Ma.Ma Pin Up Hoppy Strong Ale

Tasting Notes

At 8% this sits at the upper edge of the IPA range, which typically pushes the malt backbone forward to balance the hop load — expect notes of toffee, stone fruit, and a resinous or tropical hop character depending on the hopping bill. The body tends toward medium-full, with enough sweetness to keep the bitterness from turning harsh. The finish lingers with hop oils and a mild warming from the alcohol. These notes describe the general strong IPA profile, as I don't have specific sensory documentation for this particular release.

About the Brewery

Birra Flea is an Italian craft brewery operating as an agricultural cooperative, based in the Lazio region. They are known for working within an agrarian framework that ties brewing to local land and ingredients, a relatively uncommon setup in the Italian craft scene. Their lineup tends toward hop-forward and experimental styles, and they have built a solid reputation among Italian craft beer enthusiasts. I don't have detailed founding date or ownership information I can confirm with confidence.

Food Pairings

A strong, hoppy ale at this weight pairs well with aged pecorino or sharp cheddar, where the resinous bitterness cuts through the fat and salt. Grilled lamb or a spiced merguez sausage works because the malt sweetness tempers the char while the hops match the meat's intensity. A mushroom and truffle risotto is a good match since the earthy umami echoes the beer's depth without competing with the hop profile. Spicy arrabbiata or a chili-forward dish can also align here, as the residual malt softens heat rather than amplifying it.

Style Guide

A strong IPA — sometimes labeled Imperial or Double IPA — builds on the standard IPA framework by pushing both the malt and hop content higher, typically landing between 7.5% and 10%. The increased malt provides a structural base of caramel or bready sweetness that prevents the elevated hop bitterness from becoming aggressive. The style grew out of American craft brewing in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with Russian River's Pliny the Elder often cited as a defining example. Compared to a standard IPA it's fuller-bodied and more alcoholic, and compared to a barleywine it stays hop-dominant rather than malt-dominant.