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PhrasesAt the BarCosa avete alla spina?
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Cosa avete alla spina?

What do you have on draught?

Pronunciation

SPI-na — two syllables, stress on first.

When to use it

When choosing a beer and wanting to know which beers are available on draught rather than in bottles.

What it means

'Alla spina' = on tap/draught. Italian bars typically have 2–4 beers on draught. Craft beer bars ('birrerie artigianali') may have 10–20. 'In bottiglia' = in bottles — an alternative if the draught selection is limited.

Variations

Una birra alla spina, media.

A medium draught beer.

'Media' = a standard medium pour, approximately 40cl

Avete birre artigianali locali?

Do you have local craft beers?

The Italian craft beer scene is producing excellent regional varieties

Una piccola alla spina.

A small draught beer.

'Piccola' = small glass, approximately 20–25cl — good for a quick drink

Mini Dialogue

— Cosa avete alla spina? — Peroni, Moretti e una IPA artigianale di un birrificio di Torino. — Provo la IPA — non la conosco. — Ottima — è fresca e molto aromatica.

— What do you have on draught? — Peroni, Moretti and a craft IPA from a Turin brewery. — I'll try the IPA — I don't know it. — Excellent — it's fresh and very aromatic.

Cultural Note

Italy's craft beer ('birra artigianale') movement exploded after 2000 and now produces world-class beers. Italian craft brewers have distinguished themselves with food-pairing beers and regional ingredient beers. The Veneto, Piedmont and Lazio regions lead the craft scene.