Tasting the History of Beer

An evening dedicated to beer culture

Tasting the History of Beer is the cultural event that Pro Loco Pombia APS dedicates to the world of beer, hosted at the Social Center on Via Garibaldi 16, in Pombia, in the province of Novara, in the heart of Piedmont. This is not just a simple tasting, but a true journey through time: a meeting that weaves together history, science, and the pleasure of taste, designed for those who truly want to understand what lies behind a glass of beer.

From antiquity to modern beers

The common thread of the evening is the story of beer's evolution, from its most remote origins to contemporary craft productions. We discuss raw materials, different styles, and the techniques that have transformed an ancient beverage into one of the most beloved in the world. All this with an approach that promotes conscious and attentive consumption, far from excess and close to the culture of drinking well.

The speakers

Guiding the audience are two knowledgeable voices: Giancarlo Longhi, master brewer and founder of Beer Lab, and Luca Bertolino, a teacher at the Cavallini Institute of Lesa. Their dialogue combines the practical experience of the producer with a historical and educational perspective, for a conversation accessible to both beginners and the most demanding enthusiasts.

Pombia and the oldest beer in Europe

This evening has deep roots in the local area. In 1995, during excavations in the necropolis of the Golasecca culture in Pombia, dating back to the 6th century BC, a vessel was found containing residues of what is considered one of the oldest documented beers in Europe, already produced with hops. It is precisely from this extraordinary archaeological heritage that the town's passion for the history of beer was born, culminating over the years in the project to reconstruct ancient proto-Celtic beer. Participating in "Tasting the History of Beer" therefore means connecting with a tradition that in Pombia has roots spanning over two thousand five hundred years of history.

Four beers to discover

During the evening, four beers are offered for tasting, accompanied by food pairings designed to enhance their aromas and characteristics. A convivial occasion to train the palate and learn to recognize styles, scents, and flavors, guided step by step by the speakers.