Birra del Forte is the beer produced by Birrificio del Forte, a small, artisanal brewery located in the town of Pietrasanta, on the Tuscan Riviera. Birrificio del Forte, which was founded in 2010, produces six different types of beer, from lighter to heavier ones.
It was Regina del Mare (meaning Queen of the Sea), a soft brown beer containing 8% alcohol, that won my heart. It has a a full-bodied character and a toasty roundness with hints of dried fruits (figs, dates, cherries). The finish is complex, warm, and malty. Regina del Mare pairs well with cured meats, such as finocchiona, and aged cheeses.
