With the growing popularity of Russian beer, it’s becoming easier to find a wide variety of Russian brews outside of Russia, including in local supermarkets around the world. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast looking to explore Russia’s beer scene or simply want to try something new, finding the best Russian beer in your local supermarket can be a fun and rewarding experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to find the best Russian beer, what to look for, and which brands are worth trying.
1. Know What to Look For: Russian Beer Styles
Before you start hunting for Russian beer, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the most popular styles of beer produced in Russia. Understanding the range of styles will help you choose the right beer for your taste preferences. Here are some of the most common Russian beer styles you’ll likely encounter in supermarkets:
Pale Lager
The most popular and widely consumed beer style in Russia, pale lagers are light, crisp, and refreshing. These beers are often mildly bitter and easy-drinking, making them perfect for casual occasions. Look for classic Russian lagers like Zhigulevskoye, Baltika No. 3, and Kuzmich Classic Lager.
Dark Lager
Dark lagers in Russia are typically malt-forward beers with deep flavors of caramel, toffee, and roasted malt. They tend to have a richer, smoother taste compared to pale lagers, making them perfect for colder months. Popular options include Velkopopovický Kozel Dark and Kuzmich Honey Ale.
Imperial Stout
Russia is known for producing some rich and complex imperial stouts. These beers are dark, full-bodied, and packed with deep flavors like coffee, dark chocolate, and sometimes vanilla or caramel. Baltika No. 6 and Vermishel Russian Imperial Stout are two excellent examples of Russian imperial stouts.
Wheat Beer
Though not as widely known as other styles, wheat beers are growing in popularity in Russia. These beers are cloudy, refreshing, and often feature fruity and spicy notes of banana and clove. Krupskaya Wheat Lager is a popular option to look out for.
Craft Beer
In recent years, Russia’s craft beer scene has exploded, with many breweries experimenting with a variety of styles, including IPAs, pale ales, stouts, sours, and barrel-aged brews. Beers from Af Brew, Pravda Brewing, and Baikal Brewery represent some of the best of the country’s craft beer revolution.
2. Know Where to Look: Supermarket Beer Aisles
Once you have an idea of the styles you’re interested in, it’s time to explore the supermarket. Here are some tips on where and how to find Russian beer:
Check the International Beer Section
Many supermarkets have a dedicated international beer section, where you can find beers from countries around the world. If your local store has an international beer section, this is likely where Russian beers will be located. Look for a variety of well-known brands like Baltika and Zhigulevskoye, which are popular exports.
Explore the Craft Beer Aisle
If your supermarket has a craft beer aisle, be sure to check there for Russian craft beers. While Russia’s craft beer scene is still relatively new, many larger supermarkets that carry craft beer from around the world may have selections from Russian breweries like Af Brew, Pravda Brewing, and Vermishel Brewery.
Ask Staff for Recommendations
If you don’t see any Russian beers on the shelves, don’t hesitate to ask the staff at your local supermarket. They may be able to point you in the right direction or even recommend some Russian beer brands that are available in the store. Additionally, they might be able to tell you when new stock of international beers is arriving.
Look for Imported Russian Beers
Some supermarkets carry specific imported brands from Russia, especially in larger cities with a diverse population. Imported Russian beers will typically have labels in both Russian and English, so look for familiar brands like Zhigulevskoye, Baltika, or Kuzmich. If you’re in a region with a larger Russian or Eastern European community, Russian beers may be more readily available.
3. Popular Russian Beer Brands to Look For
1. Baltika
Style: Pale Lager, Dark Lager, Imperial Stout, Wheat Beer
Overview:
Baltika is one of the most well-known and widely distributed Russian beer brands, with a range of styles available globally. It’s known for its quality and consistency, offering everything from light and crisp pale lagers to rich imperial stouts. Baltika No. 3 (Pale Lager) and Baltika No. 6 (Imperial Stout) are two of the brand’s most popular offerings.
Why Try It:
Baltika represents a classic taste of Russian beer culture. Its beers are easy to find and offer a great introduction to Russian brews.
2. Zhigulevskoye
Style: Pale Lager
Overview:
Zhigulevskoye is an iconic Russian beer that has been brewed since the Soviet era. Known for its crisp, refreshing taste and light body, Zhigulevskoye is perfect for those who enjoy easy-drinking lagers. It’s one of the most widely consumed beers in Russia.
Why Try It:
If you’re looking for a classic, affordable Russian lager that reflects the country’s beer history, Zhigulevskoye is a must-try.
3. Kuzmich
Style: Pale Lager, Honey Ale
Overview:
Kuzmich is another popular Russian beer brand that produces both light lagers and specialty ales, such as their Honey Ale, which combines malt sweetness with a subtle honey flavor. Kuzmich Classic Lager is a simple, refreshing beer that’s perfect for casual drinking.
Why Try It:
Kuzmich offers an approachable, smooth lager and an interesting honey-infused ale, both of which reflect the more traditional side of Russian brewing.
4. Af Brew
Style: IPA, Stout, Pale Ale
Overview:
Af Brew is one of Russia’s leading craft breweries, offering an exciting range of innovative beers. They are known for their bold, hop-forward IPAs, rich Imperial Stouts, and experimental barrel-aged brews. Their beers are perfect for those looking to explore the cutting edge of Russian brewing.
Why Try It:
Af Brew is at the forefront of Russia’s craft beer scene and is a great choice for those who enjoy strong, distinctive beers with complex flavors.
5. Vermishel Brewery
Style: Russian Imperial Stout, Pale Ale
Overview:
Vermishel Brewery in St. Petersburg is known for its small-batch, high-quality beers. They focus on creating rich, flavorful beers using local ingredients like wild berries and herbs. Their Russian Imperial Stout is especially popular for its complex flavors.
Why Try It:
If you enjoy dark, rich beers or are looking to try something uniquely Russian, Vermishel Brewery’s Russian Imperial Stout is a great option.
6. Baikal Brewery
Style: Pilsner, Wheat Beer
Overview:
Located near the iconic Lake Baikal, Baikal Brewery produces clean, refreshing beers that are perfect for summer sipping. Their Baikal Pilsner is known for its crisp finish, while their Baikal Wheat Beer offers subtle fruity and spicy notes.
Why Try It:
Baikal Brewery’s beers are a great way to experience the pure flavors of Siberia, making them a unique and refreshing addition to any beer collection.
4. Check the Label and Packaging
When looking for Russian beer in your local supermarket, pay close attention to the packaging. Most Russian beers will feature both Cyrillic and Latin characters on the label, with the name of the beer written in Russian. Imported beers typically have an English translation of the beer’s name and style on the packaging.
Tips for Reading Labels:
- Look for the alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage to gauge the beer’s strength. Most Russian lagers fall between 4-6% ABV, while stronger beers like imperial stouts can go much higher.
- Ingredients and brewer’s notes can give you an idea of the beer’s flavor profile and any unique local ingredients used.
5. Look for Seasonal or Limited-Edition Releases
Some Russian breweries release special, seasonal, or limited-edition beers that can be hard to find. If you’re in a supermarket that carries a wide range of Russian beers, ask if they have any special releases or limited-edition brews in stock. These beers can offer a unique taste of Russian brewing and may give you an opportunity to try something truly rare.
Conclusion
Finding the best Russian beer in your local supermarket is easier than ever, thanks to the increasing availability of Russian beers worldwide. Whether you’re seeking classic lagers like Zhigulevskoye and Baltika No. 3, or want to explore the innovative world of Russian craft beer with breweries like Af Brew and Vermishel, there’s something for everyone. By understanding the styles, brands, and labels, you’ll be well-equipped to find a great Russian beer and enjoy a taste of Russia wherever you are.