In this episode of Brewer Stories, we head to the heart of Italy – Amelia, one of Umbria’s oldest towns – to meet Alessandro Di Stefano and Francesco Federico, the passionate brewers behind Birrificio Amerino. Together, we take on an exciting new project: crafting a hoppy lager using Fermentis’ latest innovation, SafLager™ SH-45.
The Goal: Crafting a Crisp Hoppy Lager
Founded in 2017 by brothers Alessandro and Marco Di Stefano, Birrificio Amerino combines deep local roots with a constant drive for innovation. Just six months after its launch, the brewery won several awards at Beer & Food Attraction in Rimini – an early sign of its promise.
Following those successes, Alessandro stepped in as master brewer, expanding the brewery’s reach both locally and internationally.
When Fermentis first produced SafLager™ SH-45, the timing was perfect. The Amelia team’s enthusiasm aligned seamlessly with the goal: to develop a refreshing, hop-forward lager in time for the 2025 Beer & Food Attraction – returning to the very event where the brewery made its debut years earlier.
The Style: Hoppy Lager
Hoppy Lagers are an emerging style that combines the crispness of a traditional lager with the expressive hop character typically found in ales. They offer a light to medium body, a pale to golden hue, and hop-driven aromas that range from citrus and floral to pine and tropical fruit.
The style is all about balance: the clean, refreshing profile of a lager meets the bold, aromatic presence of hops. The result is a beer that is easy to drink yet full of flavor – perfect for warm days or hop-lovers looking for something lighter than an IPA.
These beers also pair well with a wide range of foods, from grilled meats and spicy dishes to seafood and salads.
The Yeast: SafLager™ SH-45, our Game-Changing Solution to Elevate Hop Aromas in Lager Beers
This project marked the first commercial use of SafLager™ SH-45, and it did not disappoint. This all-new lager yeast helps brewers unlock intense hop aromas – especially thiol-derived notes like citrus and tropical fruit – without compromising the classic crispness expected from a lager.
Its ability to enhance hop expression makes it an ideal choice for breweries eager to experiment with modern hop-forward lagers while maintaining a clean fermentation profile.
The Result: SHH Beer, a bright, expressive aroma with crisp finish
From the small town of Amelia to the spotlight of Rimini, this collaboration came full circle. Marco and Francesco presented their new beer, fittingly named “SHH”, at the 2025 Beer & Food Attraction.
It was the first time Italian brewers had the opportunity to taste a beer brewed with SafLager™ SH-45 – and it left an impression. SHH stood out for its bright, expressive aroma and crisp finish, showcasing what’s possible when tradition meets innovation.
Want to learn more about SafLager™ SH-45 and other Fermentis innovations?
Visit fermentis.com for more brewing inspiration.