Birra Montecassino boasts a rich history intertwined with the venerable Montecassino Abbey, established by Saint Benedict in 529 AD. Perched atop a mountain overlooking Cassino, Italy, the abbey became a beacon of culture and spirituality. Historical accounts suggest that between the 5th and 6th centuries, the monks cultivated barley and brewed beer, potentially marking it as Europe's earliest known abbey beer.

​

The abbey's brewing tradition flourished for centuries until the devastation of World War II's Battle of Montecassino in 1944, which obliterated the monastery. While the abbey was meticulously reconstructed by 1964, its brewing heritage remained dormant.

​

In 2018, local entrepreneur Daniele Miri spearheaded a revival of this ancient tradition established a state-of-the-art microbrewery named "Birrificio Montecassino" within the abbey's historic Albaneta estate. This initiative saw the cultivation of barley on rejuvenated monastery lands and utilised the mountain's pristine water sources, leading to the inaugural batch of Birra Montecassino in late 2018.

​

The beer's reintroduction was met with enthusiasm, first locally and then expanding to major Italian cities. By 2022, Birra Montecassino UK was established, aiming to bring this naturally carbonated Italian craft beer to the United Kingdom. The brand emphasizes traditional brewing methods, delivering an authentic and refreshing taste that reflects its storied past.

​

In recognition of its quality and historical significance, Birra Montecassino's "Alba" was awarded the title of Best Historical Beer in Lazio in 2023, further cementing its status as a distinguished product of the region. In 2024, the Dubbel was awarded first prize for "Italy's Best Dubbel" in one of the nations biggest craft beer awards.

 

Today, Birra Montecassino stands as a testament to a 1,500-year-old legacy, inviting enthusiasts to savour a brew deeply rooted in monastic tradition and regional pride.