Russia, a land known for its vodka, is rapidly gaining recognition for its growing beer scene, which offers a rich array of traditional and craft beers. With a brewing culture that spans centuries and a booming craft beer movement, Russia has become an exciting destination for beer lovers. If you’re a tourist looking to explore the Russian beer scene, a beer tasting tour is the perfect way to dive into the country’s brewing traditions and sample some of the best beers on offer.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best beer tasting tours across Russia, from Moscow to St. Petersburg, Siberia, and beyond, offering insights into what to expect and how to make the most of your beer tasting adventure.
Why Go on a Beer Tasting Tour in Russia?
Russia’s beer scene has evolved significantly in recent years, with local breweries experimenting with new styles, techniques, and ingredients. A beer tasting tour offers the opportunity to:
- Sample a variety of unique beers: From iconic lagers to bold IPAs and rich stouts, Russian breweries offer an exciting range of beer styles.
- Learn about Russia’s brewing history: Discover how Russian beer has evolved from state-owned breweries to a thriving craft beer industry.
- Enjoy food pairings: Many beer tours offer food pairings that highlight the best of Russian cuisine, creating an unforgettable tasting experience.
- Meet local brewers: Some tours include visits to microbreweries, where you can meet the passionate brewers behind the beers.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the top destinations and tours for beer lovers in Russia.
1. Moscow: The Heart of Russia’s Beer Revolution
Moscow, Russia’s capital, is the perfect starting point for any beer lover. The city is home to both historic breweries and emerging craft beer hotspots. Whether you’re sampling mass-produced Russian classics or trendy craft beers, Moscow offers a diverse beer scene.
Beer Tasting Tours in Moscow:
- Moscow Craft Beer Tour: This guided tour takes you through several of Moscow’s best craft beer pubs and microbreweries. It includes tastings of local craft beers, such as IPAs, stouts, and lagers, along with expert commentary on the brewing process and beer styles. Tours often include a food pairing, offering dishes like Russian dumplings (pelmeni) or shashlik (grilled meat skewers) to complement the beer.
- Baltika Brewery Tour: As one of the largest and most famous breweries in Russia, Baltika Brewery offers tours that allow visitors to see how its classic lagers, such as Baltika 3, are made. Learn about the history of the brewery and the brewing process while sampling some of its best beers.
Recommended Moscow Breweries:
- AF Brew: A key player in Moscow’s craft beer scene, AF Brew produces a wide variety of beers, from light ales to rich stouts. Their brewery tours include tastings of their experimental beers.
- Tinkoff Brewery: Known for its pale ales and IPAs, Tinkoff Brewery is one of the pioneers of craft beer in Russia. A visit here offers the chance to try both popular and limited-edition beers.
2. St. Petersburg: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
St. Petersburg, Russia’s cultural capital, boasts a long history of beer brewing, and the city is now a major hub for craft breweries. Whether you’re exploring local beers in a cozy pub or visiting a trendy craft beer bar, St. Petersburg offers a unique combination of traditional Russian brews and experimental craft beers.
Beer Tasting Tours in St. Petersburg:
- St. Petersburg Beer and Brewery Tour: This guided tour will take you to some of the city’s best beer bars and breweries. You’ll taste a range of beers, from traditional Russian lagers to creative craft brews, and learn about the city’s brewing history.
- Bierkrug Brewery Tour: Bierkrug is one of St. Petersburg’s most famous craft breweries, known for its innovative beers. During the tour, visitors can sample a variety of beers, including porters, stouts, and amber ales, while learning about the brewery’s commitment to quality and creativity.
Recommended St. Petersburg Breweries:
- Bierkrug Brewery: One of the oldest craft breweries in the city, Bierkrug offers a wide range of beers that combine traditional European brewing styles with Russian influences.
- Jaws Brewery: This microbrewery is known for its experimental approach to brewing. With unique beers like barrel-aged IPAs and fruit-infused ales, Jaws Brewery offers something for the adventurous beer lover.
3. Siberia: The Wild Heart of Russia’s Beer Culture
Siberia may be known for its cold winters, but it’s also home to some of the most innovative craft breweries in Russia. The region’s brewing culture has exploded in recent years, with local brewers using unique ingredients and techniques to create bold, distinctive beers. Siberian beer tours offer the opportunity to explore this thriving craft beer scene in one of the most beautiful, remote regions of Russia.
Beer Tasting Tours in Siberia:
- Krasnoyarsk Craft Beer Tour: In the city of Krasnoyarsk, this guided tour will introduce you to some of Siberia’s best craft breweries. You’ll sample beers brewed with local ingredients, such as Siberian herbs and honey, and learn about the influence of the harsh Siberian climate on brewing.
- Irkutsk Beer Tour: Irkutsk, located near Lake Baikal, is home to a growing craft beer scene. The Irkutsk Beer Tour includes stops at local microbreweries where you can taste beers brewed with indigenous ingredients and learn about the region’s brewing heritage.
Recommended Siberian Breweries:
- The Three Bears Brewery (Krasnoyarsk): Known for bold and experimental beers, The Three Bears Brewery offers unique brews made with local Siberian herbs and berries.
- Baikal Brewery (Irkutsk): Located near the world-famous Lake Baikal, this brewery produces beers made with regional ingredients like honey and wildflowers, offering a true taste of Siberia.
4. Kazan and the Volga Region: A Hidden Gem for Beer Lovers
Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, is an up-and-coming destination for craft beer enthusiasts. The Volga region, with its mix of Russian and Tatar influences, offers a variety of local beer styles, ranging from light lagers to richer ales. Beer tasting tours in this region will give you a chance to explore the lesser-known but growing craft beer scene.
Beer Tasting Tours in Kazan:
- Kazan Craft Beer and Food Tour: This tour takes you to some of Kazan’s best craft beer bars and breweries, where you’ll taste locally brewed beers and enjoy food pairings like Tatar pie and shashlik. You’ll also learn about the city’s unique brewing traditions, which blend Russian and Tatar influences.
- Volga Beer Tour: This guided tour explores the beer scene in several cities along the Volga River, offering tastings of local craft beers and traditional Russian lagers. The tour includes a mix of microbrewery visits and stops at local beer bars.
Recommended Kazan Breweries:
- Kazan Brewery: Known for producing a range of local beers, from lagers to ales, Kazan Brewery offers a taste of traditional Russian brewing with a unique regional twist.
- Elita Brewery: A microbrewery in Kazan, Elita is known for producing high-quality craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and wheat beers.
5. Sochi: Beer in Russia’s Southern Paradise
Sochi, located on the Black Sea coast, is a popular tourist destination known for its warm climate and beautiful landscapes. The city is also home to a growing beer scene, with local breweries producing refreshing beers ideal for the region’s sunny weather. Sochi’s beer tours focus on light, refreshing lagers and wheat beers, perfect for pairing with seafood and grilled meats.
Beer Tasting Tours in Sochi:
- Sochi Beer and Seafood Tour: A perfect tour for anyone visiting this coastal city, the Sochi Beer and Seafood Tour pairs local beers with fresh seafood dishes like Black Sea oysters and grilled fish. This tour will introduce you to Sochi’s best breweries, where you can taste beers brewed with local ingredients.
- Black Sea Beer Tour: Explore the beer scene along the Black Sea coast, tasting beers made with regional ingredients and discovering how the climate of Sochi influences local brewing styles.
Recommended Sochi Breweries:
- Sochi Brewery: Known for producing light lagers and wheat beers, Sochi Brewery’s beers are perfect for the warm climate of the region.
- Krasnodar Brewery: Located just outside of Sochi, Krasnodar Brewery is known for creating crisp, refreshing beers ideal for pairing with summer meals.
Conclusion
Russia’s beer scene is diverse, exciting, and growing at an impressive rate. Whether you’re in Moscow exploring the craft beer revolution or in Siberia tasting beers made with local herbs, a beer tasting tour in Russia offers the chance to explore the country’s rich brewing heritage and innovative craft beer culture. Each region offers its own unique take on beer, from the refreshing lagers of Sochi to the bold, experimental brews of Siberia. So, raise a glass and embark on a beer tasting adventure across Russia—you’re sure to discover some hidden gems and enjoy unforgettable flavors along the way. Cheers!