Police urge licensees to watch out for black market craft beer
Burglars stole 20 cases of the highly sought after L’Equilibrista, brewed by Italian craft brewery Birra Del Borgo, and 10 cases of pilsner Tipo Pils, from the Atlas Brands warehouse on 7 November.
Other beers including Toccalmatto Zona Cesarini and Brewfist Spaceman IPA were also nicked, costing the company more than £3,000.
The loss of the L’Equilibrista - which is made with a blend of beer and Chianti grape must, and aged for at least one year with champagne yeast – is a particular blow, as the strictly limited bottles were the only ones to reach the UK.
Black market
West Yorkshire Police is currently investigating local gangs and is appealing for publicans across the UK to be on the lookout.
It is thought the beer may be sold on the black market as wine and prices will be considerably cheaper than the £30-£40 a bottle they would sell for in craft beer bars.
Atlas Brands co-owner Andreas Falt said: "We are very upset about what has happened and for all our customers who pre-ordered L’Equilibrista and were just waiting for it to be delivered.
"We will continue to import the most amazing Italian craft beers and supply the best beer bars of the country."
