Russia’s beer scene has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, with a burgeoning craft beer movement alongside traditional lagers and regional specialties. Whether you’re in the heart of Russia or living abroad, many Russian beers can now be found in international stores, allowing beer enthusiasts around the world to experience the country’s unique brews. From light lagers to robust stouts, Russian beers offer a diverse range of flavors that reflect the country’s brewing heritage and modern creativity.
Here’s a list of the top 10 Russian beers you can find at international stores, along with a brief description of each beer to help you make the perfect choice for your next beer-tasting adventure.
1. Baltika 3 (Classic Lager)
ABV: 4.8%
One of Russia’s most recognizable and widely available beers, Baltika 3 is a classic pale lager that boasts a crisp and balanced flavor. It features light malt sweetness, mild hop bitterness, and a smooth finish, making it an excellent choice for everyday drinking.
Why You Should Try It:
This beer is perfect for newcomers to Russian beer, offering an easy-drinking lager that pairs well with a variety of foods. Its refreshing nature makes it an ideal beer for warmer weather or casual gatherings.
Best Pairings:
- Grilled meats (shashlik)
- Light salads
- Mild cheeses (Brie, Gouda)
2. Zhigulevskoye Classic
ABV: 4.5%
As one of Russia’s oldest and most iconic beers, Zhigulevskoye Classic is a light lager that’s deeply embedded in Russian beer culture. It has a smooth, malt-forward flavor with a subtle hop bitterness, making it a great introduction to traditional Russian beers.
Why You Should Try It:
Zhigulevskoye Classic is a nostalgic choice for those looking to experience a piece of Russian history. It’s widely loved by locals and is a staple in both casual and social settings.
Best Pairings:
- Pelmeni (dumplings)
- Borscht (beet soup)
- Pirozhki (stuffed pastries)
3. Ochakovo Wheat Beer
ABV: 4.2%
Ochakovo Wheat Beer is a refreshing and slightly fruity beer with a smooth, creamy body and a slight spice from the yeast. It’s light and easy to drink, making it perfect for summer days or casual outdoor gatherings.
Why You Should Try It:
Wheat beers are known for their smooth texture and fruity notes, and Ochakovo Wheat Beer is no exception. It offers a slightly cloudy appearance with flavors of citrus, banana, and clove, which makes it an excellent option for those who enjoy lighter, flavorful beers.
Best Pairings:
- Grilled fish
- Light salads (Greek or cucumber salad)
- Fresh goat cheese
4. Tinkoff IPA
ABV: 5.6%
Tinkoff IPA brings bold, hoppy flavors to the Russian beer scene. With its prominent citrus, pine, and floral notes, it’s a great choice for those who enjoy an intense hop-forward beer. Despite its bitterness, the beer maintains a smooth, well-rounded finish.
Why You Should Try It:
If you’re a fan of IPAs, Tinkoff IPA offers a refreshing take on the style, with a strong hop presence balanced by a crisp finish. It’s an excellent beer for those who enjoy stronger, more complex flavors.
Best Pairings:
- Spicy grilled chicken wings
- Beef stroganoff
- Aged cheeses (Cheddar, Gouda)
5. Baltika 6 (Russian Imperial Stout)
ABV: 7%
Baltika 6 is a robust and flavorful Russian Imperial Stout that features rich roasted malt flavors with notes of chocolate, coffee, and dark fruits. It’s a strong beer that’s perfect for those who enjoy dark, full-bodied brews.
Why You Should Try It:
This stout is perfect for those who love a rich, malty beer with bold flavors. It’s great for sipping slowly and pairing with hearty, flavorful foods or even desserts like chocolate cake.
Best Pairings:
- Chocolate desserts (mousse, cake)
- Roasted meats
- Strong cheeses (blue cheese, aged cheddar)
6. The Three Bears Siberian Pale Ale
ABV: 5.5%
The Three Bears Siberian Pale Ale is a hoppy beer that delivers a mix of citrus and pine flavors, balanced with a light malt sweetness. This pale ale is a great choice for hop lovers looking for something bold but easy to drink.
Why You Should Try It:
The combination of hoppy bitterness and subtle malt sweetness makes this beer perfect for anyone who enjoys a balanced pale ale with a punch of flavor. Plus, it’s a great introduction to Russian craft beer.
Best Pairings:
- Grilled vegetables
- Spicy dishes (chili, BBQ chicken)
- Pizza with pepperoni or spicy sausage
7. Bierkrug Baltic Porter
ABV: 6%
Bierkrug Baltic Porter is a dark, rich beer with deep flavors of roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee. It’s a smooth and full-bodied beer with a slightly sweet finish, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer dark, flavorful brews.
Why You Should Try It:
This Baltic porter is perfect for beer drinkers who enjoy complex, malt-forward beers with a rich, roasted character. It’s an excellent winter beer, ideal for sipping in front of the fire.
Best Pairings:
- Grilled meats (especially beef or lamb)
- Smoked cheeses
- Dark chocolate
8. Pravda Brewery Russian Winter Ale
ABV: 7%
Pravda Brewery’s Russian Winter Ale is a seasonal beer brewed with spices like cinnamon, clove, and ginger, offering a warming, aromatic experience. Its malty sweetness is complemented by the rich spices, making it perfect for colder months or festive occasions.
Why You Should Try It:
If you enjoy spiced beers or are looking for a winter seasonal brew, this beer is a must-try. Its combination of warmth and spice makes it ideal for pairing with rich winter foods or enjoying after a hearty meal.
Best Pairings:
- Roasted meats
- Spiced cakes or gingerbread
- Aged cheeses
9. Kama Golden Lager
ABV: 4.7%
Kama Golden Lager is a light, refreshing beer with a delicate malt sweetness and a mild hop bitterness. It’s an easy-drinking lager that pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a great all-around beer for any occasion.
Why You Should Try It:
With its balanced flavor profile and smooth finish, Kama Golden Lager is a versatile beer that can be enjoyed at any time. It’s perfect for those who want a refreshing beer without too much bitterness.
Best Pairings:
- Grilled fish
- Salads with light vinaigrette
- Fresh cheeses (mozzarella, ricotta)
10. Zhigulevskoye Strong
ABV: 7%
Zhigulevskoye Strong is a higher-ABV version of the classic Zhigulevskoye lager. This strong beer has a more pronounced malt sweetness and a smooth, balanced bitterness. It’s an ideal beer for those who enjoy a stronger, more robust flavor.
Why You Should Try It:
If you enjoy a beer with a little more punch but still want the smoothness of a lager, Zhigulevskoye Strong is a great option. Its moderate bitterness and strong malt flavor make it a satisfying beer for those who like more substantial brews.
Best Pairings:
- Hearty stews (borscht, goulash)
- Roasted meats
- Spicy sausages
Conclusion
Russian beers offer a wide variety of styles and flavors that reflect the country’s diverse brewing traditions and modern creativity. Whether you’re looking for a light, crisp lager like Baltika 3, a rich, malty stout like Baltika 6, or a bold, hoppy IPA like Tinkoff IPA, there’s a Russian beer to suit every taste. Many of these beers can be found in international stores, allowing beer enthusiasts outside of Russia to experience a true taste of the country’s brewing culture.
During your next trip to the store, pick up a few of these Russian beers and explore the unique flavors they have to offer. Cheers!