Benedictines count on beer sales to rebuild earthquake-damaged monastery

[rug]

The monks of Monastero di San Benedetto di Norcia. (Courtesy of Norcia Community)

By Angelo Stagnaro | Oct. 12, 2016

DARIEN, CONN. Beer isn't a drink one normally associates with Italy; however, the good monks of Monastero di San Benedetto di Norcia have crafted a magnificent brew which they hope will prove to be popular.

Birra Nursia is a four-year-old craft brewery operated by Benedictines. Every month, they produce 40,000 bottles of traditional blonde and dark beer in batches of 700 bottles in order to ensure a standard of high quality. St. Benedict insisted monasteries strive towards fiscal self-sufficiency through labor which led the monks of Norcia to create their own craft beer.

On Sept. 30, the monks hosted a vernissage -- a reception to highlight its two beers and introduce them to the American market at the Darien Community Center in Darien, Conn.

Birra Nursia's two signature beers, a blond ale and a Belgian strong ale, are brewed on the grounds of the Basilica of St. Benedict located on the traditional birthplace of the twin saints, Benedict and Scholastica. The town is situated in southeastern Umbria in the Valnerina valley beneath the majestic slopes of the Sibylline mountains. The blond beer is light and buoyant -- typical of Belgian light ales. The dark Birra Nursia is more complex with a rich, rustic malty taste.

The Birra Nursia brewery's motto is taken from Psalm 104:15: "ut laetificet cor" (that the heart might be gladdened).

https://www.ncronline.org/news/people/benedictines-count-beer-sales-rebuild-earthquake-damaged-monastery