I started seeing Extraomnes beer around town in July. I spotted it first at Domus Birrae and it stuck out amongs the hundreds of other bottles there because it was a standard size (.33L) and accessible price. From the start, I was intrigued. For those familiar with Italian craft beer, you know that bottles tend to be .75L (wine bottle volume) and prices tend to

be silly. It’s not unusual to pay €10-17 for a bottle. Unfortunately most brewers have chosen to go the elitest route, preferring to sell their product at an unjustified high price (regardless of style). Extraomnes, which makes really great, drinkable, and relatively accessible beers has broken from the pack. I was hooked immediately, thought it took several months to successfully pronounce the brewer’s name. Here’s a round-up of what I’ve tried and loved so far:

Blond: citrus notes lead to a bitter finish; ideal aperitif and can be paired with delicate vegetable or seafood dishes.
Saison: a refreshing beer with vegetal and herbal notes; a fine pairing with salumi or even spicy or spiced cuisines.
Tripel: Malted and peachy with an undeniable heat (it’s nearly 9% alcohol) but tempered by a dry finish; pair with offal, fatty meats, or aged cheeses.
Bruin: this is a fun beer suitable for desserts or cheese courses (you might pair it with blue cheese or chocolate sweets); bitter chocolate aromas mingle with candied chestnuts and caramel.
Zest: This dry hopped Belgian ale is citrusy and fresh. The name sums it up.
Kerst Riserva 2011: Marzipan, quince, vanilla and currants characterize this oak aged Belgian strong ale with 13% ABV.

Extraomnes is made in northwestern Lombardy but is widely available in Rome. You can find it from €3.80 a bottle at Domus Birrae, Open Baladin, Pizzarium, Blind Pig, and Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà.