Winter in Russia is a time of long, cold nights and snowy landscapes, making it the perfect season to enjoy a hearty beer that warms the soul. While vodka often takes the spotlight in Russia during the winter months, beer is equally beloved, with many Russian breweries offering bold, rich brews that complement the season’s chilly temperatures. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy evening indoors or a winter outing, the right beer can enhance the experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best Russian beers to enjoy during the winter months. These beers range from rich stouts and porters to warming strong ales, perfect for pairing with hearty Russian meals or just enjoying by the fire.
1. Baltika 6 (Imperial Stout)
Baltika 6, produced by one of Russia’s largest and most iconic breweries, is an excellent beer to enjoy during the winter months. This Russian Imperial Stout has an ABV of around 7%, making it a stronger, more robust beer that is perfect for colder weather. It’s rich, dark, and complex, with deep flavors of roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee.
Why It’s Great for Winter:
The warming alcohol content and deep, roasty flavors of Baltika 6 make it a perfect winter beer. The boldness of the stout pairs well with hearty winter dishes like beef stroganoff, stews, and roasted meats. It’s the type of beer that wraps you up in warmth as the cold Russian winter settles in.
Pair It With:
- Beef Stroganoff
- Shashlik (Grilled Meats)
- Chocolate Desserts
2. Zhigulevskoye Premium
If you’re looking for a classic Russian beer with a slightly maltier twist, Zhigulevskoye Premium is a great option. With an ABV of around 5%, this traditional Russian lager is slightly stronger and fuller than its regular counterpart, making it an excellent beer for winter. Its smooth maltiness and mild bitterness make it versatile enough to pair with a variety of winter foods.
Why It’s Great for Winter:
The slightly richer malt profile of Zhigulevskoye Premium gives it the substance needed to stand up to hearty Russian dishes like pelmeni (dumplings) and borscht (beet soup). It’s an easy-drinking lager that still offers enough flavor to be satisfying on a cold winter evening.
Pair It With:
- Pelmeni (Dumplings)
- Borscht (Beet Soup)
- Pirozhki (Stuffed Pastries)
3. Ochakovo Kvas Beer
If you want something refreshing yet still substantial, Ochakovo Kvas Beer is an excellent winter option. Kvas is a traditional Russian drink made from fermented rye bread, and Ochakovo has combined this unique, slightly sweet drink with beer. The result is a beer that is light and crisp with a slightly tangy, malty taste. Its ABV is typically around 4%, making it easy to drink but still satisfying.
Why It’s Great for Winter:
Though Ochakovo Kvas Beer is not as heavy as some of the darker beers, it offers a unique taste that combines the best of traditional Russian beverages with beer. The rye-based kvas flavor pairs beautifully with winter comfort foods, providing a refreshing contrast to rich, heavy meals.
Pair It With:
- Shchi (Cabbage Soup)
- Grilled Fish
- Cheese and Rye Bread
4. Tinkoff Russian Imperial Stout
For craft beer enthusiasts, Tinkoff Russian Imperial Stout is a must-try during the winter months. With an ABV of 9%, this beer is rich, complex, and incredibly warming. It features flavors of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and a slight hint of dark fruit, making it a great choice for those who enjoy deep, flavorful stouts.
Why It’s Great for Winter:
The higher alcohol content and bold flavors of Tinkoff Russian Imperial Stout make it perfect for sipping during cold winter nights. The beer’s rich malt profile is complemented by a smooth, warming finish, making it ideal for pairing with cozy winter meals like stews or roasted meats.
Pair It With:
- Stews and Roasted Meats
- Dark Chocolate Desserts
- Aged Cheese
5. The Three Bears Siberian Brown Ale
The Three Bears Brewery from Siberia is known for its adventurous and bold brews, and their Siberian Brown Ale is no exception. This rich, malt-forward beer has an ABV of around 6% and features flavors of caramel, toffee, and roasted nuts, with a smooth finish that’s perfect for winter drinking.
Why It’s Great for Winter:
The Siberian Brown Ale offers warmth and depth, with a complex malt profile that feels comforting and hearty. It’s a perfect choice when you want something with a bit of sweetness and complexity to pair with winter dishes. The malty richness of this ale makes it a great companion for the colder months, especially when paired with traditional Russian comfort food.
Pair It With:
- Pork and Sauerkraut
- Sausages and Grilled Meats
- Spicy Stews
6. Pravda Brewery’s Russian Winter Ale
Pravda Brewery, located in Lviv but highly influential in Russia’s craft beer scene, offers a standout Russian Winter Ale that’s perfect for the season. This ale has an ABV of around 7%, and it features a mix of rich malty flavors and spicy, fruity notes. The beer is brewed to be warming and comforting, with subtle hints of cinnamon and clove.
Why It’s Great for Winter:
The Russian Winter Ale is perfectly crafted to provide warmth and comfort. It pairs well with the flavors of winter and holidays, offering a subtle spiciness that makes it a great beer to drink by the fire. This beer also offers complexity with its malty sweetness and light bitterness, making it a perfect companion to both savory and sweet winter dishes.
Pair It With:
- Roast Chicken and Root Vegetables
- Cinnamon Spiced Cakes
- Mushroom Soup
7. Kama Golden Lager
Though lighter in body compared to the other beers on this list, Kama Golden Lager still makes a great winter beer choice for those looking for something refreshing yet satisfying. With an ABV of 4.7%, Kama Golden Lager has a delicate malt sweetness and a mild hop bitterness that makes it versatile enough for pairing with a variety of winter foods.
Why It’s Great for Winter:
While not as heavy as stouts or winter ales, Kama Golden Lager provides a clean and refreshing beer experience that can easily be enjoyed with winter comfort food. Its versatility and balance of flavors make it an ideal beer for those who prefer lighter options during the colder months.
Pair It With:
- Grilled Fish
- Russian Pickles
- Light Soups
Conclusion
Winter in Russia is the perfect time to embrace a hearty, warming beer. From rich Russian Imperial Stouts like Baltika 6 to the complex flavors of The Three Bears Siberian Brown Ale, Russian breweries offer a diverse range of beers that are ideal for the colder months. Whether you prefer a deep, malty brew or a lighter lager, Russian beers are designed to keep you cozy during those long winter nights.
So, next time you find yourself in Russia or are simply looking to enjoy the winter season with a drink that complements hearty Russian cuisine, reach for one of these exceptional Russian beers and savor the flavors of the season. Cheers!