THEY invented the espresso machine, Nutella and the newspaper. Now in a nod to beer drinkers the Italians have found a way to enjoy their favourite drink for breakfast or even at lunch in the office.

Chocolatier Pietro Napoleone and Emanuela Laurenzi’s brewery Alta Quota, based in the Lazio region, have created the world’s first spreadable beer, Birra Spalmabile, that is being sold commercially.

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Using chemistry Napoleone and Laurenzi thickened the beer into a creamy, smooth consistency, GeekoSystem reported. It is available in two flavours, Greta blonde ale and Omid dark ale with 40 per cent beer.

“ ... one is delicate, while the other has a more intense aroma and stronger taste”, reported Italy Magazine.

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“This is not the first time in Italy and in Europe that someone has tried to make a non-liquid beer, but the experiments carried out have not been successful because the combination of ingredients was not a winner. We believe that we have found the right formula with the use of high-quality products. For us this is the future,” said Alta Quota’s Claudio Lorenzini.

The jelly spread is good on toast, an accompaniment for cheeses and hors d’oeuvres or used as a garnish or stuffing for tarts and cakes.

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Originally published as Now sandwiches can get you drunk