Russia’s beer scene has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, with an increasing number of craft breweries pushing the boundaries of brewing traditions. While lagers continue to be the most popular style in the country, Russian brewers are experimenting with everything from pale ales to rich stouts, giving tourists a diverse range of options to explore. Whether you’re visiting Moscow, Saint Petersburg, or a more remote region like Siberia, Russia’s beer styles offer something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the most popular Russian beer styles that you’ll definitely want to try during your visit.
1. Pale Lager: The Classic Russian Beer
Why You’ll Love It:
Pale lagers are the most common beer style in Russia, and for good reason. These light, crisp beers are easy to drink and perfect for casual occasions, whether you’re enjoying a sunny day in the park or having a meal at a local restaurant. The Russian lager is typically mild, with a slight malt sweetness and a clean, refreshing finish. Pale lagers are an essential part of Russia’s beer culture and will likely be the first beer you encounter when exploring Russian brews.
Popular Brands:
- Baltika 3: A widely available pale lager that has become a staple in Russia.
- Zhiguli Pilsner: Another classic Russian lager with a mild malt character and smooth finish.
Taste Profile:
- Appearance: Pale golden color with a slight cloudiness.
- Flavor: Light malt sweetness, mild hop bitterness, and a clean, crisp finish.
- ABV: Typically between 4.5% to 5.5%.
Best for: Casual drinking, pairing with Russian snacks like smoked fish, pickles, or shashlik (grilled meat skewers).
2. Dark Lager: Rich and Malty
Why You’ll Love It:
If you prefer richer, maltier beers, dark lagers are the way to go. Dark lagers have been a part of Russian brewing history for centuries, and many Russians enjoy them for their smooth, roasted flavors. These beers tend to be less bitter than pale lagers and offer a deeper, malt-forward experience with notes of caramel, toffee, and dark chocolate. They’re especially popular in colder months when you want something warming and hearty.
Popular Brands:
- Baltika 7 (Dark Lager): Known for its caramel flavor and smooth, malty body.
- Zhiguli Dark: A malty beer with subtle sweetness and light bitterness.
Taste Profile:
- Appearance: Dark brown to ruby red, often clear but sometimes slightly cloudy.
- Flavor: Roasted malt, caramel, toffee, and a light bitterness.
- ABV: Around 4.5% to 5.5%.
Best for: Cold weather, hearty meals such as stews, or Russian dishes like pelmeni (dumplings) and blini (pancakes).
3. Wheat Beer: Light and Refreshing
Why You’ll Love It:
Wheat beers are becoming more popular in Russia, particularly during the warmer months. These beers are known for their cloudy appearance, smooth mouthfeel, and slightly fruity flavors. The use of wheat in brewing gives the beer a delicate sweetness and makes it a perfect option for casual drinking. In Russia, you’ll find wheat beers with unique local twists, including infusions of wild herbs and berries that add an extra layer of flavor.
Popular Brands:
- Ochakovo Wheat Beer: A light, refreshing wheat beer with subtle citrus notes.
- Baikal Wheat Beer: Brewed with local Siberian herbs, this wheat beer has a unique and refreshing flavor.
Taste Profile:
- Appearance: Cloudy, pale yellow with a frothy head.
- Flavor: Mild malt sweetness, fruity notes (citrus, banana), and a touch of spice from the yeast.
- ABV: Typically around 4.5% to 5.2%.
Best for: Summer days, light meals like salads or grilled seafood, or pairing with Russian appetizers like pickled vegetables and salo (salted pork fat).
4. Russian Imperial Stout: Rich and Bold
Why You’ll Love It:
The Russian Imperial Stout is a style deeply tied to Russian beer history, originally brewed in the 18th century for the Russian imperial court. Known for its high alcohol content and intense flavor, this dark beer offers bold notes of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and caramel. Russian Imperial Stouts are perfect for those who love rich, complex beers that can be sipped slowly and savored.
Popular Brands:
- Kremlin Imperial Stout: A rich and creamy stout with roasted malt, coffee, and chocolate flavors.
- AF Brew Russian Imperial Stout: A robust stout with deep roasted flavors and a slightly boozy finish.
Taste Profile:
- Appearance: Deep black with a thick, tan head.
- Flavor: Roasted malt, coffee, dark chocolate, caramel, and a warming alcohol finish.
- ABV: Typically 7% to 9%, with some reaching 10% or higher.
Best for: Winter nights, pairing with rich, hearty dishes such as beef stroganoff or chocolate desserts.
5. IPA (India Pale Ale): Bold and Hoppy
Why You’ll Love It:
While Russia’s beer market has traditionally been dominated by lagers, the craft beer revolution has led to an increase in the popularity of hop-forward styles like IPAs. These beers are known for their strong hop flavors and aromas, often featuring citrus, pine, and floral notes. Russian IPAs can range from well-balanced to extremely bitter, with some brewers using local hops or even experimenting with exotic fruits. If you’re a fan of bold, hop-forward beers, Russian IPAs offer a fantastic twist on the traditional style.
Popular Brands:
- Jaws IPA: A popular IPA from Saint Petersburg with tropical fruit flavors and a crisp finish.
- BrewDog Moscow IPA: Brewed with a mix of local and international hops, this IPA is bold and refreshing.
Taste Profile:
- Appearance: Golden to amber, typically clear with a frothy white head.
- Flavor: Strong citrus, pine, floral notes with a balanced malt backbone.
- ABV: Typically around 5.5% to 7.5%.
Best for: Lovers of hoppy, bold beers, pairing with spicy foods, burgers, or Russian caviar.
6. Sour Beers: Tart and Refreshing
Why You’ll Love It:
Sour beers have gained a following among adventurous beer drinkers in Russia. These beers are brewed with wild yeast or bacteria that give them a tart, tangy flavor. Some Russian brewers are experimenting with fruit infusions, creating sours that are bright, juicy, and perfect for those who enjoy a unique, refreshing drink. While still a niche market, sour beers are increasingly popular at craft beer bars and festivals.
Popular Brands:
- AF Brew Berliner Weisse: A sour wheat beer with bright, tart flavors and a refreshing finish.
- Kremlin Sour: A wild fermented beer with fruity and tart flavors.
Taste Profile:
- Appearance: Often cloudy, pale golden to pink, with a fizzy, lively head.
- Flavor: Tart, tangy, with notes of fruit, lemon, or even funk from wild yeast.
- ABV: Typically around 4% to 5%.
Best for: Those who love adventurous flavors, perfect for pairing with fresh salads or seafood.
7. Rye Ale: Spicy and Complex
Why You’ll Love It:
Rye is a staple ingredient in Russian brewing, and rye ales offer a unique twist on traditional beer styles. The use of rye in brewing imparts a slightly spicy and earthy flavor to the beer, which pairs wonderfully with the subtle sweetness of malt. Rye ales are a great choice for tourists who want to try something distinctly Russian and slightly different from the usual lagers and IPAs.
Popular Brands:
- Zaravva Rye Ale: A well-balanced rye ale with a touch of spice and malt sweetness.
- Sibirskaya Rye Ale: A bold ale brewed with local rye, offering a distinct, spicy flavor profile.
Taste Profile:
- Appearance: Amber to copper, with a slightly hazy appearance.
- Flavor: Malty sweetness with a spicy, earthy rye character, and mild bitterness.
- ABV: Typically around 5.0% to 6.0%.
Best for: Pairing with roasted meats, smoked fish, or Russian rye bread.
Conclusion
Russia’s beer scene is rich, diverse, and constantly evolving, offering a wide range of styles that cater to every taste. Whether you’re sipping a light, crisp pale lager on a warm summer day or savoring a bold, complex Russian Imperial Stout in the winter, Russia’s beers offer something for everyone. As a tourist, exploring the local beer styles not only gives you a taste of Russian brewing traditions but also connects you to the country’s culture and history. From wheat beers and IPAs to rich stouts and rye ales, there’s a Russian beer style waiting for you to discover.