Vladivostok, a port city on the Pacific coast of Russia, is an exciting destination for those wanting to explore the country’s diverse culture, history, and cuisine. As Russia’s beer culture continues to grow, so too does the availability of unique and local brews in cities like Vladivostok. While the city is known for its seafood and picturesque landscapes, its thriving beer scene offers a chance to taste some of Russia’s best and most innovative beers. Whether you’re exploring the local craft beer scene or enjoying a classic Russian lager, here’s a guide to must-try Russian beers when visiting Vladivostok.
1. Sibirskaya Corona
Why You Should Try It:
Sibirskaya Corona, brewed in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, is a popular and refreshing choice for beer drinkers in Vladivostok. Although it’s not brewed locally, it’s widely available in many bars and restaurants, making it a must-try for tourists. The beer’s clean and crisp profile is perfect for pairing with the city’s famous seafood dishes.
Tasting Notes:
Sibirskaya Corona is a light lager with a clean, crisp taste and a subtle malt sweetness. It has a smooth body with a mild hop bitterness that doesn’t overpower the delicate flavors. The beer finishes with a refreshing, dry taste, making it ideal for a warm day by the sea.
- Taste: Light malt sweetness, mild bitterness, crisp finish.
- ABV: 4.5%
- Why It’s Great: Perfect for pairing with seafood or enjoying on a warm Vladivostok afternoon.
2. Baikal Wheat Beer
Why You Should Try It:
Located near Lake Baikal, Baikal Brewery brings the unique flavors of Siberia into their beers, and their Baikal Wheat Beer is a must-try for anyone visiting Vladivostok. Known for its use of local herbs and berries, this wheat beer gives a refreshing taste of the Russian Far East. It’s perfect for those who want to explore a more adventurous beer style that combines freshness with complexity.
Tasting Notes:
Baikal Wheat Beer has a cloudy, pale golden appearance, which is typical of the wheat beer style. The flavor is light and refreshing, with fruity notes of citrus and a slight earthy taste from the wild herbs and berries used in brewing. The beer has a smooth body with a crisp finish, making it an excellent choice for a hot day or a casual drink.
- Taste: Fruity, citrusy, with herbal and berry notes, light malt sweetness.
- ABV: 5.2%
- Why It’s Great: Offers a refreshing and unique taste of Siberian ingredients, ideal for those looking to try something new.
3. Vladivostok Brewing Company (VBC) Lager
Why You Should Try It:
As a local brewery in Vladivostok, Vladivostok Brewing Company (VBC) is a great way to experience the local beer scene. Their lager is a fantastic introduction to the brewery’s approach to beer-making, offering a balance between classic Russian beer styles and modern brewing techniques. Drinking a local brew while exploring the city adds a special touch to your visit.
Tasting Notes:
VBC Lager has a smooth, light body with a clean, slightly malty flavor. It’s refreshing with mild bitterness and a crisp finish, making it easy to drink and well-suited for pairing with local dishes like grilled seafood or Russian snacks such as smoked fish.
- Taste: Mild malt sweetness, smooth bitterness, clean finish.
- ABV: 4.8%
- Why It’s Great: A local favorite that captures the essence of Vladivostok’s beer culture.
4. Zhiguli Pilsner
Why You Should Try It:
Although Zhiguli is one of Russia’s oldest and most iconic beer brands, it remains incredibly popular throughout the country and is widely available in Vladivostok. Their Pilsner is a fantastic example of a classic Russian lager, offering a straightforward, refreshing taste that pairs well with almost any meal.
Tasting Notes:
Zhiguli Pilsner is a light, crisp lager with a clean malt flavor. It has a subtle hop bitterness that balances the sweetness of the malt, resulting in a well-rounded beer that’s easy to drink. The beer has a smooth finish, making it ideal for socializing with friends or enjoying by the seaside.
- Taste: Clean malt sweetness, mild bitterness, crisp and refreshing.
- ABV: 4.6%
- Why It’s Great: A classic, affordable beer that captures the traditional Russian lager style.
5. Jaws Brewery Pale Ale
Why You Should Try It:
For craft beer lovers visiting Vladivostok, Jaws Brewery from Saint Petersburg is an excellent choice. Known for its bold and hop-forward beers, Jaws Brewery Pale Ale offers a great opportunity to try a Russian take on the American-style pale ale. The brewery is part of Russia’s vibrant craft beer scene, making it a must-try for those looking to explore local innovations.
Tasting Notes:
Jaws Brewery Pale Ale has a vibrant hop profile with strong citrus and pine notes, balanced by a light malt backbone. The beer is refreshing and slightly bitter, with a moderate ABV that allows for easy drinking without sacrificing flavor. It’s a great beer for those who enjoy hoppier styles and want to experience a more modern take on Russian brewing.
- Taste: Citrus, pine, balanced bitterness, light malt sweetness.
- ABV: 5.0%
- Why It’s Great: Perfect for craft beer lovers looking for bold, hoppy flavors and a modern Russian beer experience.
6. BrewDog Moscow – Elvis Juice
Why You Should Try It:
While not brewed directly in Vladivostok, BrewDog Moscow is part of the global BrewDog brand, which has a strong presence in Russia and offers a unique take on American beer styles. Elvis Juice, an American-style IPA with a twist of citrus, is a fun, zesty option that pairs perfectly with Vladivostok’s fresh seafood.
Tasting Notes:
Elvis Juice is a citrus-heavy IPA with bold grapefruit and orange flavors. It’s slightly bitter, with a solid malt backbone, and the citrus notes really shine through, making it a refreshing and flavorful beer. Its medium body and higher ABV make it a beer that stands out.
- Taste: Strong citrus (grapefruit, orange), balanced bitterness, moderate malt sweetness.
- ABV: 6.5%
- Why It’s Great: A bold, flavorful IPA that brings an American-style twist to the Russian beer scene.
7. Sibirskaya IPA
Why You Should Try It:
Produced by Sibirskaya Brewery in Siberia, Sibirskaya IPA is a great example of Russia’s growing craft beer scene. With its bold hop profile, this beer is an excellent choice for IPA lovers visiting Vladivostok. The beer’s freshness and hop-forward flavor make it a great choice to enjoy with the city’s vibrant food scene.
Tasting Notes:
Sibirskaya IPA has a tropical fruit profile, with notes of pineapple and citrus, balanced by a noticeable bitterness. The beer is medium-bodied and has a crisp finish that makes it refreshing and easy to drink despite the stronger hop flavor.
- Taste: Pineapple, citrus, strong bitterness, medium body.
- ABV: 6.0%
- Why It’s Great: A well-balanced, bold IPA that showcases Russian craft brewing at its best.
Conclusion
Vladivostok may not be the first place you think of when it comes to beer, but the city offers a wide array of fantastic Russian beers that will delight beer enthusiasts. From the refreshing lagers of Sibirskaya Corona and Zhiguli Pilsner to the more adventurous Jaws Brewery Pale Ale and Baikal Wheat Beer, there’s something for every taste. Whether you’re visiting the city’s cozy local pubs or trendy craft beer bars, these beers provide a perfect introduction to the flavors of the Russian Far East and beyond. Make sure to try these must-try Russian beers when you visit Vladivostok, and enjoy a true taste of Russia’s vibrant beer culture!
