Ukraine Beer: Where To Buy And Taste It

Ukraine has a rich history of brewing beer, with the country's first breweries found in Kyiv monasteries, where monks would spend their time developing unique recipes and brewing methods. Today, Ukraine is known for its diverse range of beers, including pale lagers, dark beers, and red beers. Some of the most popular Ukrainian beer brands include Obolon, Lvivske, and Chernihivske, which can be found in many online stores and specialty shops worldwide. In addition, several breweries in Ukraine, such as Pravda Beer Theatre, have gained international recognition for their unique offerings and humanitarian efforts.

Online retailers for Ukrainian beer

Ukrainian beer is heavily influenced by German styles, with many different pale lagers available. Some of the most well-known Ukrainian beers are Chernihivske, Obolon, and Lvivske.

• Beers of Europe: This online retailer offers a range of Ukrainian beers, including Obolon BeerMix Cola and Lime, Obolon BeerMix Lemon, and Obolon BeerMix Raspberry. They also provide interesting information about the history of Ukrainian beer and its brewing methods.
• Total Wine & More: Here, you can find a variety of Ukrainian beers such as Obolon Svitle, Obolon Kyivske, Lvivske 1715, and Mykhola Zhigulevske Lager.
• Drizly: Although not much information is available on their website, Drizly does offer an option to shop for Ukrainian beer online.
• RateBeer.com: While not a retailer itself, RateBeer.com provides a list of highly-rated Ukrainian beers. You can use this website to discover new beers and then search for them on other online retailers. Some of the top-rated Ukrainian beers on this website include KF DUX Imperial Stout, Collider Affectionate Krampus, and Varvar Midnight Velvet.
• BeerFreak.org: This website is a great resource for craft beer enthusiasts. They work with a wide range of breweries, both old and new, and offer various beer styles, including traditional English ales, Belgian lambics, and experimental craft beers. BeerFreak.org aims to develop the beer culture in Ukraine and introduce new people to the exciting world of modern beer.

Ukrainian beer in Philadelphia

If you're looking for Ukrainian beer in Philadelphia, the Ukrainian American Citizens' Association (UACA) is the place to go. Located at 847 N. Franklin Street, the UACA offers a diverse range of imported Ukrainian beers for the Philadelphia community to enjoy. With options like Obolon Premium, a Euro Pale Lager with a refreshing and effervescent taste, and Lvivske Mitsne ("Strong"), a light, sweet, and strong Pilsner, you can explore the unique flavours of Ukraine.

The UACA is dedicated to providing an authentic experience, so don't forget to cheer with the traditional Ukrainian toast, "Будьмо" ("Budʼmo"), which means "cheers." The association also hosts a Ukrainian Pierogie Kitchen on Sundays, offering a chance to indulge in more Ukrainian culture and cuisine.

If you're looking to explore Ukrainian beer beyond Philadelphia, there are a few options. Beers of Europe, based in the UK, offers a selection of Ukrainian beers for purchase online, including unique mixes like Obolon BeerMix Cola and Lime, Lemon, and Raspberry. They also provide free delivery for orders over £100.

Additionally, in 2022, Ukrainian breweries like Pravda Beer Theatre paused beer production to focus on creating Molotov cocktails during the Russian invasion. They shared their recipes and artwork with craft breweries worldwide, including Stickman Brewery in Royersford, PA, and Wilmington Brew Works in Delaware. These breweries joined the Brew for Ukraine campaign, brewing Ukrainian beer and donating the proceeds to humanitarian aid in Ukraine.

So, whether you're toasting with Budʼmo in Philadelphia or supporting Ukrainian breweries from afar, there are plenty of ways to enjoy and show your support for Ukraine and its beer culture.

Popular Ukrainian beer brands

Ukraine has a thriving beer industry, with a mix of local breweries and global companies. Here is an overview of some popular Ukrainian beer brands:

Obolon

Obolon Brewery (Оболонь) is one of Ukraine's most well-known and established beer producers. Founded in 1980 in Kyiv, Obolon has built a reputation for delivering high-quality brews, including light lagers, wheat beers, and flavoured beers. Their commitment to traditional brewing methods and extensive distribution network has made Obolon a household name in Ukraine. Obolon's beers are widely available, with brands such as Obolon Lager, Obolon BeerMix (in various flavours), and Obolon Magnat Light Beer.

Lvivske

Lvivske is another prominent Ukrainian beer brand, with its roots in the city of Lviv. The brand is owned by the Carlsberg Group and offers a range of beers representing distinct styles and flavour profiles. Lvivske 1715, a crisp and well-balanced lager, is their flagship product and has gained immense popularity across Ukraine. Lvivske's beers are known for combining centuries-old brewing traditions with modern techniques.

Chernihivske

Chernihivske is a renowned Ukrainian beer brand produced by the brewery Chernigivskiy Pivnoy Kombinat, located in Chernihiv. This brewery has a long history, dating back to 1845, and is dedicated to preserving Ukrainian brewing traditions while also incorporating innovation. Chernihivske offers a diverse range of beers, from light lagers to rich, dark beers. Their commitment to quality and heritage has earned them a loyal following.

Pravda

Pravda Beer Theatre is a notable Ukrainian brewery that gained attention during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. They paused brewing beer and started making Molotov cocktails, sharing their recipes and artwork with craft breweries worldwide to raise funds for relief efforts. Pravda produces a range of highly-rated beers, including the Pravda Lvivska Vesna, Pravda 100 Varka, and Pravda IPA Magnum Green Hop.

Bochkove

Bochkove is a modern and innovative beer brand in Ukraine, brewed by Persha Pryvatna Brovarnia (PPB). Established in 2004, PPB has quickly gained a following with its craft-style beers and unique flavour profiles. Bochkove, their light beer, offers the full flavour of a draught beer and is brewed using natural barley malt, hops, spring water, and yeast. PPB is known for its adventurous approach to brewing, appealing to beer enthusiasts seeking new and exciting flavours.

Ukrainian beer events

Ukraine has a rich history of brewing beer, with the first breweries found in Kyiv monasteries, where monks would develop recipes and unique brewing methods. Today, Ukraine's beer market is growing, with a value market growth of 12% to $2.6 billion in 2010.

The Festival of Hop, Beer and Beverages

This festival is held annually in Kyiv, Ukraine, at the NC "Expocenter of Ukraine". It has been a significant event for 19 years, showcasing the role of brewing in Ukraine's economy, ancient and modern brewing methods, and different beer types from the country's top breweries. The event attracts 5,000 to 20,000 visitors and offers a great opportunity for networking.

The City Beer Festival

The City Beer Festival is an annual event held in Lviv, Ukraine, once known as the beer capital of Ukraine due to its exceptional brewers. The festival arena is divided into various zones, each representing the beer culture of a different country, allowing visitors to experience a wide range of beer styles and cultures without leaving Ukraine. It's a great opportunity to learn about traditional Ukrainian brewing methods, sample beers, and explore cultural traditions and etiquette.

Ukrainian Beer Lovers Party

Although there is limited information available, the name suggests a celebration of Ukrainian beer enthusiasts.

International Support for Ukraine

Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, breweries worldwide initiated campaigns to support Ukraine. For example, the Pravda Beer Theatre in Ukraine paused brewing beer and started making Molotov cocktails. They shared their recipes and artwork with craft breweries, asking them to donate to relief fund efforts if they used their recipes. Many breweries also brewed beer, donating part of the revenue to Ukraine.

Ukrainian beer styles

The first breweries in Ukraine were found in Kyiv monasteries, where monks spent a lot of time developing recipes and experimenting with brewing methods. Lviv was once known as Ukraine's beer capital, as it was home to the country's best brewers. Lviv still has the oldest functioning brewery in Ukraine, which is now known as the Museum of Beer and Brewing. Here, visitors can go on a tasting tour to learn about traditional Ukrainian brewing methods and sample some of the finest beers. Lviv also hosts an annual City Beer Festival, where visitors can try beers from different countries and learn about cultural traditions and etiquette.

While pale lager remains the most popular style of beer in Ukraine, dark and red beers are also becoming increasingly popular. Some of the most renowned Ukrainian beers include Chernihivske, Obolon, and Lvivske. Obolon, for example, offers a range of beer mixes with flavours like cola and lime, lemon, and raspberry.

Some of the leading brewing companies in Ukraine include Anheuser-Busch InBev, Carlsberg Group Ukraine, and Obolon CJSC. These companies produce a variety of beer styles, from standard pale lagers to German-style hefeweizen wheat beers.

In recent years, Ukrainian breweries have also started experimenting with new styles, such as imperial stouts, India pale ales (IPAs), and barrel-aged beers. Some of the highest-rated Ukrainian beers on RateBeer.com include the KF DUX Imperial Stout, Collider Affectionate Krampus, and Varvar Midnight Velvet. These beers showcase the diversity and quality of Ukrainian brewing, which continues to evolve and gain recognition.

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