Stolen craft beer could be sold as wine on black market

A top Italian craft beer was among a haul stolen by thieves from a specialist importer and police are warning that the brews may resurface on the black market as wine.

The beers were stolen from a warehouse housing beers imported by Atlas Brands on 7 November.

A total of 20 cases of L’Equilibrista, 10 cases of Tipo Pils and a collection of Toccalmatto Zona Cesarini and Brewfist Spaceman IPA were taken, valued at £3,000 altogether.

West Yorkshire police, who are currently investigating the involvement of local gangs, have called for all licensees and publicans to be on the look out for the beers.

L’Equilibrista was the most valuable beer stolen. Atlas Brands is the only importer to the UK and does not receive a very large allocation.

The beers are made with Chianti must and Champagne yeast and cost £30-£40 a bottle.

It is thought that the thieves may try to offload it as wine rather than beer because of the way it’s made and as a way of trying to throw the authorities off the scent.

Andreas Falt, co-owner of Atlas Brands, told the Morning Advertiser: “We are very upset about what has happenedand for al our customers who pre-ordered L’Equilibrista and were just waiting for it to be delivered.”