As Russia’s craft beer scene continues to grow, it can sometimes be challenging for beer enthusiasts to distinguish authentic Russian craft beers from mass-produced brews or those made by larger, less experimental breweries. While many Russian beers offer a unique taste and reflect the country’s evolving beer culture, the key is knowing what to look for when you’re shopping for or ordering craft beers. Here’s how to spot authentic Russian craft beer and what to look for to ensure you’re enjoying something unique and artisanal.
1. Look for Independent and Small-Batch Breweries
One of the hallmarks of authentic craft beer is that it’s often made by small, independent breweries. These breweries focus on quality, creativity, and innovation rather than mass production and distribution. If a beer is made by a larger, multinational company, it is more likely to be a mass-produced lager or ale rather than an authentic craft beer.
How to Spot It:
- Local and Independent Labels: Authentic Russian craft beers are typically brewed by local, independent breweries. Look for breweries with names like Af Brew, Vermishel, or Pravda Brewing, which are known for their innovative approaches to brewing.
- Small-Batch Brews: Craft breweries often produce small batches of beer, so the label may indicate that it is a limited release or seasonal offering. Many authentic craft breweries also highlight their brewing methods and the use of quality ingredients on their packaging.
2. Check for a Wide Range of Styles
Russian craft beers are known for their diversity and experimentation with different beer styles. Unlike mass-produced lagers, which are typically light and simple, craft breweries in Russia often brew a variety of beers, including IPAs (India Pale Ales), Imperial Stouts, Pale Ales, Porters, Sours, and even barrel-aged brews. These beers tend to offer more complex flavors and are often brewed with unique, locally-sourced ingredients such as Siberian honey, wild berries, and birch sap.
How to Spot It:
- Variety of Styles: If a beer is labeled as an IPA, Imperial Stout, or something more experimental, it is more likely to be a craft beer. Mass-produced Russian beers like Zhigulevskoye and Baltika typically focus on lighter, more basic lagers.
- Innovative Ingredients: Look for labels that mention unique ingredients. Craft breweries often emphasize the use of local, natural ingredients that give their beers a distinctive flavor. Terms like “wild berries,” “Siberian herbs,” and “barrel-aged” are good signs you are dealing with a craft beer.
3. Examine the Packaging and Label Design
Authentic Russian craft beer labels often have more artistic and detailed packaging compared to mass-produced beers. These labels will usually feature creative designs, often inspired by Russian culture or the brewery’s vision. Craft breweries also tend to highlight the brewery’s name, beer style, alcohol content (ABV), and sometimes even the brewing process or ingredients on the label.
How to Spot It:
- Creative and Artistic Labels: Craft beer labels in Russia are usually more colorful, intricate, and artistic compared to mass-produced beers. Look for detailed illustrations or designs that reflect the brewery’s personality or the uniqueness of the beer.
- Transparency: Craft breweries typically provide more information about the beer on the label. Look for information such as the brewing process, ingredients, ABV, and batch number—all of which are often detailed on craft beer labels. Mass-produced beers are typically more streamlined and minimalist, focusing on the brand rather than the beer itself.
4. Research the Brewery’s Reputation
One of the best ways to spot authentic Russian craft beer is by researching the brewery. Many craft breweries in Russia are well-known within the local beer community and have established reputations for quality, innovation, and creativity. Some craft breweries even win awards at international beer competitions, which is a great indicator of their authenticity and quality.
How to Spot It:
- Reputation and Recognition: Look for breweries that have won local or international brewing competitions or have earned a positive reputation among beer enthusiasts. Some well-known Russian craft breweries include Af Brew, Vermishel, Baikal Brewery, and Pravda Brewing.
- Online Reviews: Check online beer review sites like RateBeer, Untappd, or BeerAdvocate for reviews of Russian beers. If a brewery is frequently mentioned and has high ratings, it’s likely an authentic craft brewery.
5. Ask About the Brewing Process
Authentic Russian craft beers often focus on quality ingredients and traditional brewing methods. Many craft breweries in Russia emphasize small-batch brewing, where each beer is crafted with care and attention to detail. In contrast, mass-produced beers are often made using industrial methods, with little variation from batch to batch.
How to Spot It:
- Small-Batch Brewing: Craft breweries often produce small batches of beer, and the label or staff will typically mention this. If a beer is part of a limited or seasonal release, it’s a strong sign that it’s an authentic craft beer.
- Artisanal Brewing Methods: Some Russian craft brewers pride themselves on traditional, artisanal methods. Ask the staff or check the brewery’s website for more information about their brewing process. If they mention using specific techniques like barrel aging, dry hopping, or wild fermentation, you are likely dealing with an authentic craft beer.
6. Look for Innovative Beer Styles
Craft breweries are all about innovation. Russian craft breweries have gained recognition for their experimentation with various beer styles and ingredients. If you find a beer that features a style or flavor you haven’t encountered before, chances are it’s an authentic craft beer.
How to Spot It:
- Unique Beer Styles: Look for more experimental beer styles, such as Sours, Barrel-Aged Beers, Double IPAs, or Milk Stouts. These are the kinds of beers that craft brewers in Russia are likely to produce, as they push the boundaries of flavor and technique.
- Unusual Flavors: Russian craft beers often incorporate local ingredients like wild mushrooms, Siberian honey, and balsam herbs. If you see unusual flavors or ingredients listed, it’s likely a sign of an authentic craft beer.
7. Ask for Recommendations at Beer Bars
If you’re in a bar or pub that specializes in craft beer, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations. Many craft beer bars in Russia have knowledgeable staff who can help guide you to authentic Russian craft beers. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, bars like Craft RePublic, BeerGeek, and Pivbar are great places to ask for suggestions from locals who are familiar with the Russian craft beer scene.
How to Spot It:
- Craft Beer Bars: Visit bars that focus on local and international craft beers, as they will have authentic options and can often tell you which beers are made by small, independent breweries.
- Staff Recommendations: The staff at these bars are usually passionate about craft beer and can direct you to authentic Russian brews based on your preferences.
Conclusion
Spotting authentic Russian craft beer is easier than it seems once you know what to look for. Focus on smaller, independent breweries that produce unique and creative beers, and look for labels that provide detailed information about the beer’s ingredients, brewing process, and alcohol content. Avoid beers from large, multinational companies that dominate the Russian market, and instead, opt for those from local craft breweries that are pushing the boundaries of brewing. By paying attention to the style, packaging, and reputation of the brewery, you can confidently discover and enjoy the best of Russia’s craft beer scene.