Birra Moretti is one of Italy’s most recognisable beers, brewed since 1859 and instantly known by the moustachioed gentleman on the label. It is a Vienna-influenced pale lager marketed as L’Autentica, a little maltier and more balanced than the lightest imports, with a clean, food-friendly character that suits Italian cooking. Here is how it tastes, what is in it, and where it lands.
Birra Moretti at a glance
| Style | Italian pale lager |
| ABV | 4.6% |
| Calories | Around 140 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 11g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Birra Moretti (Heineken), Italy |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, maize, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | Around $9 to $14 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Moretti is a crisp, balanced Italian lager with a little more bready malt character than the lightest imports and a clean, gently bitter finish.
The full review
It pours clear gold with a firm white head. The aroma is clean and grainy with a soft bready malt note and a light, slightly herbal hop character, a touch fuller than a plain macro lager.
On the palate it is crisp and smooth with a light bready malt body, a soft sweetness and a clean, gently bitter finish. There is a little more malt roundness than a Corona or a Sol, which gives it balance and a satisfying, everyday character without ever being heavy.
It is a genuinely likable lager that shines with food, pairing naturally with pizza, pasta and Italian cooking in general. Served cold it is crisp and easy, and that touch of bready malt keeps it interesting over a session. It is a solid, honest beer that punches slightly above the light-import crowd.
Value is fair for an import. It costs about the same as the other European lagers but offers a touch more balance and character, which makes it an easy recommendation when you want a crisp lager with a bit of body.
A balanced Italian lager with just enough bready malt to keep it interesting.
- Crisp, balanced and smooth
- A touch of bready malt character
- Excellent with Italian food
- Widely liked and well made
- Still a fairly light lager
- Import pricing
- Not complex enough for slow sipping
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a crisp, balanced European lager with a little more malt than the lightest imports. If you like this, a Peroni or an Estrella Damm are natural comparisons.
Birra Moretti FAQs
What does Birra Moretti taste like?
Crisp and smooth with a light bready malt body, a soft sweetness and a clean, gently bitter finish. Balanced and a touch fuller than the lightest lagers.
How strong is Birra Moretti?
It is 4.6% ABV, standard-strength for a lager.
How many calories are in Birra Moretti?
Around 140 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 11g of carbs.
Who is the man on the Birra Moretti label?
It is a moustachioed gentleman in a hat and coat, the brand’s long-running trademark since the 1940s, not a specific real person.
Is Birra Moretti vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, maize, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Birra Moretti gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten.
Where is Birra Moretti brewed?
In Italy, where it has been made since 1859. The brand is now owned by Heineken.
What food goes with Birra Moretti?
It pairs naturally with pizza, pasta and Italian cooking, and works with most casual food.
Where to buy Birra Moretti
Birra Moretti is widely sold in the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Birra Moretti is a crisp, balanced Italian lager with a touch more bready malt than the lightest imports, which gives it real everyday appeal and makes it a natural with food. It is still a light beer at heart, but it is well made, honest and easy to like. A solid three point six out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.
If you are still deciding what to drink, our best lagers guide ranks every one we have reviewed.
For more like this, see our guide to the best pale lagers.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Birra Moretti?
Birra Moretti is an Italian pale lager, at 4.6% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Birra Moretti?
Birra Moretti has an ABV of 4.6%.
How many calories are in Birra Moretti?
Birra Moretti has Around 140 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Birra Moretti gluten free?
Birra Moretti: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Birra Moretti have carbs?
Yes, Birra Moretti has Around 11g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Birra Moretti taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
What is a good alternative to Birra Moretti?
If you can’t find Birra Moretti, Peroni Nastro Azzurro is a close alternative in the same Italian pale lager category.
How much does Birra Moretti cost?
Birra Moretti typically runs Around $9 to $14 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Birra Moretti without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Birra Moretti?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for an Italian pale lager like Birra Moretti. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
