Best Western European Syrup Types
Orgeat is a French-style almond syrup that is best known for its use in tropical cocktails. It is made with ground blanched almonds, water, and sugar, while the flavorings often include rose or orange blossom water. Although it is nowadays always prepared with almonds, it was initially made with orzo, or sometimes with a combination of orzo and almonds.
Orgeat is usually opaque and has a distinctive milky, opal color. Though it is mostly used as a cocktail ingredient, it also works well mixed with non-alcoholic drinks such as coffee or shakes. Similar beverages can be found in other cultures and regions.
Vincotto di fichi, or fig vincotto, is a variation of the traditional Italian vincotto that incorporates figs into the reduction process. Like classic vincotto, it is made by slowly cooking down the juice of fruits—in this case, figs—until it becomes a thick, syrupy condiment.
The addition of figs infuses the vincotto with a deeper, fruitier flavor, making it especially rich and complex. Vincotto di fichi can be used as a topping for desserts like panna cotta and gelato, as a glaze for roasted meats, drizzled over robust cheeses or mixed into dressings for salads.
Vincotto, deriving from the Italian "vin cotto" which translates to "cooked wine," is a traditional grape syrup, particularly prominent in the regions such as Puglia, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Sardinia, and Marche. Despite its name, vincotto is non-alcoholic as it is produced by reducing grape must, not by fermenting grapes into wine.
Grape must, the raw, unfermented juice of grapes complete with skins, seeds, and stems, is simmered over a low heat until it thickens into a dense, sweet syrup. Vincotto can be used as a topping for desserts like panna cotta and gelato, as a glaze for roasted meats, drizzled over robust cheeses or mixed into dressings for salads.
Best Western European Syrup Producers
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2021
BEST Bamboo Story Superfoods Chocolate Confectioneries
Birrificio Serra Storta is an Italian craft brewery located in Buscate, in the Lombardy region. Known for its dedication to high-quality beer production, the brewery combines traditional brewing techniques with innovative recipes to create unique craft beers.
The name "Serra Storta" reflects its connection to the local area and its emphasis on crafting beers that stand out for their flavor, character, and originality. With a commitment to sustainability and using carefully selected ingredients, Birrificio Serra Storta has earned a reputation among beer enthusiasts in Italy and beyond.
Best Western European Syrups
Wheat beer. The selection of yeast, the selection of malts and the demanding and unusual processing method (decoction) have made this beer conquer the most refined palates in a short time. Is it because of its abundant foam, its light amber color and naturally cloudy?
Or because on the nose it presents itself with evident notes of ripe banana and a good fizziness? Or because of the typical wheat flavor that balances with a light acidity at the end? In our opinion it is for all these things concentrated in one glass.
AWARDS
Barcelona Beer Challenge - Gold
2024, 2023, 2021
Organic COCONUT SUGAR made by WildNature, Lda. t/a Bamboo Story is a natural sweetener derived from the sap of coconut palm flowers. This product is claimed to be minimally processed to retain its nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron.
It has a lower glycemic index compared to regular sugar, making it a potentially healthier alternative for people managing blood sugar levels. The sugar has a caramel-like flavor, making it suitable for baking, cooking, and sweetening beverages.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
Erica is intended as a tribute to the centuries-old Bavarian brewing tradition. This Helles features a fine and persistent foam and its golden color evokes fields of ripe barley. On the nose, a grainy, honeyed aroma balances with the floral hops. In the mouth, after the perception of a moderate body and a honeyed, grainy flavor, the hop bitterness makes its way just enough to balance the drink.
A classic of the Biergarten!
AWARDS
Barcelona Beer Challenge - Gold
2021
Alba, Scotland in ancient Gaelic, from the name, does not hide the clear inspiration. Creamy foam and dark amber color with ruby reflections. On the nose as in the mouth, it evokes the Highlands with hints of peat and caramel. Rich and elegant, despite the alcohol content, the drink remains pleasant and fluid.
Slàinte Mhath.
AWARDS
Barcelona Beer Challenge - Gold
2023
The new creation of Serra Storta is inspired by the world of Saison. The persistent foam and the slightly cloudy gold color are just the introduction to what it gives to the nose: an intense and lasting scent of wild herbs reminiscent of rosemary.
These sensations are suggested by the embrace between Sichuan pepper, selected yeast and hops. Despite the discreet alcohol content, the body is light and makes the beer drinkable but not banal.
AWARDS
Barcelona Beer Challenge - Gold
2024
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