Russian Beer: Where To Buy And What To Know

Russian beer is widely available to purchase online, with websites such as Drizly, Beers of Europe and BeerMenus offering a range of options for delivery. Russian beer is also exported to countries such as the USA, France, Ireland, Germany, South Korea, Mongolia and Mexico, so it may be possible to find Russian beer in specialist shops or supermarkets in these countries.

Russian beer brands

Russian beer sales are on the rise, and with that, the country's beer selection is becoming more diverse. Here are some of the most popular Russian beer brands:

Baltika

The largest brewery in Eastern Europe, Baltika boasts over 40 beer brands and eight non-beer brands, ranging from stout to lager to alcohol-free. The brand is known for its robust and bold flavour and is exported worldwide, including to the USA, France, Germany, and almost 70 other countries. Baltika No. 3 is the most popular variety, characterised by its crisp finish and lightness, often enjoyed at Russian sporting events.

Nevskoe Imperial

This beer made its debut in the early '90s and quickly gained popularity for its consistent quality and rich flavour. It is often compared to Pilsner Urquell.

Zhigulevskoye

Originally brewed in 1881, Zhigulevskoye was virtually the only beer available during the Soviet era. Today, it has been re-introduced as a cheap, drinkable pilsner with a twist-off plastic cap.

Ochakovo

Conceived in 1978 to provide Russian-made beer for the 1980 Summer Olympics, Ochakovo employs cold-filtering technology to create a unique, scientifically crafted beer.

Permskoye Gubernskoye

A European pale lager with a 5.2% ABV and a bright bitter taste. This beer is brewed deep in the mountains of Russia by the Perm Brewery.

Rifey

With a name derived from an ancient Greek term for the Ural Mountains, Rifey is known for its bright and pleasant taste.

Yarpivo

A super-popular Russian pilsner, Yarpivo is known for its subtle hop aroma and distinguishable amber colour. It is brewed using only the choicest malts and hops.

These are just a few of the many Russian beer brands to explore and enjoy. Whether you're in Russia or abroad, keep an eye out for these unique and diverse beers.

Russian beer in the USA

Russian beer is becoming more and more popular in the USA, with sales on the rise. This means that it's becoming easier to find Russian beer in your local store, and you may even see it slowly replacing some of the more common American beers. If you're looking to buy Russian beer in the USA, there are a few options.

Firstly, you can try your local specialist beer shop. These stores often stock a wide range of beers from around the world, and with the rise in popularity of Russian beer, they may well have some Russian options available. You could also try larger supermarkets with a good alcohol selection, as they may stock some of the more popular Russian beers.

If you can't find what you're looking for in a physical store, there are plenty of online options. Websites such as GotoLiquorStore, Drizly, and Beers of Europe all offer Russian beers for sale, and some even offer free delivery over a certain amount. When ordering online, just be sure to check that the website delivers to your state, as there may be restrictions on alcohol sales across state lines.

When it comes to choosing a Russian beer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Russians categorise their beers by colour rather than the fermentation process, so you'll see categories like 'light', 'red or semi-dark', and 'dark'. They also have a separate category for 'super strong' beers, which are those with 6% to 10% alcohol. Some popular Russian beers to look out for include Baltika, Stary Melnik, Zhigulevskoye, and Nevskoe Imperial. So, whether you're looking for a crisp lager or a strong ale, there's sure to be a Russian beer that fits the bill.

Russian beer drinking traditions

Russian beer, such as Baltika, is widely available in countries like the USA, France, Ireland, Germany, South Korea, Mongolia, Mexico, and more. If you're looking to try some Russian beer and participate in Russian drinking traditions, you're in luck! Here are some Russian traditions to keep in mind:

Firstly, drinking alcohol is a significant part of Russian culture, and Russians take their toasting traditions seriously. At any gathering, whether formal or impromptu, you can expect a series of toasts. These toasts can be short wishes for good health ("vashe zrodovye"), humorous anecdotes, or even paradoxical statements. At larger events like weddings or birthdays, there may be numerous toasts honouring the guests of honour, their parents, grandparents, and so on.

Secondly, Russians rarely drink alone and believe in the importance of sharing food and drinks with others. This custom is known as "zakuski," which refers to cold appetizers or snacks served at the beginning of a meal. It is considered meaningless to drink without a toast and food, and the host of the party, known as the "tamada," leads the drinking rituals.

Thirdly, Russians have specific food items they consume after drinking liquor, known as "chasers." Typical chasers include pickles ("soleny ogurets") and brown bread ("cherny khleb"). These foods are believed to neutralise the strong taste of alcohol.

Lastly, Russians have a unique gesture to indicate drinking, being drunk, or inviting someone to drink. They tap the side of their neck with their index and middle fingers, which is said to originate from a story involving Tsar Peter I.

So, if you're planning to drink Russian beer, remember to pair it with some traditional snacks, practice your toasting skills, and don't forget the time-honoured Russian drinking traditions!

Russian non-alcoholic beer

Russian consumers are increasingly turning to non-alcoholic beer, driven by a move towards healthier lifestyles and stricter government measures on alcohol consumption. This trend is helping to save a brewing industry that has been impacted by government initiatives to reduce drinking.

The non-alcoholic beer market in Russia is growing, with sales jumping 12% last year even as the broader Russian beer market shrank by 2%. The segment is expanding from a low base, with alcohol-free beer accounting for only around 1.2% of the country's beer market, compared to 5% in Germany and 13% in Spain.

One of the most popular non-alcoholic beer brands in Russia is "Baltika 0" (Baltika Zero), produced by the giant brewery "Baltika". Baltika 0 was the first non-alcoholic beer launched in Russia and has gained success due to its use of special reverse osmosis technology to reduce ethanol, making it very close in taste to original beer. The brand has gained a significant market share in a short time and is now the number one non-alcoholic beer in Russia.

Another major player in the Russian non-alcoholic beer market is AB InBev, which markets alcohol-free versions of its international brands such as Bud, Stella Artois, and Hoegaarden, as well as some Russian brands. AB InBev has seen strong double-digit growth in Russian sales of its alcohol-free beers and aims for weak and alcohol-free beer to make up 20% of its total sales by 2025.

When it comes to purchasing Russian non-alcoholic beer, some options are available online. Websites such as Amazon and NA Craft Beverages offer a variety of non-alcoholic beers, including some international options. However, keep in mind that shipping costs and availability may vary depending on your location. For Russian-specific options, you may want to explore local specialty stores or online retailers that cater to Russian products.

Russian beer categories

In Russia, beer is categorized by colour rather than the fermentation process. The three main categories are:

Light

Some Russian beers in this category include:

• Klinskoye Svetloe
• Nevskoe Imperial
• Baltika No. 3
• Permskoye Gubernskoye
• Rifey
• Tolstiak

Red or Semi-Dark

Some Russian beers in this category include:

Yarpivo

Dark

Some Russian beers in this category include:

• Zhigulevskoye
• Ochakovo
• Stary Melnik
• Sibirskaya Korona

Russian beer is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, with Baltika, the country's largest brewery, exporting to almost 70 countries.

Frequently asked questions