Estonian Drinking Culture: Beer At Home Or At The Pub?

Estonia has a strong drinking culture, with beer being the drink of choice for many. The country has a long history of beer brewing, dating back to between 500 and 1000 CE. While Estonia has a robust commercial beer industry, with two major breweries, Saku and A. Le Coq, dominating the market, it also boasts a thriving craft beer scene, with small microbreweries popping up across the country and offering diverse styles of beer. Estonians enjoy drinking beer in pubs and bars, with Saku Originaal being the most popular brew, easily found on tap. However, the country also has a tradition of home-brewed beers, particularly on the West Estonian islands, where beers are often flavoured with juniper and other plants. With its many breweries and beer varieties, Estonia offers a unique experience for beer enthusiasts, whether they prefer a casual drink at a local pub or a tasting tour of craft breweries.

Estonian drinking culture

Estonia has a rich drinking culture, with a variety of alcoholic beverages consumed by its citizens. Beer, spirits, and vodka are among the most popular drinks in the country, and alcohol consumption has historically been associated with social and cultural traditions. However, excessive drinking has also been recognised as a widespread problem in Estonia, leading to high premature mortality rates and other negative consequences.

Beer has a long history in Estonia, with records of brewing dating back over a thousand years. The two main breweries, Saku and A. Le Coq, dominate the market and offer a range of beers, including lagers, dark beers, and premium varieties. Estonians also have a tradition of home-brewed beers (koduõlu) and farm beers (taluõlu), particularly on the West Estonian islands. These beers are often flavoured with juniper and other plants, and koduõlu is served with only natural carbonation.

In addition to beer, Estonians also consume spirits and vodka. Vodka, in particular, is used to cure various ailments, and the practice of soaking socks in vodka and wearing them to treat colds is a well-known folk remedy. Despite the popularity of these drinks, alcoholism is a significant issue in Estonia, with high consumption rates and negative health consequences. To address this problem, the Estonian government has implemented measures such as banning alcohol advertising and restricting sales times.

While beer, spirits, and vodka are the most commonly consumed alcoholic beverages in Estonia, wine culture is also present. There are wine bars and shops in the country, and some Estonians enjoy drinking wine, particularly imported varieties from countries like Georgia, Spain, and Chile. However, wine may be more expensive in bars and restaurants compared to purchasing it at a grocery store, and it is not as widely consumed as other alcoholic drinks.

Popular Estonian beers

Estonia has a rich history of brewing beer, with the first written reference to the beverage in the country dating back to 1284. Today, the Estonian beer market is dominated by two major breweries: Saku and A. Le Coq, which together held over 90% of the market share in 2022. Here is a closer look at some of the popular Estonian beers:

Saku Beers

Saku, founded in 1820 in the town of Saku near Tallinn, is Estonia's largest brewer and is owned by the Carlsberg Group. Saku Originaal is marketed as Estonia's most popular beer brand and can be easily found on tap in pubs and bars. Saku Kuld (Gold) is positioned as a premium beer. However, both of these are standard lager-style beers. For a unique taste, Saku Tume (Dark) and Saku Abbey are recommended.

A. Le Coq Beers

A. Le Coq, founded in 1807 in Tartu, is owned by the Finnish company Olvi. A. Le Coq Premium is its most common brand, but the Alexander variety is also popular. During winters, A. Le Coq Porter is a favoured choice.

Craft Beers

Estonia also has a thriving craft beer culture, with nearly 30 microbreweries in the country as of 2017. Põhjala, one of the leading craft brewers, organises an annual craft beer festival called "Tallinn Craft Beer Weekend". Some of the popular craft beers from Põhjala include Põhjala CocoBänger, Põhjala French Toast Bänger, and Põhjala Baltic Porter Day 2024. Other notable craft beers from Estonia include Pihtla farmhouse brewery's beers, described as "cloudy, yeasty, and unpredictable", and the offerings from breweries like Lehe, Koeru, and Õllenaut.

Estonian craft beer scene

Estonia has a thriving craft beer scene, with over half a dozen craft breweries in the country producing high-quality beverages and exporting them worldwide. The revolution began in 2009, when bedroom brewers began concocting strange new beverages, and by 2017, there were nearly 30 microbreweries on the Estonian market. Estonian craft brewers are favoured by a system of progressive beer duty, with producers brewing up to 300,000 litres a year paying just half of the ordinary excise duty rates.

One of the pioneers of the Estonian craft beer revolution is Lehe brewery, founded by Tarmo and Gristel, who began brewing during the Dark Days. After three years, they decided to leave their corporate backgrounds and shipped out their first batch in March 2013. Just two years later, they had produced 75,000 litres!

Another key player in the revolution is Põhjala, a brewery that is now spearheading a movement to put the Estonian craft beer revolution on the global map. They are known for their Forest Series of beers, which include ingredients such as spruce tips, pine needles, and lingonberries. Their beers can be found in many top beer bars across Europe.

Other notable craft breweries in Estonia include Tanker, Õllenaut, Vormsi, Tänav & Kolk, Tammela, Raba, Pühaste, Pöide, Hampelmann, and Anderson’s.

There are also plenty of great craft beer bars in Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia. Here are some of the best:

• Speakeasy by Põhjala - a taproom with Estonia's largest selection of draught craft beers (24 taps) and a bottle shop.
• Taptap Tallinn - a modern and comfortable bar with around 600 bottles for sale and 6 beers on draft. They also serve hot dogs as an ode to Danish street food.
• SIP - a bottle shop and bar located in the hip Telliskivi area that offers craft beer, traditional beer, and wine. They also conduct courses and events in multiple languages.
• Porgu - a bar in the Old Town of Tallinn with a massive craft beer selection, including many Estonian beers. They also sell a full food menu, offering everything from jalapeno poppers to pork chops.
• Uba ja Humal - a bar, cafe, and bottle shop near the water in Tallinn with a massive selection of beers, including a top-notch Estonian portfolio.
• Humalakoda - a brewpub located inside the Balti Jaama Food Hall in Tallinn. They have a small bar downstairs and the main restaurant and brewery upstairs.
• Koht - a tiny beer bar tucked underneath an archway in the Old Town of Tallinn. There is a small bottle shop called Pothouse in the building in front of the bar, with a nice selection of local and imported bottles.

Drinking at home vs at pubs/clubs

Drinking culture in Estonia is well-established, with a wide range of drinking establishments and a long history of beer brewing. So, where do Estonians enjoy their drinks? Here's a comparison of drinking at home versus pubs and clubs.

Drinking at Home

Drinking at home in Estonia is a common practice, and it's not unusual for Estonians to enjoy a few drinks with friends or family in the comfort of their homes. This practice is often paired with social gatherings, celebrations, or simply catching up with loved ones.

Drinking at Pubs and Clubs

Estonia also boasts a vibrant pub and club culture, with establishments ranging from traditional pubs to trendy craft beer bars and nightclubs. The drinking age in Estonia is 18, and many young adults and students frequent these venues, especially in the larger cities like Tallinn and Tartu.

Pubs and bars offer a variety of drinks, including local and imported beers, liqueurs, and vodka, which is a popular spirit in Estonia. Mainstream clubs tend to close around 4 am, while less mainstream venues may stay open until 6 am or later.

Beer Preferences

When it comes to beer, Estonians have a variety of options. The country has a long history of brewing, with the first written reference to beer dating back to 1284. Today, the market is dominated by two main breweries, Saku and A. Le Coq, each with its own regional strongholds. However, in recent years, Estonia has also seen a rise in craft breweries and microbreweries, offering unique and innovative beers.

Social Aspects

Drinking in pubs and clubs is often a social activity, with Estonians enjoying a night out with friends or meeting new people. The atmosphere in these venues can vary, from relaxed and comfortable to lively and vibrant, depending on the type of establishment and the time of night.

In conclusion, while Estonians do enjoy drinking at home, the country's pubs and clubs offer a distinct experience with a wider variety of drinks, a vibrant atmosphere, and the opportunity to socialise and meet new people. Whether it's a cosy night in with friends or a night out on the town, Estonians know how to enjoy their drinks and have established a unique drinking culture.

Estonian drinking laws

In Estonia, drinking laws are relatively relaxed, but the country has taken steps in recent years to curb alcohol consumption. Here is an overview of the laws and regulations surrounding alcohol in Estonia.

In 2008, the Estonian government approved amendments to the Alcohol Act, restricting the sale of alcohol to between 10 am and 10 pm. This change aimed to address the easy availability of alcohol due to the varying rules in the more than 200 municipalities in the country. The 2008 amendments also included restrictions on minors possessing alcohol, with an exception for handling alcohol within the course of their employment.

In 2019, further restrictions were introduced on displaying alcoholic drinks in stores. Alcoholic beverages must be separated from other goods and not be visible from outside the store or from other areas within the store. These measures are designed to prevent customers, especially minors, from being "inevitably exposed" to alcohol.

The retail sale of alcohol is prohibited in certain places, such as childcare institutions, schools, healthcare providers, social welfare institutions, and on public transport. Local municipalities have the authority to designate specific areas where alcohol consumption is allowed, as long as it does not disturb others. An absolute ban on alcohol consumption is in place around childcare centres, playgrounds, health authorities, and public transport stops.

While Estonia has a vibrant drinking culture, with beer and vodka being popular choices, the country has also seen fluctuations in alcohol consumption over the years. Between 2000 and 2007, adult domestic alcohol consumption per capita increased, followed by a decrease until 2016. The consumption of spirits, mainly vodka, decreased during this period, while the consumption of beer remained relatively stable.

Estonia has a higher density of alcohol retail shops compared to Nordic countries, which may contribute to the higher consumption levels observed in the Baltic region. The affordability of alcohol in Estonia has also been a concern, with prices increasing due to excise duty rates and taxes. Cross-border alcohol trade, particularly with Latvia, has become prominent due to price differences.

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