixteen different styles, including a gluten-free beer to meet the needs of all enthusiasts. Among the most appreciated creations are the Nera Affumicata, inspired by the renowned Rauch beers of Bamberg, and the Murator, a beer with a strong character and a delicate sweet flavor dedicated to Roberto Furiosi, co-founder who passed away in 2017.
Visitors to the brewery can enjoy a welcoming green area where they can taste fresh beers on site or purchase bottles to take home. For private events, professional taps are available for hire, while guided tours and tastings are organized by appointment, ensuring an intimate and curated experience for small groups.
In every sip of Sguaraunda beers, one can perceive the passion, innovation, and strong connection with the Bergamo territory—a combination that makes this microbrewery one of the benchmarks of Italian craft excellence.
