Russia’s beer scene has become increasingly accessible to tourists, with a variety of places where visitors can find traditional Russian brews, as well as the growing selection of craft beers that the country has to offer. Whether you’re looking for iconic mass-produced lagers, regional craft beers, or experimental brews from Russia’s craft beer movement, there are plenty of options for purchasing Russian beer during your visit. Here’s a guide to the best places to buy Russian beer as a tourist, including supermarkets, specialty stores, craft beer bars, and online options.
1. Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
Supermarkets in Russia are among the most convenient places to buy beer, offering a wide range of options from mass-produced lagers to craft beers. Large hypermarkets are especially great for stocking up on popular brands at affordable prices.
Popular Supermarkets for Beer Shopping
- Perekrestok: One of the most popular supermarket chains in Russia, Perekrestok offers a large selection of beers, including Russian lagers like Baltika, Zhigulevskoye, and Sibirskaya Korona, as well as craft beers from smaller breweries. You can find a variety of domestic options at reasonable prices.
- Auchan: Known for its wide selection and competitive pricing, Auchan carries both mass-market beers and local craft beers. It’s a great place to pick up familiar Russian beer brands.
- Magnit: Another large supermarket chain, Magnit has a solid selection of Russian beers, including popular mainstream brands and more regional offerings.
- Globus: This hypermarket offers a mix of local and international beers, including classic Russian lagers and a few craft options from smaller breweries.
Beer Selection in Supermarkets
- Russian supermarkets typically stock the most popular brands like Baltika, Zhigulevskoye, and Arsenalnoye, as well as imported beers. Many supermarkets also have a selection of local craft beers, especially in larger cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg.
- You can often find these beers in large bottles, cans, or packs for better value, especially if you’re planning to take some beers back to your hotel or home.
2. Specialty Beer Stores
For tourists looking to explore more unique and specialty beers, Russia’s specialty beer shops are an excellent choice. These stores often carry a curated selection of craft beers from local breweries, as well as imported brews from around the world.
Notable Specialty Beer Stores
- Vino i Pivo (Moscow and St. Petersburg): A specialty store that focuses on both fine wines and craft beers. This store has a great selection of Russian craft beers and offers a variety of styles, including IPAs, stouts, and pale ales. It’s a fantastic stop for beer enthusiasts looking for something more distinctive.
- Craft Beer Shop (Moscow): Located in Moscow, this shop is dedicated to Russian craft beer, offering a wide range of beers from small, independent breweries. If you’re looking to try something more experimental and unique, this is the place to go.
- Beer Shop (St. Petersburg): A store known for its large collection of Russian and international craft beers, Beer Shop has a great selection of domestic brews, including limited-edition and seasonal releases. The knowledgeable staff can help you find something that suits your taste.
Craft Beer Availability
- In these specialty stores, you’ll find a mix of Russian and international craft beers, with a particular emphasis on local breweries. Expect to see beers from popular craft brewers like Khamovniki, Tinkoff, and Vasileostrovskaya.
- Many stores also offer smaller quantities, allowing you to sample different styles without committing to large packs.
3. Beer Bars and Pubs
While beer bars and pubs are primarily places for drinking beer, many establishments also sell bottles and cans of local beers that you can take with you. This is an excellent option for tourists who want to try Russian beer on-site and then purchase a few bottles to take home.
Best Beer Bars and Pubs to Visit
- Craft Republic (Moscow): One of the best craft beer bars in Moscow, Craft Republic offers an impressive selection of Russian craft beers, including pale ales, stouts, and IPAs from top local breweries. They often sell bottles or cans that you can buy and take with you.
- Beer Yard (Moscow and St. Petersburg): Known for its large selection of craft beers, Beer Yard is a popular place to sample local brews. You can purchase beer to go, which is ideal if you want to take a taste of Russia home with you.
- Publius (St. Petersburg): This bar features a range of Russian craft beers, along with classic lagers, and offers the opportunity to buy some of the brews to take away.
Purchasing Beer at Bars
- Many of the beer bars in Russia offer takeaway options for local and craft beers, especially in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. While drinking beer in a bar, you can ask the bartender if they sell bottles or cans of the beer you’re enjoying.
4. Online Beer Shops
For tourists who want to avoid the hassle of shopping in person or who want to stock up on unique Russian beers before leaving the country, online beer shops are an increasingly popular option. Many online retailers offer a wide range of Russian beers, and you can have them delivered directly to your hotel or home.
Top Online Beer Retailers
- Beerli.ru: One of the largest online retailers for craft beer in Russia, Beerli.ru offers an extensive selection of Russian and international beers. They often feature seasonal and limited-edition releases from Russian craft breweries.
- BeerShop24: A great option for those looking to buy beer online. BeerShop24 provides a wide selection of local craft beers, including beers from small independent breweries.
- Vino i Pivo: In addition to its physical locations, Vino i Pivo also has an online shop where you can order Russian craft beers, premium lagers, and rare releases.
Shipping Beer Internationally
- Some of these online stores offer international shipping, so you can have a selection of Russian beers delivered to your home country. However, shipping regulations for alcohol vary by country, so it’s important to confirm that your order can be shipped internationally.
5. Beer Festivals and Events
If you’re visiting Russia during a major beer festival, this is an excellent opportunity to sample a wide range of beers and purchase them directly from local brewers. Russian beer festivals often feature a variety of beers from both large and small breweries, with the chance to buy bottles or cans for take-home enjoyment.
Popular Beer Festivals
- Russian Beer Festival (Moscow): One of the largest beer festivals in Russia, this event features dozens of Russian breweries, including both mass-market brands and craft brewers. You can sample beers, meet the brewers, and often purchase bottles and cans for later.
- St. Petersburg Beer Festival: This festival showcases beers from across Russia and beyond. It’s a great opportunity to explore local craft brews, purchase some favorites, and meet fellow beer enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Russia offers a wide range of places where tourists can buy beer, from large supermarkets and specialty beer stores to craft beer bars and online retailers. Whether you’re looking for iconic Russian lagers like Baltika and Zhigulevskoye, or you want to explore the growing craft beer scene with breweries like Khamovniki and Tinkoff, there are plenty of options to suit all tastes and budgets. Be sure to explore local beer festivals and online retailers for an even broader selection, and take home a piece of Russia’s beer culture to enjoy later.
