Russia is often associated with vodka, but over the past decade, the country’s beer scene has been undergoing a revolution. From traditional lagers that have been part of Russian culture for centuries to innovative craft beers that are pushing the boundaries of brewing, Russia is quickly becoming an exciting destination for beer enthusiasts. Whether you’re visiting Moscow, St. Petersburg, or exploring the scenic regions of Siberia, there’s a wide range of beers to discover. In this ultimate Russian beer bucket list, we’ll guide you through the must-try beers, breweries, and beer experiences that will give you a true taste of Russia’s vibrant beer culture.
1. Zhigulevskoye (Жигулёвское)
Type: Pale Lager
ABV: 4.7%
Where to Try: Available across Russia in bars, restaurants, and supermarkets.
Overview:
Zhigulevskoye is an iconic Russian lager, widely considered a classic of Russian beer culture. First brewed in the Soviet era, this pale lager is light, crisp, and refreshing, making it the go-to beer for casual drinking. It’s named after the Zhiguli Mountains and was once the most popular beer in the Soviet Union. Today, it remains a staple in Russia and is available throughout the country.
Why It’s a Must-Try:
Zhigulevskoye is the quintessential Russian beer. If you want to experience the true taste of Russian lager, this is the beer that represents it best. It’s a great introduction to Russian beer culture and pairs wonderfully with traditional Russian meals like pelmeni and borscht.
2. Baltika No. 6 (Балтрика №6)
Type: Imperial Stout
ABV: 7.5%
Where to Try: Available in most Russian cities, often in craft beer bars and restaurants.
Overview:
Baltika is one of the largest and most well-known breweries in Russia, and No. 6 (Imperial Stout) is one of their premium offerings. This rich, full-bodied stout boasts deep roasted flavors of coffee, dark chocolate, and toffee, with a smooth finish. It’s perfect for those who enjoy bold, complex beers.
Why It’s a Must-Try:
As one of the most famous Russian beers, Baltika No. 6 is a standout in the Russian brewing scene. It offers a unique chance to try a Russian imperial stout, a style not often associated with Russia. The beer’s rich flavors and relatively high alcohol content make it a great option for beer enthusiasts looking to explore darker brews.
3. Af Brew IPA (АФ Брю IPA)
Type: IPA (India Pale Ale)
ABV: 6.0%
Where to Try: Moscow and St. Petersburg craft beer bars, like Craft RePublic or BeerGeek.
Overview:
Af Brew is one of Russia’s leading craft breweries, and their IPA is a must-try for fans of hop-forward beers. The beer features a bold hop profile with citrusy, floral, and piney notes, balanced by a smooth malt backbone. It’s a perfect example of how Russian craft brewers are embracing international styles while adding their own unique twist.
Why It’s a Must-Try:
If you love IPAs, this is one of the best examples of Russian craft brewing. Af Brew’s IPA is widely regarded as one of the top craft beers in Russia and is a perfect introduction to the Russian craft beer scene. The beer’s bold hop character makes it an excellent choice for those looking to explore new flavors.
4. Pravda Brewing Royal (Правда Роял)
Type: Belgian-style Golden Ale
ABV: 7.0%
Where to Try: St. Petersburg, available at Pravda Brewing’s taproom and select craft beer bars.
Overview:
Pravda Brewing is known for its high-quality, artisanal beers, and their Royal Belgian-style golden ale is a standout. This beer has a light, crisp body with notes of honey, citrus, and a delicate hop bitterness. The beer is well-balanced and refreshing, with a slightly fruity and malty character typical of Belgian-style ales.
Why It’s a Must-Try:
Pravda Brewing is one of the leading craft breweries in Russia, and their Royal ale showcases the brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation. If you enjoy Belgian-style ales, this beer is a great opportunity to taste the best of Russian craft brewing while exploring one of Russia’s top breweries.
5. Vermishel Russian Imperial Stout (Вермисель Имперский Стаут)
Type: Russian Imperial Stout
ABV: 9.0%
Where to Try: St. Petersburg, available in craft beer bars and directly from Vermishel Brewery.
Overview:
Vermishel Brewery is known for its rich and complex beers, and their Russian Imperial Stout is one of the best examples of this style in Russia. The beer offers deep flavors of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and caramel, with a smooth, velvety finish. It’s a strong and intense beer that will appeal to those who enjoy dark, rich brews.
Why It’s a Must-Try:
This Russian Imperial Stout from Vermishel is one of the best examples of dark beer from Russia. The brewery’s focus on small-batch, high-quality brewing ensures that every bottle of Vermishel Russian Imperial Stout is rich in flavor and complexity. For stout lovers, this is a must-try beer.
6. Baikal Brewery Pilsner (Байкал Пильзнер)
Type: Pilsner
ABV: 4.5%
Where to Try: Irkutsk, available at Baikal Brewery taproom or craft beer bars across Russia.
Overview:
Located near the iconic Lake Baikal, Baikal Brewery is known for producing clean and refreshing beers that showcase the purity of the region’s water. Their Baikal Pilsner is light, crisp, and highly drinkable, making it a perfect beer for a hot summer day. The beer is brewed with a subtle hop bitterness and a smooth, malty backbone.
Why It’s a Must-try:
If you’re visiting Siberia or want to try a beer that truly reflects the local flavors of the region, Baikal Pilsner is a great choice. The use of Lake Baikal water in the brewing process gives this pilsner a unique purity that you won’t find in mass-produced beers.
7. Kruzhka Brewery Pale Ale (Кружка Пэйл Эль)
Type: Pale Ale
ABV: 5.5%
Where to Try: Moscow, available at Kruzhka Brewery taproom and select craft beer bars.
Overview:
Kruzhka Brewery is a local favorite in Moscow, known for producing high-quality, small-batch beers. Their Pale Ale is a hoppy and refreshing brew with notes of citrus, pine, and floral undertones. It’s a well-balanced beer that offers a great introduction to the world of craft pale ales.
Why It’s a Must-Try:
This pale ale is an excellent representation of Russian craft brewing. Kruzhka Brewery has a reputation for creating flavorful, easy-drinking beers, and their Pale Ale is no exception. It’s a perfect option for those new to craft beer or anyone looking for a crisp, hoppy beer.
8. Zolotaya Bochka (Golden Barrel)
Type: Premium Lager
ABV: 5.2%
Where to Try: Available nationwide in supermarkets, bars, and restaurants.
Overview:
Zolotaya Bochka is one of Russia’s premium lager brands, offering a smooth and balanced taste with a malty sweetness and a slightly bitter finish. This lager is brewed with high-quality ingredients, making it a great option for those looking for a more refined beer that still reflects the traditional Russian beer style.
Why It’s a Must-Try:
For those who want to try a more upscale Russian lager, Zolotaya Bochka is the perfect choice. It’s a great beer to enjoy with hearty meals like shashlik or olivier salad.
9. Sibirskaya Korona (Сибирская Корона)
Type: Pale Lager
ABV: 4.7%
Where to Try: Available across Russia, especially in supermarkets and bars.
Overview:
Sibirskaya Korona is one of Russia’s most popular beer brands, particularly in Siberia. It’s a light, easy-drinking pale lager with a smooth, slightly sweet malt flavor. It’s perfect for casual drinking and pairs well with a variety of Russian and international dishes.
Why It’s a Must-Try:
Sibirskaya Korona is a staple in Russian beer culture. It’s one of the most widely available beers and offers a great introduction to Russian lagers.
10. Kozel Dark (Козел Дарк)
Type: Dark Lager
ABV: 4.8%
Where to Try: Available at bars, restaurants, and supermarkets across Russia.
Overview:
Kozel Dark is a rich, smooth dark lager that’s perfect for those who enjoy malt-forward beers. With flavors of caramel, toffee, and roasted malt, this beer is perfect for sipping on a cold evening. Its balanced sweetness and low bitterness make it an excellent choice for pairing with hearty Russian dishes like beef stroganoff or shashlik.
Why It’s a Must-Try:
If you’re a fan of dark lagers, Kozel Dark is a must-try. It’s one of Russia’s finest dark beers and offers a rich, flavorful experience for those who prefer malt-heavy brews.
Conclusion
Russia’s beer scene is diverse and growing, and there’s no shortage of incredible beers to try. From the iconic Zhigulevskoye to innovative craft brews like Af Brew IPA and Pravda Brewing’s Royal Ale, the country offers something for every beer enthusiast. Whether you’re visiting Moscow, St. Petersburg, or Siberia, these beers are an essential part of experiencing Russia’s rich brewing culture. Add these to your Russian beer bucket list, and enjoy a taste of the country’s evolving beer scene!
