For most of us, too much alcohol makes us irresponsible.  For Iacopo Lenci, founder of the Brùton brewery in Lucca, it was quite the opposite. It gave him a livelihood.

Iacopo was always for the alternative.  He spent some time in London, where he grew a fondness for ales.  When he moved back to Tuscany, instinctively, in the land of the Sangiovese, he chose hops, barley and malt.  He and his business partner, Andrea, blend traditional brewing methods with novel spicing.  It’s punk in a bottle.

The microbrewery is nested in the country side, a stones’ throw away from the historic center of Lucca.  The water, a key ingredient that gives the beer it’s regional character, is provided by a local spring.

 I start my tasting with a clear ‘Bianca’: stimulating with hints of coriander, orange peel and white pepper.  Next up are the American style citrusy ‘Lilith’ and an English style dark ‘10’.  Of course, I finish with the ‘Momus’: an amber colored Belgian abbey inspired beer. It’s full bodied with tastes of caramel, honey and cacao teasing the palate. I get reminded of home.

The next time you want to go wine tasting, you might want to consider being a bit of a rebel.   London’s calling right in Lucca.

Birrificio Brùton: Via Lodovica 5135, 55060 S. Cassiano di Moriano Lucca, T: +39 0583494955

See Iacopo Lenci in action [he also explains how he is 'A Curious Drunk']: Vimeo