Peroni Nastro Azzurro is Italy’s most famous beer export, the blue-ribbon lager that turns up in every smart bar and Italian restaurant. Launched in 1963 by a brewery dating back to 1846, it is a premium pale lager built around crispness and a clean, dry finish, brewed in part with a distinctive Italian maize. It leans on style as much as substance, but there is a genuinely good lager under the branding. Here is how it tastes, what is in it, and whether it is worth the premium.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro at a glance
| Style | Italian pale lager |
| ABV | 5.0% |
| Calories | Around 140 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 8.5g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Birra Peroni (Asahi), 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
Nastro Azzurro is all about crisp and dry, with a light body and a clean, faintly hoppy finish that lifts it above the everyday lagers.
The full review
It pours pale straw-gold and very clear, with a bright white head that holds for a moment before settling. The aroma is clean and grainy with a faint hop note and a touch of the corn-sweet character the Italian maize gives it.
On the palate it is light, crisp and dry, with a delicate grainy sweetness and a clean, gently bitter finish. There is a little more definition and snap here than in a standard macro lager, which is what earns it the premium label. It is refreshing without being watery.
It comes into its own cold and with food, cutting cleanly through pizza, pasta and salty antipasti. It is not a big or complex beer, but it is well made and genuinely crisp, and the dry finish keeps it drinkable all evening.
Value is the sticking point. It costs more than the domestic macros and a lot of that is brand and packaging. But as a clean, crisp premium lager for a nice meal, it delivers enough quality to justify the step up.
Style and substance, in roughly equal measure.
- Genuinely crisp, clean and dry
- A cut above everyday macro lagers
- Great with Italian food
- Stylish and widely available
- You pay a premium for the brand
- Light on body and malt
- Not complex enough for slow sipping
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a crisp, premium pale lager for a meal out or a nicer evening in. If you like this, a Stella Artois or a Pilsner Urquell are natural comparisons.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro FAQs
What does Peroni Nastro Azzurro taste like?
Light, crisp and dry with a clean grainy sweetness and a gentle hop bitterness on the finish. More snap and definition than a standard macro lager.
How strong is Peroni Nastro Azzurro?
It is 5.0% ABV, standard-strength for a pale lager, though it is sometimes labelled 5.1% in Europe.
How many calories are in Peroni Nastro Azzurro?
Around 140 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 8.5g of carbs.
Why is Peroni brewed with maize?
A portion of Italian maize gives Nastro Azzurro its light body and clean, subtly sweet, crisp character, which is part of its signature.
Is Peroni vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, maize, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Peroni gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten. Peroni does make a separate gluten-free version.
Is Peroni Nastro Azzurro a lager?
Yes, it is an Italian pale lager, first launched in 1963.
Who makes Peroni?
Birra Peroni, an Italian brewery founded in 1846, now owned by Asahi.
Where to buy Peroni Nastro Azzurro
Peroni is widely sold in the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Peroni Nastro Azzurro is a properly crisp, clean premium pale lager that lives up to at least most of its reputation. You pay for the brand, and it is light on body, but it is well made, genuinely refreshing and a natural match for Italian food. A strong three point seven out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.
For the full ranked lineup, head to our best lager beers guide.
See where Peroni Nastro Azzurro lands against its rivals in our pale lager guide guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Peroni Nastro Azzurro?
Peroni Nastro Azzurro is an Italian pale lager, at 5.0% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Peroni Nastro Azzurro?
Peroni Nastro Azzurro has an ABV of 5.0%.
How many calories are in Peroni Nastro Azzurro?
Peroni Nastro Azzurro has Around 140 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Peroni Nastro Azzurro gluten free?
Peroni Nastro Azzurro: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Peroni Nastro Azzurro have carbs?
Yes, Peroni Nastro Azzurro has Around 8.5g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Peroni Nastro Azzurro 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 Peroni Nastro Azzurro?
If you can’t find Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Birra Moretti is a close alternative in the same Italian pale lager category.
How much does Peroni Nastro Azzurro cost?
Peroni Nastro Azzurro 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 Peroni Nastro Azzurro 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 Peroni Nastro Azzurro?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for an Italian pale lager like Peroni Nastro Azzurro. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
