If you’re a beer enthusiast with a passion for collecting unique brews from around the world, Russian beer should be on your radar. With the growing popularity of Russian craft beer and the country’s long brewing history, you can find an array of distinctive beers to add to your international collection. From iconic mass-produced lagers to experimental craft beers with bold new flavors, Russian beer offers a wide variety of styles that reflect the country’s evolving beer culture. Here’s everything you need to know about buying Russian beer for your collection, from sourcing options to tips on selecting the best brews.
1. Research Russian Beer Brands and Styles
Before you start purchasing Russian beers for your collection, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different beer styles and popular brands. Russian beer has a diverse range of offerings, including light lagers, hearty porters, and bold craft beers. Some of the most iconic Russian beer brands you might want to include in your collection are:
Popular Russian Beer Brands:
- Baltika Brewery – One of the largest and most well-known breweries in Russia, Baltika offers a variety of beers, including the classic Baltika 3 (Pale Lager) and the stronger Baltika 9 (Strong Lager).
- Zhigulyovskoye Brewery – A historic brand in Russia, Zhigulyovskoye is known for its classic lagers, such as the Zhigulyovskoye Lager and the Zhigulyovskoye Porter.
- Ochakovo Brewery – Known for its lagers and dark beers, Ochakovo Lager and Ochakovo Dark are popular choices.
- AF Brew – A craft brewery in St. Petersburg known for its hop-forward beers like Artichoke IPA and its rich, flavorful stouts.
- Brewlok – A Moscow-based craft brewery that offers unique and experimental beers, such as Peachy IPA and Dark Side Stout.
By exploring these brands, you can choose a range of beers that showcase the diversity of Russian brewing traditions and trends.
2. Where to Buy Russian Beer Internationally
While it may not always be easy to find Russian beers in local shops, there are several reliable sources where you can buy Russian beer online or through international retailers. Here are some of the best options for sourcing Russian beer for your collection:
1. Specialty Online Beer Retailers
Many online retailers specialize in importing international beers, including Russian beers. Some websites focus exclusively on craft beers and may offer a curated selection of Russian craft brews. When shopping online, ensure that the retailer ships to your location and that they carry a diverse selection of Russian beers. Some online retailers include:
- Beer Hawk (UK) – Known for offering a wide selection of international craft beers, including Russian brews.
- BeerShop (Global) – A global beer store that stocks a range of beers from Russia, including popular brands like Baltika and craft brews.
- BrewDog (Global) – While BrewDog is known for its own beers, they also sell international selections and may feature Russian beers in their international beer section.
2. Local Specialty Stores
In many cities around the world, particularly those with large Russian-speaking communities, you can find specialty stores that carry a selection of Russian foods and beverages, including beer. These stores may not have the same broad selection as large online retailers, but they’re an excellent place to start looking for local Russian beers. Search for Russian food markets or international stores that specialize in Eastern European products.
3. International Beer Shops and Markets
In larger cities, some international beer shops and markets offer a curated selection of international beers from various countries, including Russia. These retailers often carry both classic and craft Russian beers, especially those with strong export markets. For instance, stores like Total Wine & More in the United States or Beers of Europe in the UK may have some Russian beer offerings. You may also find Russian beers at some larger global supermarkets that focus on international products.
4. Russian Online Retailers
While shopping from Russian online stores may be more complicated due to shipping restrictions, some websites offer international shipping for beer. If you’re located in a country that allows beer imports, sites like Ochakovo’s Official Store or Brewlok’s Online Shop may be options. Be sure to check whether the site offers international delivery before making a purchase.
3. Selecting Russian Craft Beer for Your Collection
Russian craft beer has been gaining recognition globally in recent years, and there are plenty of unique brews to discover for your collection. If you’re specifically interested in Russian craft beers, consider exploring the newer, smaller breweries that focus on experimental flavors and styles.
What to Look for in Russian Craft Beer:
- Seasonal and Limited-Edition Beers: Many Russian craft breweries release seasonal or limited-edition brews, which can be great additions to a beer collection. Look for these rare finds to add uniqueness to your collection.
- Unique Local Ingredients: Russian craft brewers are known for using locally sourced ingredients like Siberian herbs, berries, and honey. These distinctive flavors make Russian craft beer stand out and are something collectors will appreciate.
- Collaboration Beers: Some Russian breweries collaborate with international brewers, which can result in unique beers with global appeal. Keep an eye out for these collaborations, as they often offer something special and may be difficult to find elsewhere.
Notable Russian Craft Breweries:
- AF Brew: Known for its hop-forward Artichoke IPA and barrel-aged beers, AF Brew offers a range of experimental brews.
- Brewlok: Based in Moscow, Brewlok is renowned for its creative use of ingredients and unique beers like the Peachy IPA and Dark Side Stout.
- Victory Art Brew: A St. Petersburg-based brewery with a strong focus on balanced, high-quality beers that are a great addition to any collection.
- Zelenograd Brewery: Specializes in refreshing, light beers as well as more experimental brews that use local ingredients.
4. Beer Festivals and Events
Attending beer festivals and events in Russia is another great way to discover new and exciting beers to add to your collection. Many cities, especially Moscow and St. Petersburg, host craft beer festivals where local and international breweries showcase their offerings. These events often feature limited-edition brews, and it’s the perfect opportunity to pick up rare and collectible Russian beers. Some of the notable beer festivals to consider include:
- Moscow Beer Fest – An annual event that brings together breweries from Russia and around the world.
- St. Petersburg Beer Festival – Another prominent festival that celebrates craft beer, offering a great selection of Russian and international brews.
5. Tips for Storing Russian Beer
Once you’ve acquired your Russian beers, it’s important to store them properly to ensure their quality. Here are a few tips on how to store beer for your collection:
Best Practices for Storing Beer:
- Keep beer in a cool, dark place: Beer is sensitive to light and temperature, so store it in a cool, dark area, ideally between 45-55°F (7-13°C).
- Avoid fluctuating temperatures: Try to keep the temperature consistent to avoid affecting the beer’s flavor.
- Lay bottles on their side: This is especially important for bottles with corks, as it helps keep the cork moist and prevents air from getting into the bottle.
Conclusion
Buying Russian beer for your international collection is an exciting way to explore the rich diversity of Russia’s beer culture. From iconic mass-produced lagers like Baltika 3 to innovative craft beers from breweries like AF Brew and Brewlok, there’s a wide range of Russian beers to discover and enjoy. Whether you’re purchasing from local specialty stores, international retailers, or attending beer festivals in Russia, collecting these unique brews will add a flavorful and interesting dimension to your global beer collection. Be sure to store your beers properly and enjoy the experience of tasting Russian beer—whether you’re sipping a crisp lager or an experimental IPA!