For beer enthusiasts visiting Russia, exploring the country’s vast beer selection is a must. Whether you’re looking to try iconic Russian lagers, delve into the growing craft beer scene, or pick up some rare regional brews, there are several beer retailers across Russia where you can find a wide variety of beers. From large supermarkets to specialized beer shops and online retailers, Russia offers plenty of options for beer lovers. This guide will introduce you to the best Russian beer retailers to visit as a tourist, ensuring you get the most out of your beer exploration in Russia.
1. Supermarkets: Convenient and Accessible Beer Shopping
Supermarkets are often the most accessible places to buy beer in Russia, and they offer a broad selection of both domestic and international brews. While you won’t find the rarest craft beers, supermarkets are perfect for picking up the most popular Russian beers and lagers.
Major Supermarkets to Visit:
- Perekrestok: Perekrestok is one of Russia’s largest and most popular supermarket chains, known for its wide selection of local and international beers. You can find everything from Baltika 3 (Pale Lager) to Ochakovo Lager and a selection of imported brews. The beer section is often well-stocked, and Perekrestok is a convenient option if you’re looking for something familiar or a classic Russian beer.
- Auchan: Auchan is a large French supermarket chain with stores in major Russian cities. It has an extensive beer section that includes both local favorites and imported beers. Look for Zhigulyovskoye Lager, Baltika 9, and seasonal Russian craft beers, which are regularly featured in Auchan’s beer aisles.
- Magnet: Known for its affordability and convenience, Magnet supermarkets are widely available throughout Russia, particularly in smaller cities. While the selection may not be as extensive as in larger stores, you’ll still find an assortment of popular Russian beers, such as Tinkoff Lager and Pivovarov Ural.
- Globus: Another large supermarket chain in Russia, Globus offers a variety of Russian lagers, pilsners, and international beers. The beer section includes both mass-market brews and a growing selection of craft beers. Globus is an excellent option for both locals and tourists seeking accessible beer options.
What to Expect:
- Popular Russian beers: Expect to find classic Russian lagers like Baltika 3, Zhigulyovskoye, and Ochakovo.
- Imported beers: Many supermarkets also carry a range of imported beers, from European lagers to American craft beers.
- Beer-friendly snacks: You’ll also find a selection of traditional Russian beer snacks (like chips, nuts, and pickled vegetables) in the aisles.
2. Specialized Beer Shops: A Haven for Beer Enthusiasts
If you’re a beer connoisseur looking to explore the wider world of Russian craft beers and rare brews, specialized beer shops are where you’ll find the best selection. These stores focus on high-quality beers and often carry products from smaller, independent breweries.
Notable Beer Shops in Major Cities:
- Beer Market (Moscow and St. Petersburg): One of Russia’s largest specialized beer retailers, Beer Market is a beer enthusiast’s dream. They offer a wide selection of Russian craft beers, including brews from AF Brew, Brewlok, and Victory Art Brew, as well as a selection of international beers. The shop is known for its knowledgeable staff, who are eager to help tourists find new and exciting beers to try.
- Pivovarov Ural (Yekaterinburg): Known for offering a variety of local craft brews, Pivovarov Ural is an excellent place to pick up regional beers from Ural-based breweries. While it may not have as many international options, it’s a great place to explore Russia’s local craft beer scene.
- Vino i Pivo (Moscow): Although it’s also a wine shop, Vino i Pivo has a great selection of local craft beers and international brews. This shop is particularly known for its assortment of rare and specialty beers, and it’s an excellent spot for tourists looking to discover new flavors.
- Pivomaniya (St. Petersburg): If you find yourself in St. Petersburg, Pivomaniya is a must-visit. This craft beer store offers an impressive selection of local and international beers, including hard-to-find Russian brews and exclusive craft beers. The shop also offers tasting events and beer pairing suggestions for a truly immersive beer experience.
What to Expect:
- Craft beer selections: Browse through a curated selection of craft beers from Russia’s best breweries, including IPAs, stouts, pale ales, and more.
- Limited-edition brews: Some specialized shops carry rare and limited-edition beers, making them a great spot for collectors.
- Expert advice: Staff at these stores are usually knowledgeable about beer and can recommend brews based on your taste preferences.
3. Online Beer Retailers: Convenient Beer Shopping
If you’re not able to visit a physical beer shop or supermarket during your time in Russia, online retailers can be a convenient way to purchase Russian beer and have it delivered to your accommodation or home.
Popular Online Beer Retailers:
- Brew Shop: An online store offering a wide variety of Russian and international craft beers, Brew Shop is a great option for tourists who want to buy unique Russian beers. They provide home delivery and shipping to various locations in Russia, making it easy for visitors to order beer directly from their website.
- Russian Beer Shop: This specialized online store focuses on Russian beers, offering a range of domestic lagers, craft beers, and even imported beers. They ship to various countries and allow international customers to explore Russia’s beer scene from afar.
- BeerBox: BeerBox is another online beer retailer that offers a diverse selection of craft beers and lagers from Russia’s best breweries. They focus on delivering high-quality beers and providing information on each brew, making them a great resource for tourists looking to expand their beer knowledge.
What to Expect:
- Wide selection: Online beer retailers offer a broad range of beers, including mainstream lagers and exclusive craft brews.
- Delivery services: Depending on your location, some online retailers offer home delivery, allowing you to enjoy Russian beer from the comfort of your hotel or apartment.
4. Beer Festivals: Discover and Buy Beer from Local Breweries
Attending beer festivals in Russia is another fantastic way to purchase Russian beers, discover new breweries, and meet local brewers. Many of these events offer opportunities to buy beers directly from the breweries, often with special offers or exclusive brews available only at the festival.
Major Beer Festivals in Russia:
- Moscow Beer Fest: One of Russia’s largest beer festivals, this event features dozens of local breweries and craft beer producers. It’s an excellent opportunity to taste a variety of Russian beers and purchase bottles directly from the breweries.
- St. Petersburg Beer Festival: This festival celebrates the craft beer movement in St. Petersburg and features a wide range of local and international beers. It’s a great place to buy limited-edition beers and meet fellow beer enthusiasts.
- Russian Craft Beer Week: Held annually in Moscow, this event brings together Russia’s top craft brewers, offering tastings and beer sales throughout the week.
What to Expect:
- Exclusive beers: Many breweries offer special brews or limited editions at beer festivals.
- Direct purchases from breweries: You can purchase beers directly from the brewers, often at a discounted price.
- Beer tastings: Festivals often include tastings and food pairings, providing a comprehensive experience for beer lovers.
Conclusion
Whether you’re strolling through the streets of Moscow or exploring the historic avenues of St. Petersburg, there are plenty of places to find and purchase Russian beers. Supermarkets and specialized beer shops offer convenient access to local lagers and craft brews, while online retailers allow you to explore Russian beers from the comfort of your accommodation. Beer festivals provide a unique opportunity to taste and buy exclusive brews directly from local breweries. For tourists, these options offer an exciting way to explore Russia’s rich beer culture and take home a taste of the country’s finest beers.