When most people think of Russian beer, they may picture light lagers like Baltika 3 or Zhigulyovskoye, which dominate the Russian beer scene. However, Russia has a rich history of brewing dark beers that are beloved by locals and increasingly gaining recognition among international beer enthusiasts. Russian dark beers, particularly porters, stouts, and other rich and complex brews, offer a delightful contrast to the typical lagers, with robust flavors and deep, malty profiles that reflect the country’s diverse brewing traditions. If you’re a fan of dark beers or simply curious about Russia’s beer scene, this guide will take you through some of the best Russian dark beers to try.
The Tradition of Dark Beer in Russia
Dark beers have a long history in Russia, dating back to the 19th century when Russian brewers began experimenting with darker malts and richer flavors. These beers were traditionally brewed for the colder months, as their rich, warming qualities made them ideal companions for the long Russian winters. Over time, Russian dark beers evolved, blending local ingredients and brewing methods with European influences.
The Soviet Union era saw a reduction in the production of dark beers, with lighter lagers becoming more popular. However, following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of craft beer in Russia, there has been a resurgence of interest in dark beers, with new craft breweries reviving and innovating upon the classic styles of porters, stouts, and bocks.
Popular Russian Dark Beer Styles
Before diving into the best dark beers Russia has to offer, it’s important to understand the main types of dark beers produced in the country. The most popular styles include:
Porter
Russian porters are rich, full-bodied beers known for their malty sweetness and roasted flavors. They often feature notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel, making them ideal for those who enjoy complex, slightly sweet beers with a smooth finish. Russian porters were originally inspired by the English style but have been adapted to suit local tastes and ingredients.
Stout
Stouts in Russia are typically robust, with a focus on deep roasted malt flavors and hints of dark chocolate, coffee, and sometimes smoky or earthy notes. These beers are perfect for those who appreciate intense, full-bodied brews that are perfect for sipping on a cold evening.
Bock
Bock is a traditional German-style dark beer that has made its way into Russian brewing. Known for its strong malt profile and slightly sweet taste, bocks are often brewed with a mix of caramel, dark fruit, and bready flavors. While less common than porters and stouts, Russian bocks can still be found in some craft breweries, offering a unique twist on a classic style.
The Best Russian Dark Beers to Try
Now that you have an understanding of the styles, let’s take a look at some of the best Russian dark beers that are sure to impress beer lovers looking to explore the country’s rich brewing culture.
1. Baltika 6 (Porter)
Baltika Brewery is one of Russia’s largest and most iconic breweries, and their Baltika 6 Porter is one of the standout dark beers in the country. With a deep amber color and a full-bodied, rich flavor profile, Baltika 6 combines roasted malt with hints of caramel, coffee, and dark chocolate. It has a smooth, slightly sweet finish, making it an approachable choice for those new to dark beers, while still satisfying those who appreciate more complex flavors.
Why it’s great:
- A rich, malty profile with coffee, chocolate, and caramel flavors.
- Balanced sweetness that complements the roasted bitterness.
- One of the most popular Russian porters.
Where to try it:
- Available in supermarkets, bars, and restaurants across Russia.
- Often found in international markets that carry Russian products.
2. Zhigulyovskoye Porter
Zhigulyovskoye Brewery, another of Russia’s longstanding beer producers, is famous for its traditional lagers, but their Zhigulyovskoye Porter offers a wonderful glimpse into the country’s dark beer offerings. This rich and robust porter is brewed with a blend of roasted malt, providing deep flavors of chocolate, coffee, and toffee. The mouthfeel is velvety, and the beer has just the right amount of sweetness to balance the bitterness of the dark malts.
Why it’s great:
- A traditional Russian porter with a perfect balance of malt sweetness and roasted bitterness.
- Notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel make for a satisfying beer experience.
- An excellent introduction to Russian dark beers.
Where to try it:
- Available in many Russian bars, particularly those that focus on local beers.
- Find it in select international markets carrying Russian beer brands.
3. Ochakovo Dark
Ochakovo Brewery, known for producing one of Russia’s most iconic lagers, also offers a dark beer that is a favorite among locals. Ochakovo Dark is a smooth, flavorful beer that blends the richness of dark malts with a gentle sweetness. The beer features subtle notes of roasted coffee, chocolate, and caramel, along with a touch of bitterness that gives it a rounded and well-balanced finish. This dark beer is ideal for those who enjoy a less intense, yet still flavorful, brew.
Why it’s great:
- A smoother and slightly lighter dark beer compared to stronger stouts and porters.
- Balanced malt sweetness with roasted coffee and caramel flavors.
- A great beer to try if you’re new to dark beers but still want to explore the style.
Where to try it:
- Found in many supermarkets, bars, and restaurants across Russia.
- Common in Russian restaurants internationally.
4. AF Brew Imperial Stout
AF Brew is one of the leading craft breweries in Russia, known for its innovative and bold beers. Their Imperial Stout is a standout in the Russian craft beer scene, with a deep, complex flavor profile that will appeal to any dark beer enthusiast. This stout is full-bodied and rich, with prominent flavors of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and licorice. The beer is balanced with a warming, slightly sweet finish that makes it perfect for sipping on a cold evening.
Why it’s great:
- A bold, full-bodied imperial stout with complex flavors.
- Rich dark chocolate, coffee, and licorice notes.
- An excellent choice for those who love intense stouts and craft beers.
Where to try it:
- Available in craft beer bars and specialty beer shops in cities like St. Petersburg and Moscow.
- Can be found in select international craft beer retailers.
5. Brewlok Dark Side
Brewlok, another key player in the Russian craft beer movement, offers a variety of dark beers, and their Dark Side Stout is a must-try. This stout is known for its intense, roasted flavors, with notes of coffee, dark chocolate, and a hint of smoke. It has a creamy mouthfeel and a smooth, full-bodied finish that lingers pleasantly on the palate. Brewlok’s Dark Side is perfect for those looking for a strong, flavorful stout that isn’t overly bitter.
Why it’s great:
- A full-bodied stout with rich roasted coffee and chocolate flavors.
- Smooth and creamy mouthfeel with a slightly smoky finish.
- A fantastic choice for lovers of bold, roasted beers.
Where to try it:
- Available in craft beer establishments and breweries in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
- Increasingly available in international craft beer shops.
Pairing Russian Dark Beers with Food
Dark beers pair wonderfully with a variety of Russian and international dishes. Here are some food pairings that will enhance your experience when enjoying Russian dark beers:
- Zhigulyovskoye Porter pairs well with hearty Russian dishes like borscht, beef stew, and smoked meats, as well as rich cheeses like aged cheddar or blue cheese.
- Baltika 6 Porter is great with chocolate desserts, such as chocolate cake or dark chocolate truffles, as well as roasted meats and grilled vegetables.
- Ochakovo Dark pairs nicely with lighter fare such as grilled sausages, roasted chicken, or even pizza, thanks to its balanced malt sweetness.
- AF Brew Imperial Stout is ideal with strong, rich foods like barbecued meats, smoked fish, or a rich beef stew. It’s also great with decadent desserts like chocolate mousse or tiramisu.
- Brewlok Dark Side pairs perfectly with savory stews, roasted meats, and dishes with a smoky or earthy flavor, as well as chocolate-based desserts.
Conclusion
Russian dark beers offer a delightful journey into the country’s rich brewing heritage. From the classic porters of Baltika and Zhigulyovskoye to the bold, complex stouts from craft breweries like AF Brew and Brewlok, there is no shortage of flavorful options for dark beer enthusiasts. Whether you’re enjoying a smooth, malty porter with a hearty meal or savoring a rich, roasted stout on a chilly evening, Russian dark beers provide a perfect opportunity to experience the depth and complexity of Russian brewing. So, if you’re a dark beer lover or simply looking to explore something new during your travels, be sure to discover the best Russian dark beers.
