For quite a while now I’ve been looking forward to the chance of visiting Spoltore again.
The last time I was there I broke one of my rules of travel; never go anywhere without a camera.
I’d passed through Spoltore quite a few times. Whenever I’ve been based in Loreto Aprutino and had to make a trip to Pescara airport the best route is via Capelle Sul Tavo and Spoltore. On the occasion of the great rule breaking we were giving a friend a lift to the airport to get the flight to Stansted. We hadn’t planned to go or stop anywhere on our way back, but we fancied a coffee and something sweet and Spoltore was the answer.
Since we were there it made sense to explore and once we climbed up we were stunned by the views of the mountains and sea. But I can’t show you what we saw because I didn’t bring my camera! 
I’m not going to describe Spoltore in this post. I’ll wait couple of weeks when I hope to be able to show some pictures as well. But if you are passing through and have the time, find a place to park and follow the streets up as high as you can go, the views are well worth it.
But there is a second reason for going back, one that isn’t normally associated with Abruzzo or Italy.
It’s beer!
Spoltore has a microbrewery.
I’ve tried a few different main stream Italian beers. The usual suspects are Moretti and Peroni. I really like La Rossa by Moretti and I have to admit that although Montepulciano d’Abruzzo would be my typical tipple in Abruzzo sometimes a glass of beer is the perfect drink.
Today I discovered Almond ‘22, a micro-brewery in Spoltore. “Discovered” may be a bit strong, as I haven’t had a chance to visit the brewery or sample its produce yet. But I will. And there are lots to choose from; take a look at their beer list.
I’m not sure I’m going to be able for their Torbata which has a barley wine style and I’ve seen described as a bottle-conditioned ‘smoked ale’ that’s … flavoured with chestnut honey. But maybe I should give it a go purely for research purposes. 
Right now I don’t know if the public can visit the brewery and buy directly from them, but the idea of exploring Spoltore, taking photographs of the town and its views and then rounding it off with a Blanche de Valerie or an Irie really appeals.
If it turns out I can’t buy directly, Almond ‘22 have kindly provided a list of places where I buy their beer so it looks like I have a viable Plan B.
I’ll let you know how I get on.
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