Putin's Drinking Habits: Beer Or Something Stronger?

Russian President Vladimir Putin is known to generally avoid alcohol, only drinking at formal events and receptions. However, during his time in Germany in the 1980s, Putin was reported to have drunk three litres of beer a week, with his favoured tipple being Radeberger. Putin's fondness for German beer continued after his time in Dresden, with the former German Chancellor Angela Merkel supplying him with a few bottles on occasion. In 2023, Putin bizarrely claimed that Kremlin critics living in exile drank beer with female sex hormones.

Putin drank 3 litres of beer a week while living in Germany

While it is reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not much of a drinker and tends to avoid alcohol, the same cannot be said of his time spent living in Germany during the final years of the Cold War. Putin drank a substantial amount of beer while living in Dresden, Germany, in the mid-1980s, and his fondness for German beer has continued even after his return to Russia.

Putin spent five years in Dresden, where he was stationed while working for the KGB. At 33 years old, he moved there with his now ex-wife Lyudmila and their daughter, Maria. Although his work was described as "pretty routine" by the 2000 book "First Person", Putin relished the higher standard of living in Germany and, of course, the beer. He was reportedly very fond of the German beer Radeberger, even visiting the town where it was first brewed in 1872.

Boris Reitschuster, Putin's German biographer, told the BBC in 2015 that Putin "enjoyed [his time in Dresden] very much, [it was] this little paradise for him." Putin himself became emotional when reflecting on his time in Germany, stating that he was "moved" by the memory. Reitschuster also noted that Putin's time in Dresden held a lot of significance for him, especially since his second daughter, Katerina, was born there in 1986.

During his time in Germany, Putin is said to have drunk three litres of beer a week, which he often enjoyed at his favourite bar, Am Thor. This drinking habit took a toll on his physical health, as he confessed to gaining 13 kilograms while living in Dresden. Putin's former KGB colleague, Vladimir Usoltsev, also revealed that Putin would spend hours poring over Western mail-order catalogues, reading about different fashions and trends.

Putin's fondness for German beer extended beyond his time in Dresden, as he occasionally received a few bottles from the former First Chancellor Angela Merkel. However, his days of frequenting Am Thor are long gone, as he was banned from the establishment in 2022, according to the German newspaper Bild.

His favourite beer was Radeberger

While working for the KGB in Dresden, Germany, in the mid-1980s, Vladimir Putin drank about three litres of beer a week. His favourite beer was Radeberger, which he enjoyed at his local pub, Am Thor, which, until a few years ago, had a shrine dedicated to him. He even once went to the German town where Radeberger was first brewed in 1872 to visit the brewery.

Putin's fondness for German beer continued long after he left Germany. The former German Chancellor Angela Merkel would occasionally supply him with a few bottles. However, Putin's days of drinking at the Am Thor are long behind him, as he was banned from the establishment last year, according to the German newspaper Bild.

Putin's time in Germany was significant to him, and he became emotional when reflecting on it. He enjoyed the higher standard of living and the beer scene, and he even put on 13 kilograms during his time in Dresden. Putin's former KGB colleague, Vladimir Usoltsev, told the BBC that he would unwind by drinking beer and spending hours pouring over Western mail-order catalogues, reading about different fashions and trends.

Putin's fondness for Radeberger beer is notable, as it is a specific brand that he discovered during his time in Germany and continued to enjoy even after he left. It is also interesting to note that, while he has been known to follow a strict diet and refrain from alcohol, his love for this particular beer has persisted.

He drank beer at the Am Thor pub in Dresden

There are many stories and anecdotes circulating about Vladimir Putin and his relationship with alcohol, especially beer. One particular story that has gained some attention is that of Putin drinking beer at the Am Thor pub in Dresden, Germany.

During his time as a KGB agent, Putin was stationed in Dresden from 1985 to 1990. It was during these years that he is said to have frequented the Am Thor pub, which was a popular gathering place for Russians living in or visiting Dresden. The pub was known for its traditional German beer and food, and it seems that Putin enjoyed the atmosphere and beverage on offer.

Putin apparently drank beer at the Am Thor on multiple occasions, and this has been corroborated by several sources, including former patrons of the pub and even a bartender who worked there at the time. They recall that Putin would often sit alone, drinking his beer and reading a book, appearing to be a quiet and unassuming patron.

The Am Thor pub has since become something of a tourist attraction, with people visiting the establishment specifically because of its connection to Putin. It is said that the table at which Putin used to sit has become something of a minor monument, with some visitors even asking to be seated at that particular spot. Whether Putin himself is aware of this newfound fame for the humble pub is unknown, but it certainly adds a unique twist to the story of his time in Dresden.

Putin avoids alcohol unless it is a formal event

Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly avoids alcohol unless it is part of a formal reception or ceremony. While he is not a frequent drinker, Putin has been known to indulge in the occasional drink at formal events.

During his time in Dresden, Germany, in the mid-1980s, Putin was a young KGB officer who enjoyed unwinding with a beer. He reportedly drank three litres of beer a week, with his favoured tipple being Radeberger. He even visited the German town where Radeberger was first brewed in 1872.

Putin's fondness for German beer continued even after he left Dresden. The former German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, would occasionally supply him with a few bottles. He also had a favourite bar in Dresden, the Am Thor, which, until a few years ago, had a shrine dedicated to him.

However, Putin's drinking habits changed over time, and he is now known for his controlled abstinence. He follows a strict diet and refrains from alcohol, which is central to his public image. Putin has criticised the drinking culture in Russia and has emphasised the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

While Putin generally avoids alcohol, there may be occasions where he chooses to partake in a drink at formal events or receptions. This allows him to participate in the social aspect of these events while still maintaining his disciplined and controlled image.

He has been seen intoxicated in a viral video

Russian President Vladimir Putin is known to generally avoid alcohol, except during formal receptions or ceremonies. However, a viral video from December 2022 appears to show a different side to the leader. In the video, Putin is seen intoxicated while speaking to state awards recipients, swaying from side to side as he addresses the Russia-Ukraine war. The video sparked speculation and commentary from journalists and economists, as this seemed to be a departure from Putin's usual controlled abstinence and public image of sobriety.

The video, posted on Twitter by a user named Dmitri, garnered over 2.5 million views and sparked discussions on social media platforms. Swedish economist Anders Åslund, who worked as an adviser to the Russian and Ukrainian governments in the 1990s, commented that this was the first time he had seen Putin appearing drunk in any context. He noted that Putin seemed to be realising his position as a loser in the conflict, a promising sign for those opposed to his actions. Moscow-based journalist Anna Nemtsova also pointed out the uniqueness of the incident, noting that while there have been many staged photo and video shoots of Putin, a drunk speech about Russian missiles was likely an unstaged act.

CBC journalist Evan Dyer also weighed in, finding it very strange to see Putin drunk in public, especially since maintaining a sober image in a hard-drinking country like Russia has been central to his appeal, particularly among long-suffering Russian women. New Lines Magazine Global Editor Amie Ferris-Rotman expressed a similar sentiment, stating that she had never seen or heard of Putin being drunk before, and that his apparent intoxication indicated that things must be going very wrong in Ukraine.

While Putin's drinking habits as the Russian President seem to be limited to formal contexts, the viral video of an apparently intoxicated Putin sheds light on a different aspect of the leader, one that is out of character from his usual controlled and sober public image.

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