In this first issue of our new series “Beer pairs with”, we look at the topic of “Beer pairs with pasta”.
Growing up in Italy—specifically in Rome—I have always had a big appetite for pasta. In the Eternal City, pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s a cultural institution. From the rich, hearty “Carbonara” to the tangy “Amatriciana,” and of course the iconic “Cacio e Pepe” and “Gricia”, every dish is a celebration of tradition, passion, and history.
As a passionate brewer, I have always considered beer and pasta to be natural partners, despite wine being the traditional Italian pairing option. I absolutely love Italian cuisine and brewing, so I’ve started a new series to try out some unusual combinations of beer and food. Italians are very traditional when it comes to food. There are certain things we just can’t accept, like the weird rule about not drinking cappuccino after 11 am (I don’t know why) and especially drinking cappuccino during a main meal (which I’m all for). 😊
Here I show how each Fermento beer aligns perfectly with some of Italy’s most iconic pasta dishes. My goal is to share personal insights, tips, and mouthwatering combinations that demonstrate how beer pairs with pasta just as effectively as with stews or barbecues.
Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, these pairing ideas aim to inspire you to elevate your recipes and pasta experiences alike.
Fermento Golden Breeze is our crisp, refreshing Pils – full of malt and hop aroma. Its lightness and subtle bitterness make it the perfect beer to pair with Italy’s most beloved pasta: Carbonara.
The beer
Golden Breeze offers delicate malt sweetness combined with a clean, herbal hop profile. Its lively effervescence makes it a versatile beer that pairs with pasta and elevates many recipes — truly showcasing how beer pairs with pasta in the best way.
The Pasta: Carbonara is a Roman dish made with spaghetti (but also short pasta as e.g. rigatoni), egg yolks, Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and guanciale (pork cheek). The creamy, savoury texture goes really well with the light, crisp beer, which makes the smoky flavour of the pork and the silky eggy sauce really stand out. Romans (and I) get pretty annoyed when we hear about changes to the original recipe, especially when it includes ingredients like bacon, ham and most of all, cooking cream.
Tip: Serve a chilled (4°C) Golden Breeze with your carbonara and enjoy how the beer’s fresh notes cut through the richness. This is the ultimate beer pairing.
2. Amber Ale with Amatriciana – Beer goes with Pasta: Strong beer for spicy Pasta
Fermento Amber Ale is rich, malty, with caramel and toasted notes and a rich hoppy and not bitter taste, making it ideal for more intense pasta recipes like Amatriciana.
The beer
Amber Ale boasts a deep malt backbone with hints of bitterness and caramel sweetness. It perfectly complements the smoky, spicy sauce, pairing with bold flavors.
Die Pasta: Amatriciana – from Rome too—features tomatoes, Guanciale, Pecorino Romano, and chili flakes. Its big, spicy flavors are intensified and balanced by the hearty, malty profile of beer.
Tip: Pour a glass of Amber Ale at around 7˚C to enjoy with your Amatriciana. The beer will bring out the smoky, spicy notes perfectly.
3. Mistral (Weizen) with Spaghetti alle Vongole — From Coast to Table, Beer Pairs with Pasta Seafood
Fermento Mistral is a fruity, aromatic wheat beer with a gentle, fresh profile. Its lightness and citrus/banana notes make it an ideal beer for seafood pasta—especially Spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams).
The beer
Mistral features a subtle citrus aroma with hints of banana, complemented by a smooth, yeasty finish. Its crispness and fruitiness pair perfectly with the briny, delicate flavor of clams.
Die Pasta: Spaghetti alle Vongole – originating from Italy’s coast — includes garlic, olive oil, parsley, white wine, and fresh clams. The beer enhances the seafood’s natural saltiness, adding a refreshing balance.
Tip: Serve your beer at 5°C with your spaghetti and you will be amazed at how the beer enhances the seafood, creating harmony and a fresh, bright finish. This will take your pasta and beer experience to a whole new level!
Fermento Ventuno is our rich, honey infused beer, with a smooth malt sweetness and a subtle honey aroma. Its slightly sweet profile makes it ideal for pairing with hearty, cheesy Lasagne alla Bolognese, one of Italy’s most beloved comfort foods.
The beer
Ventuno combines layered malt flavors with gentle honey sweetness, creating a beer that pairs perfectly with rich, slow-cooked sauces. Its balanced profile enhances the savory meat sauce, béchamel, and cheese layers, making every bite more satisfying.
Die Pasta: Lasagne – from Bologna – features layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, béchamel, and cheese. The beer helps bring out the pasta wheat flavor and deepens the creamy texture, creating a harmonious pairing.
Tip: Pour the honey beer Ventuno alongside your lasagne at 8˚C to create the perfect harmony of flavours, transforming an ordinary recipe into a memorable gourmet experience!
5. Liberica (Stout) with Pasta Quattro Formaggi — A Beer that Brings Depth and Elegance
Fermento Liberica boasts bold roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee aromas. Its deep, intense flavors make it the star in elegant, decadent pasta dishes, like Pasta Quattro Formaggi — a classic Lombardy recipe, historically created by monks, blending four cheeses into a velvety, aromatic sauce.
The beer
Liberica is a full-bodied stout with rich roasted notes, dark chocolate, and a hint of coffee. Its boldness pairs perfectly with the cheesy, creamy pasta, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Die Pasta: Quattro Formaggi combines Parmesan, Gorgonzola, Mozzarella and Fontina. The beer’s roasty notes contrast beautifully with the cheeses’ richness, creating a luxurious pairing for this pasta that feel like a gourmet treat.
Tip: For the best flavour integration, drink Liberica at a cool temperature of approximately 10°C. This way, you will enjoy the coffee and roasted notes together with the milk, just like a caffellate. Sip and savour your pasta—this is the pinnacle of beer pairing.
Final Word: Beer Pairs With Pasta - Explore, Enjoy, and Innovate!
it’s only the best beer that really makes a difference here. At Fermento, we believe that great beers deserve great food, and this is the philosophy that guides everything we do. Don’t be afraid to try new pairings — taste, adjust, and refine! Every Fermento beer adds depth, complexity and excitement to your dishes, making the flavours pop and creating perfect harmony on your plate.
Our passion comes from Italy’s rich culinary tradition, where the love of good food and excellent drinks go hand in hand. The Italian way of life, known as “la dolce vita” (the sweet life), reminds us that sharing good beer and delicious food can create unforgettable moments. Whether you’re making a simple starter or a fancy main course, each beer will make the flavours pop, help balance the ingredients, and take ordinary moments to something really special.
Beer pairs with pasta perfectly. So go for it: have fun, be bold, and don’t hold back. Your get-togethers will become unforgettable, delicious celebrations that bring people closer together. Cheers to finding new combinations, experiencing Italy’s love of food and drink, and celebrating the art of great beer and great food – because great beers deserve great food!