Russia is a country of vast landscapes, rich culture, and an increasingly diverse beer scene. Over the past two decades, the Russian beer culture has evolved dramatically, with an influx of craft breweries creating innovative beers that have gained recognition both locally and internationally. If you’re a beer enthusiast traveling to Russia, visiting local breweries is a great way to experience the country’s dynamic brewing scene firsthand. In this article, we’ll highlight some of Russia’s best breweries to visit, showcasing their unique beers, brewing techniques, and the experience they offer to beer lovers.
1. AF Brew (Saint Petersburg)
Why You Should Visit:
AF Brew is one of the leading craft breweries in Russia, based in the cultural hub of Saint Petersburg. Known for its bold, experimental approach to brewing, AF Brew is a must-visit for anyone interested in the cutting edge of Russian craft beer. This brewery pushes the boundaries of traditional brewing with unique styles and flavor combinations, using both local and international ingredients. It’s a great place to explore the diverse world of Russian craft beer, from stouts and IPAs to barrel-aged creations.
Must-Try Beers:
- Russian Imperial Stout: A rich and dark stout with deep coffee and chocolate notes.
- IPA Series: A collection of hoppy and aromatic IPAs, each with unique flavor profiles.
- Rye Ale: A distinctive ale brewed with rye, offering a slightly spicy flavor.
Experience:
AF Brew has a stylish taproom where visitors can sample the full range of their beers and learn about the brewing process from passionate staff. They often host events like beer tastings, workshops, and collaborations with other craft breweries, making it an exciting destination for beer enthusiasts.
2. Zhiguli Brewery (Togliatti)
Why You Should Visit:
Zhiguli Brewery is one of Russia’s oldest and most iconic breweries. Founded in 1967, it became a symbol of Soviet brewing and remains one of the country’s leading beer producers. Today, the brewery continues to produce a range of popular lagers, but it has also embraced the growing craft beer movement. A visit to Zhiguli Brewery is a great way to experience Russian brewing history and try traditional beers that have shaped the nation’s beer culture.
Must-Try Beers:
- Zhiguli Pilsner: A crisp and refreshing pilsner that embodies the classic Russian lager style.
- Zhiguli Light: A light lager with a clean, smooth taste.
- Zhiguli Dark: A malty dark lager with hints of caramel and toffee.
Experience:
The Zhiguli Brewery offers guided tours that take you through the history of the brewery, from its Soviet roots to its modern-day craft beer innovations. Visitors can enjoy tasting sessions of the brewery’s most famous beers, and the brewery is located in the industrial city of Togliatti, which adds an authentic feel to the visit.
3. Baikal Brewery (Irkutsk)
Why You Should Visit:
Located in the Siberian city of Irkutsk, near the world-renowned Lake Baikal, Baikal Brewery is one of the most innovative craft breweries in Russia. The brewery is known for using local ingredients from the surrounding region, including wild herbs, berries, and grains, to create beers that are distinctly Siberian. A visit to Baikal Brewery offers a unique opportunity to try beers infused with the flavors of one of the world’s most pristine natural environments.
Must-Try Beers:
- Baikal Wheat Beer: A refreshing wheat beer made with local herbs and wild berries from the Baikal region.
- Baikal Pale Ale: A bright and hoppy pale ale with citrusy flavors and a smooth malt backbone.
- Baikal Porter: A rich and robust porter with dark malt, chocolate, and coffee flavors.
Experience:
Baikal Brewery offers tours where visitors can explore the brewing process and sample beers that feature the unique ingredients of Siberia. The brewery also offers a cozy tasting room with a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a pint while taking in the beauty of Irkutsk and the surrounding landscape.
4. Kremlin Brewery (Moscow)
Why You Should Visit:
Kremlin Brewery in Moscow is a craft brewery known for its bold and innovative beers. While it’s relatively new on the Russian brewing scene, Kremlin Brewery has made a big impact with its creative approach to brewing and commitment to high-quality beers. Located in the heart of Moscow, it’s an excellent destination for both tourists and locals looking to explore the city’s growing craft beer movement.
Must-Try Beers:
- Kremlin Imperial Stout: A rich, full-bodied stout with roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee flavors.
- Kremlin Pale Ale: A hoppy pale ale with citrus and floral notes.
- Kremlin IPA: A bold IPA with tropical fruit flavors and a punch of bitterness.
Experience:
Kremlin Brewery’s taproom is the perfect spot for beer lovers to try their diverse range of craft beers. The brewery also offers guided tours where visitors can learn about their brewing process and the story behind their unique beers. Located in Moscow, it’s an ideal place to experience the city’s craft beer culture and interact with passionate brewers.
5. Jaws Brewery (Saint Petersburg)
Why You Should Visit:
Based in Saint Petersburg, Jaws Brewery is an innovative craft brewery that has quickly become a favorite among local beer enthusiasts. Known for its commitment to quality and creativity, Jaws Brewery produces a wide range of beers, including pale ales, IPAs, and stouts, often with a twist of Russian ingredients. Their approach to brewing blends traditional methods with experimental techniques, making it a great destination for beer tourists.
Must-Try Beers:
- Jaws IPA: A hoppy IPA with citrus and pine flavors.
- Jaws Stout: A rich, dark stout with roasted malt and chocolate notes.
- Jaws Berliner Weisse: A tart and refreshing sour beer, perfect for warm weather.
Experience:
The brewery offers a vibrant tasting room where visitors can sample their entire beer range, from classic styles to experimental brews. Jaws Brewery is known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, making it an excellent stop for anyone interested in learning more about the world of Russian craft beer.
6. BrewDog Moscow (Moscow)
Why You Should Visit:
BrewDog Moscow is the Russian outpost of the internationally recognized BrewDog brewery, which was founded in Scotland. This brewery is part of the global craft beer revolution and has brought its bold, hop-forward beers to Moscow. BrewDog Moscow offers a diverse selection of beers that are brewed on-site, along with an impressive list of international beers that showcase the best of the global craft beer scene.
Must-Try Beers:
- Punk IPA: A flagship IPA known for its tropical fruit flavors and crisp bitterness.
- Hazy Jane: A juicy, hazy New England-style IPA with fruity flavors.
- Elvis Juice: A citrus-infused American IPA with a strong grapefruit aroma.
Experience:
BrewDog Moscow is a vibrant brewpub and taproom where visitors can enjoy BrewDog’s well-known beers in a laid-back setting. The venue often hosts events, including beer tastings, food pairings, and special releases, making it a lively spot for craft beer lovers visiting Moscow.
7. Sibirskaya Corona (Krasnoyarsk)
Why You Should Visit:
Located in Krasnoyarsk, Sibirskaya Corona is a popular brewery in the Siberian region, known for its use of regional ingredients and commitment to producing high-quality beers. The brewery’s beers are characterized by their distinctive flavors, which reflect the natural environment of Siberia. A visit to Sibirskaya Corona provides a great opportunity to try beers that incorporate the bold and rugged character of the Siberian wilderness.
Must-Try Beers:
- Sibirskaya Lager: A smooth, easy-drinking lager with a mild malt sweetness and crisp finish.
- Sibirskaya IPA: A hoppy IPA with citrus and pine flavors, reflecting the freshness of Siberia’s forests.
- Sibirskaya Stout: A rich and robust stout with dark chocolate, coffee, and roasted malt flavors.
Experience:
Sibirskaya Corona offers a welcoming tasting room where visitors can sample their beers and learn about the brewery’s innovative approach to using local ingredients. The brewery is located in Krasnoyarsk, providing a great opportunity to explore the beauty of Siberia while enjoying a local brew.
Conclusion
Russia’s beer scene is thriving, with breweries across the country offering a diverse array of innovative and traditional beers. From the experimental craft brews at AF Brew in Saint Petersburg to the classic Soviet-era beers at Zhiguli Brewery, there’s a wide range of breweries that cater to every taste. Whether you’re exploring Russia’s bustling cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg or venturing into the heart of Siberia, these breweries offer a unique opportunity to experience the country’s growing beer culture. So, if you’re a beer lover visiting Russia, make sure to visit these top breweries and taste the best that Russian beer has to offer!