Good dark beer in bottles. What is the best beer to drink: brand and variety. What is better to drink: beer or vodka?

Beer is considered one of the most ancient drinks. The recipe for its preparation has its roots in the distant past. Initially it was made from barley. In the 8th century, its production recipe was improved by monks in monasteries by adding hops as a preservative. This technology has reached our time and is considered traditional. As before, today beer is in particular demand during the hot season to quench thirst, especially when the air temperature rises above +30 °C.

How to distinguish natural, high-quality beer

Today, breweries, in order to maximize profits and popularity of their products, are moving away from the traditional recipe by adding sugar and other components. In this way, they speed up and reduce the cost of its production, turning it into a beer drink. Natural and high-quality beer can be distinguished from counterfeit beer by several characteristics:

• foam;
• color;
• smell;
• taste.

First of all, the main criteria for determining the quality of beer are its foam and color.

Foam

Foam is the “face” of beer and by its appearance and structure you can immediately assess the naturalness of the drink. It should have a dense texture without any air bubbles. Its color should be exclusively white without any shades. The height should be 4 - 5 cm. After several sips, when there is less beer in the glass, the foam should settle on its walls. All these signs indicate the high quality of a natural intoxicating drink. If the beer “foam” is liquid and reddish in color, then such beer is of very low quality and of dubious origin.

Advice. Professional tasters claim that the beer “cap” is capable of holding a small coin for some time.

Color

Breweries produce two types of beer: dark and light, it all depends on the recipe. The standards for products of light varieties contain very high requirements regarding their color. It should not contain any extraneous shades, be transparent when exposed to light, and the drink should still shine. In no case should the color scheme of this variety contain shades of red, brown or green, and most importantly, there should be no turbidity when viewed in the light. As for dark varieties, the color requirements for them are much lower. Brown color is allowed, it is not transparent and lacks shine. And such a drink will also be natural.

Smell

Beer bouquet is an important criterion by which one can judge the quality of an intoxicating drink. The human receptors responsible for smell are more sensitive than taste. Therefore, without tasting the contents of the glass, you can evaluate its quality. Natural beer, brewed according to a traditional recipe and fully adhering to the preparation technology, must harmoniously combine all components in its aroma. To fully perceive the aroma, you need to take a deep breath 3-4 times through the nasopharynx and exhale through the mouth. The beer bouquet should contain the following odor characteristics:

• hop aroma;
• weak hop aroma;
• cleanliness;
• freshness.

Attention! The presence of a sour or rotten smell in a bouquet indicates that it is spoiled or not natural.

Taste

A person is able to distinguish four groups of taste: sweet, bitter, sour and salty. Modern recipes are constantly changing to achieve new taste sensations. Beer produced today may contain all four taste criteria. Therefore, during tasting, you need to not only feel the smooth transition from one flavor group to another, but also the “texture” of the beer, which can be viscous and oily. A person can feel all this with his cheeks, palate and lips. Therefore, not only one tongue, but the entire oral cavity is involved in determining taste. And thanks to the work of all the receptors in the mouth, we can also appreciate the aftertaste of the contents of the glass.

In light varieties, hop bitterness is most pronounced compared to other components of the recipe, which should dissipate quickly. These varieties have virtually no aftertaste. The aftertaste of high quality natural beer should contain notes that can be described as:

Dark beer, on the other hand, should not contain hop bitterness in its bouquet, but should leave a well-saturated sweetish aftertaste. And that is why it feels “dense” and viscous. The taste of malt is a characteristic feature of the aftertaste of this beer. It can be described as:

• malt;
• empty;
• sweetish;
• weakly expressed.

Attention! The presence of a different aftertaste also indicates the quality of the drink. The presence of bitterness for a long time indicates a very low quality of the drink. It is caused by a violation of technology and the addition of components of low quality or chemical origin.

What is the best beer in Russia?

Every person likes one type of beer or another. Some people prefer light varieties, others dark, some like exclusively “live” beer brewed in small private breweries, others prefer bottled beer from well-known brands. Therefore, it is quite difficult to answer the question of which beer is the best in Russia, because each variety has both its fans and ardent opponents. But based on the results of the test purchase 2016 – 2017, based on reviews from beer lovers and experts, a top 10 beer rating can be compiled:

1. "Athanasius" Porter;
2. "Furry bumblebee";
3. "Russian Imperial Statute";
4. "Baltika No. 3";
5. "Yuzberg";
6. "Special";
7. "Ochakov";
8. "Baltika No. 6";
9. "Afanasy Homemade";
10. "Kozel"

Advice. First of all, before buying untested beer, you need to pay attention to its color and transparency, and study the composition. It should not contain malt substitutes, alcohol or other components not included in the recipe. Long shelf life indicates the addition of preservatives.

Having learned to determine the quality of beer according to the main criteria: color, smell, taste and beer foam, you can easily find and enjoy the taste of a truly natural and high-quality product. It is also worth paying attention to the reviews of beer lovers of different types. This way you can discover a new variety of your favorite drink.

How to check the quality of beer - video

No. 50 Papaya Rye

Nómada Brewing, Sabadell (Barcelona), Spain

Alcohol: 9%

This deep golden beer is an explosion of fruit, hops and rye. Malty with notes of tropical fruit and caramel, it is both intense and extremely drinkable. Nómada Papaya Rye has earned a spot in RateBeer's Top 100 and Top Imperial IPAs.

No. 49 Viaemilia

Birrifico del Ducato, Parma, Italy

Alcohol: 5%

A perennial favorite, it has consistently won medals at the World Beer Cup and European Beer Star competitions. Birrifico del Ducato was Italian Brewery of the Year in 2010 and 2011 and has won numerous other prizes. This malty beer with herbaceous, floral and honeyed notes pairs well with prosciutto, another staple of the region.

UnaBirraAlGiorno

No. 48 Brio

Olgerdin Egill Skallagrimsson, Reykjavik, Iceland

Alcohol: 4.5%

You can expect something extraordinary from a brewery named after the skald Egil Skallagrimsson. Brio features notes of herbaceous and spicy hops and cracker-like malt. Brewed with Icelandic mountain water, this beer brought home World Beer Cup and World Beer Awards medals.

Knightbefore_99@Flickr

No. 47 Galaxy IPA

Other Half Brewing, Brooklyn

Alcohol: 6.5%

Cloudy peachy, resinous, herbaceous and yet surprisingly floral, with notes of tropical fruits. Other Half is a rising star in the craft beer firmament, and this IPA is considered one of the best in New York.

No. 46 Nøgne Ø Porter

Nøgne Ø, Grimstad, Norway

Alcohol: 7%

An outstanding full-bodied porter brewed in Norway - jet black with aromas of dark chocolate and espresso followed by caramel. It is the winner of the bronze medal in the Export Extra Stout category of the 2016 Barcelona Beer Challenge.

No. 45 ManBearPig

Voodoo Brewing Co., Meadville, Pennsylvania

Alcohol: 14.1%

Made with maple syrup and local honey, this powerful beer is aged in bourbon barrels. It is strong, pitch black and very complex, with a pronounced and long finish. It is one of the world's best beers according to Beer Advocate in 2016.

No. 44 Black Eyed King Imp Vietnamese Coffee Edition

BrewDog, Ellon, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Alcohol: 12.7%

Included in the world top 100 according to RateBeer. This is the world's strongest canned ale - black, intense, with powerful aromas of coffee and cocoa.

No. 43 Breakside IPA

Breakside Brewery, Portland, Oregon

Alcohol: 6.4%

This is a tasty, hoppy IPA with notes of grapefruit, pine, resin and tangerines. It has four varieties of hops plus dry hopping. Breakside IPA won a gold medal in the American IPA category at the 2016 Best of Craft Beer Awards.

No. 42 Lambo Door

Grimm Artisanal Ales, Brooklyn

Alcohol: 8%

Grimm calls it "pure hoppy candy." This double IPA, with Citra, El Dorado and Simcoe hops, took first place out of 115 double IPAs in Paste magazine's blind tasting. Grimm is one of the pioneers of contract brewing.

No. 41 Samiec Alfa

Browar Artezan, Blonie, Poland

Alcohol: 11%

This barrel-aged wonder is one of RateBeer's top 50 imperial stouts. It has a sweet aroma, low bitterness, pronounced notes of vanilla and toffee, and a creamy body.

Chmielokracja.pl

No. 40 St. Feuillien Triple

Brasserie St-Feuillien / Friart, Le Reux, Belgium

Alcohol: 8.5%

Light amber color, with pronounced maltiness. Secondary fermentation in the bottle produces a recognizable aroma created by the yeast, and the long maturation results in a long aftertaste. Gold medalist of the Barcelona Beer Challenge 2016 in the Belgian Tripel category.

No. 39 Mikkeller Beer Geek Brunch Weasel

Lervig Aktiebryggeri, Copenhagen, Denmark

Alcohol: 10.9%

This Top 50 Imperial Stout is brewed with some of the world's most expensive coffee—yes, the same coffee that has passed through the digestive tract of the civet, a picky South Asian mammal that eats only the finest, freshest coffee cherries. This is a rather rare variety of coffee with a strong aroma. It gives the beer an intense smoky profile with notes of toasted bread and toasted vanilla.

No. 38 Avec Les Bons Voeux

Brasserie Dupont, Tourpe-Leuze, Belgium

Alcohol: 9.5%

A top-fermented light beer with a copper color, light body, dry and sour. This delicious Belgian farmhouse ale ranks among the world's finest Abbey Tripels. Ideal to drink at cellar temperature, or chilled as an aperitif.

No. 37 Julius

Tree House Brewing Company, Monson, Massachusetts

Alcohol: 6.8%

This is an intimidatingly drinkable IPA, with notes of mango and sweet citrus and a rounded bitterness. Beerishealthy.com calls it "The World's Best IPA."

No. 36 Aecht Schlenkerla Fastenbier

Braueri Heller, Bamberg, Germany

Alcohol: 5.5%

With a reddish-brown body and large white head, this unfiltered beer has an unmistakable smoked meat aroma balanced by the flavors of cinnamon toast and caramel. Fastenbier means "beer for Lent" and this beer is only sold during Lent - from Ash Wednesday to Easter.

No. 35 Orval

Brasserie d'Orval, Florentville, Villers-devant-Orval, Belgium

Alcohol: 6.2%

An orange-copper beer with a giant white head and aroma of yeast, lemons and a light, non-overpowering aroma. A floral, citrusy and complex dry beer with a medium body. It is also the only beer that the Trappist brewery Orval produces for the general public.

No. 34 Double Barrel Jesus

Evil Twin Brewing, Westbrook Brewing Co., Brooklyn

Alcohol: 12%

Included in the top 100 best beers in the world according to RateBeer. This is a matte black stout with notes of bourbon and vanilla and a toffee-like body.

Ian Mewhinney@Flickr

No. 33 Duck Duck Gooze

The Lost Abbey, San Marcos, California

Alcohol: 7%

With a sour taste and aroma, hints of citrus, a crisp acidic finish and a hint of sweetness for balance, this ale has been one of the brewery's best-selling beers since its release in 2009. It is very difficult to find, as it is brewed only once every three years, and in limited quantities.

dontdrinkbeer

No. 32 Oude Geuze

Brouwerij Oud Beersel, Beersel, Belgium

Alcohol: 6%

A classic Belgian ale, hazy, honey-colored, with a winey taste, citric acidity, a hint of spice, tiny bubbles and strong carbonation. It is considered the sparkling wine of the beer world and won the title of Best Sour Beer at the 2016 World Beer Awards.

The Perfectly Happy Man

No. 31 Kormoran Imperium Prunum

Browar Kormoran, Olsztyn, Poland

Alcohol: 11 percent

One of the top 100 according to RateBeer and the best Baltic porter in the world. Explosive notes of prunes, smoked fruit, chocolate and malt.

No. 30 Zombie Dust

Alcohol: 6.2%

This powerful pale ale is worth buying just for the label alone. But those who are attracted by the unusual design are also fascinated by the beer itself. Powerful aroma of pine and citrus, with notes of grapefruit and honey on the palate. Ranked in the top 50 by Men’s Fitness and thefiftybest.com.

Cocktail Enthusiast

No. 29 Péché Mortel

Brasserie Dieu du Ciel!, Quebec, Canada

Alcohol: 6.5%

Coffee is added during the brewing process, resulting in an intense, dense imperial stout with the aroma of roasted coffee beans and a slightly tart finish. It was named one of the best imperial stouts by Craft Beer & Brewing magazine.

No. 28 Two Hearted Ale

Bell's Brewery, Galesburg, Michigan

Alcohol: 7%

Named after the Two Harted River in Michigan. This is a crisp IPA with explosive pine and citrus notes. According to Beer Advocate, this is one of those beers that will outlive its time.

No. 27 Darkness

Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis

Alcohol: 9.6%

This is a complex, heavy Russian imperial stout with dark chocolate, fruit and toffee aromas, moderate carbonation and unconventional aromatic hops. He has about 10 thousand almost perfect reviews on Untappd.

№26 Oude Geuze Vintage

Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen, Bercel, Belgium

Alcohol: 6%

This vintage edition gueuze is only sold in Belgium. It is released after several years of storage in the cellars of Drie Fonteinen - unlike the regular Oude Geuze, which matures for six months. Which gueuze becomes vintage depends on the brewer's decision - he evaluates its taste and aging potential. Oude Geuze Vintage is number 18 on Beer Advocate's list of 250 great beers, based on over 10 years of reviews.

AdamChandler86@Flickr

No. 25 Dinner

Maine Beer Company, Freeport, Maine

Alcohol: 8.2%

Double dry-hopped with over 6 pounds of hops per barrel (230 grams per deciliter), this hazy golden-colored Double IPA has a dry, refreshing character. Craft Beer & Brewing magazine rates it 100 points.

Beer Chatter

No. 24 Hopslam

Bell's Brewery, Galesburg, Michigan

Alcohol: 10%

This Double IPA with Northwest hops might not be something you'll be writing a postcard home about. However, fans of this beer call all the beer stores in the city as soon as they hear a rumor that they have a couple of packs. Each sip is filled with notes of honey, and the complex hopping scheme creates an aromatic, citrusy, bitter yet refreshing beer.

No. 23 Application

Alcohol: 7%

This brown ale is aged for 12 months with sour cherries in Sonoma Valley Pinot Noir barrels. The result is a bright, acidic, fruity and slightly aromatic beer with a noticeable wine cask character.

The Perfectly Happy Man

No. 22 Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier

Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, Freising, Germany

Alcohol: 5.4%

Hefeweizen in the traditional style - with an earthy forest aroma, well balanced, fruity and dry. Winner of the World Beer Cup gold medal in the “South German style Hefeweizen” category.

No. 21 The Abyss

Deschutes Brewery, Bend, Oregon

Alcohol: 11.1%

Notes of licorice in the aroma come from the addition of cherry bark and vanilla and aging in oak barrels. This is the winner of the 2016 World Beer Awards for Best Imperial Stout.

No. 20 Speedway Stout - Bourbon Barrel Aged

AleSmith Brewing Company, San Diego, California

Alcohol: 12%

Matte black with brownish foam. Aromas of chocolate and licorice combined with the smoky flavor of roasted coffee. Creamy and sweet, this beer is great for aging. It earned 100 points from Craft Beer & Brewing magazine.

No. 19 La Fin du Monde

Unibroue, Quebec, Canada

Alcohol: 9%

A hazy, yeasty, floral triple golden ale with a medium body and rich flavor. The brewers of Unibroue say that this beer was brewed in honor of the brave European explorers who believed that they had reached the ends of the world, discovering North America - the New World. World's End has won more awards than any other Canadian beer.

No. 18 Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout

Three Floyds Brewing Company, Munster, Indiana

Alcohol: 15%

Thick and caramel-like, with notes of chocolate and coffee on the aroma, dried fruits and brown sugar on the palate. You can only buy it at the brewery on one day a year - Dark Lord Day (in 2017 it took place on May 13).

365beers

No. 17 Parabola

Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Paso Robles, California

Alcohol: 13.1%

This is an imperial stout that is described as a fine wine. Don't be surprised when you hear someone mention notes of tobacco and oak or black coffee and vanilla. This is a truly complex Russian imperial stout, both sweet and bitter, and incredibly hard to find. It is aged in bourbon barrels (Pappy Van Winkle, Woodford Reserve, Elijah Craig and others) and then blended.

No. 16 Schneider Aventinus Weizen-Eisbock

Schneider Weisse G. Schneider & Sohn GmbH, Kelheim, Germany

Alcohol: 12%

Legend has it that one winter the barrels of Aventinus froze while being transported. The brewers tasted the remaining unfrozen liquid and were amazed. And you can understand why. This is a legendary beer with the aroma of banana and the taste of dried fruits, cocoa and cloves.

No. 15 Mornin' Delight

Alcohol: 12%

With a strong espresso aroma and a thick, rich body, this imperial stout is ranked third in RateBeer's top 50 best beers in the world. Beer Advocate founder Jason Elstrom believes Toppling Goliath will remain a favorite for years to come.

No. 14 Hunahpu's Imperial Stout - Double Barrel Aged

Cigar City Brewing, Tampa, Florida

Alcohol: 11%

Every December, Hunahpu's Day tickets go on sale ($200-$400). This festival takes place in March and fans can be the first to try the new incarnation of their perennial favorite. Ticket price includes 4-12 bottles of this spicy, rich imperial stout, which is aged half-and-half rum and apple brandy barrels.

No. 13 Pliny the Elder

Russian River Brewing Company, Santa Rosa, California

Alcohol: 8%

The ancient Roman polymath writer and philosopher Pliny the Elder called hops Lupus salictarius - “the wolf in the willows” - although it is not known for certain whether he had hops in mind. Either way, the double IPA named after him is hazy, coppery-golden, and pine-like. It's fresh, with perfectly balanced hops and a fresh grapefruit flavor. The beer has won gold in the World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festival, and is considered one of the best West Coast IPAs in history.

No. 12 Westvleteren Extra 8

Alcohol: 8%

Only six Belgian brands can claim to be made in Trappist abbeys, and the monks of St. Sixtus Abbey in Westvleteren produce the least amount of beer, so their dark ale is in extreme short supply. With notes of tea, raisins and brown bread, this dubbel is highly carbonated and has a large head of foam.

No. 11 Kentucky Breakfast Stout

Founders Brewing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Alcohol: 11.2%

Bringing out the incredibly popular Breakfast Stout may have seemed like a daunting task for Founders, but they did it. Cellar-aged in oak bourbon barrels, this imperial stout is second to none. KBS, brewed with chocolate and coffee, is for those who like a hint of bourbon in their breakfast beer.

No. 10 Ann

Hill Farmstead Brewery, Greensboro Bend, Vermont

Alcohol: 6.5%

Hill Farmstead has been named the World's Best Brewery by RateBeer. The Anna honey saison is aged for many months in French oak wine barrels and only then becomes Ann. The naturally carbonated beer exhibits complex citric acidity with hints of green apple.

AdamChandler86@Flickr

No. 9 Lou Pepe Kriek

Brasserie Cantillon, Brussels, Belgium

Alcohol: 5%

Every year Cantillon manages to get a ton or two of delicate and rare sour cherries from Schaerbeek, the harvest of which is unpredictable. These cherries, used exclusively for blending, are infused in the beer for two to three months to create that acidic and juicy scream. Production is limited to a couple thousand bottles per year due to the limited supply of berries. Lou Pepe Kriek was named one of Thrillist's Best Strains of 2016.

No. 8 Celebrator

Brauerei Aying, Aying, Germany

Alcohol: 6.7%

Doppelbock stands apart from other German styles. This strong but not overpowering beer with a lush foam is aged for six months. A great beer to celebrate with friends and family.

No. 7 St. Bernardus Abt 12

St. Bernardus Brouwerij, Watau, Belgium

Alcohol: 10%

Powerful, rich, spicy, malty, strong - like drinking an alcoholic fruit cake with chocolate and caramel. This is an abbey ale brewed in the classic Belgian quadrupelle style using an old Trappist recipe. St. Bernardus is considered by the beer community to be one of the best beers in the world.

No. 6 Bourbon County Brand Stout

Goose Island Beer Company, Chicago

Alcohol: 13.8%

This limited edition stout is no joke. It has a distinct black hue with a slight caramel-colored head and strong aromas of bourbon, vanilla and fig, followed by notes of chocolate and molasses.

No. 5 Heady Topper

The Alchemist, Waterbury, Vermont

Alcohol: 8%

This Vermont Double IPA is incredibly hard to get your hands on—unless you live within 50 miles of the brewery—but it's beloved by beer enthusiasts around the world. This award-winning, elusive beer sells out as soon as it hits shelves.

No. 4 Rochefort Trappistes 10

Brasserie Rochefort, Rochefort, Belgium

Alcohol: 11.3%

The traditional Belgian quadrupel Rochefort "blue cap" is one of the few true Trappist varieties. This malty, strong beer produces notes of plum and apricot when cold, and when heated, the beer's true character is revealed. It is suitable for sipping slowly, like a good scotch or wine. Last October, the beer won the Belgian Beer Journal's blind tasting of quadruples.

No. 3 Pliny the Younger

Russian River Brewing Company, Santa Rosa, California

Alcohol: 10.25%

Named after the nephew and adopted son of the above-mentioned Pliny the Elder. Pliny the Younger documented the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, during which his uncle died. This is a true triple IPA (it has three times the usual amount of hops) and is very difficult, time consuming and expensive to make. It has moderate bitterness and a beautiful copper color. Available on tap only and released for two weeks only at the beginning of February.

No. 2 Westvleteren 12 (XII)

Westvleteren Abdij St. Sixtus, Westvleteren, Belgium

Alcohol: 10.2%

This beer is definitely one of the best of the best, and some experts believe that it deserves first place. This is a real Trappist beer, brewed by the monks in the Abbey of St. Sixtus. A dark chestnut brown beer with dark fruit and brown sugar aroma. This is a complex and spicy quad with lively carbonation. Ranked No. 1 in the Abbey Beer/Quad category by RateBeer and awarded 100 points by Craft Beer & Brewing magazine.

#1 Kentucky Brunch Brand Stout

Toppling Goliath Brewing Company, Decorah, Iowa

Alcohol: 12%

This barrel-aged coffee-infused imperial stout is extremely hard to find. It has a powerful maple aroma with notes of chocolate and hazelnut. In 2015, Esquire magazine named it one of the "10 Great Beers You'll Never Try," and Beer Advocate ranked it #1 in the global top 250.

MyBeerCollectibles.com

In our country, people have been drinking beer, they are drinking it, and they probably will continue to drink it. Russians love him very much. This foamy drink was first brewed five thousand years ago. Since then, the technology for preparing liquid bread has changed dramatically, thanks to which beer today has a whole arsenal of piquant shades of taste and aroma. Everyone knows that Czech, German, and English brewers produce quality beer. They make it in Russia too. Today, the widest range of barley drinks is presented on the shelves of domestic supermarkets, and the consumer has a completely logical question: “How not to make a mistake and buy really good beer?” Before answering it, it would be useful to mention the benefits of liquid bread.

Beneficial features

It would seem, what benefit can beer, which belongs to the category of alcoholic beverages, have? Actually it can.

The fact is that beer contains a lot of vitamins and antioxidants, which minimize the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, hops contain polyphenolic substances that help lower blood cholesterol levels, prevent the development of cancer and destroy viruses.

Dark or light beer

However, it should be noted that dark varieties of barley drink have the above effects to a greater extent, and when consuming them one should not lose a sense of proportion. Thus, good beer is dark beer. But despite this, many Russian consumers prefer varieties of the “lager” category. For them, this is a good beer primarily because it tastes good.

But as for the usefulness, here it is reduced to a minimum, since lager at the stage of production, filtration and bottling loses its entire range of organic substances. According to experts, good beer is made from millet in Germany, since it is famous for its beneficial properties. Ale is considered the strongest, representing a symbiosis of the pleasant aroma of fruit and high concentration alcohol.

Surely few people do not know that good beer is produced in the Czech Republic and Germany. These countries are the trendsetters in the art of brewing.

Czech

The first foamy drink was produced in the Czech Republic back in 1088. At that time, beer was brewed exclusively at home. Later, small factories began to be built, and their owners united into workshops and established wholesale supplies of liquid bread. Then the Czech ruler, King Wenceslas, became convinced that this business was bringing good profits. And in 1118 he ordered the construction of the first large

Today, the best beer can be tasted in the Czech Republic, and all because the technology for preparing the foamy drink involves the use of only high-quality hops. Even German brewers come for it. Why is even better beer produced in the Czech Republic? The fact is that one of the main ingredients in production is environmentally friendly water, which is extracted from it. It is clean and soft.

It should be noted that Czech beer is divided into certain categories. In particular, there is a “ten” (wort content - 10%), “twelve” (wort content - 12%). There are dark varieties of barley drink (brewed from dark malt), light (brewed from light malt), semi-dark (brewed from a mixture of light and dark malt), and the řezane variety (a combination of light and dark beer).

Today the best beer in the Czech Republic is Velkopopovicky Kozel, ("Velkopopovicky goat"), Staropramen ("Staropramen").

German

In Germany, the foamy drink began to be brewed in 1156.

There were no breweries then, and liquid bread was prepared in monasteries. Naturally, such production promised considerable profits. It is noteworthy that in medieval Germany beer was not considered an alcoholic drink: it was an alternative to plain water.

Ancient German brewing recipes involved the use of herbs and cereals. Of course, the taste of such a drink left much to be desired. Only in 1516 was the issue of beer purity resolved at the legislative level. In other words, any ingredients were prohibited in the preparation of beer - with the exception of malt, water and hops. And today you can see on the shelves of some stores a bottle of foamy drink with the inscription “1516”, and many modern gourmets believe that this is the best beer they have ever tried. When preparing liquid bread in Germany, the quality of the yeast is carefully monitored. There are two types of fermentation: bottom and top - in the first case, the drink is stored longer.

Of course, the range of German beer today is unusually huge. Which beer is the best - everyone decides individually, based on their preferences and preferences. Today consumers choose: Roggenbier (rye beer with an alcohol content of 5.5%), Schwarzbier (bottom-fermented product, very dark), Pilsner and Altbier (top- and bottom-fermented products with an alcohol content of 4-4.8%).

In Germany, light beer varieties are especially valued, and the top seller is the Krombacher brand.

Russian

The domestic brewing market is also striking in its scale. Statistics show that in 2012 alone, Russia produced about 10 million liters of foamy drink.

It should be noted that participants in the Russian beer market are mainly foreign companies. The lion's share of liquid bread is produced by the Baltika company (share - 37.4%). The second position in the market is occupied by the commercial structure Inbev (16.4%), the third - Heineken (11.7%). Also on the list of leaders in the field of domestic brewing are the companies Efes (share - 10.9%) and SABMiller (7.2%). The remaining part of the market is being taken over by lesser-known brands: their products, produced at regional mini-factories, are in high demand among Russian consumers.

Import of foreign beer is limited

Of course, there are also foreign companies on the Russian market that import foamy drinks from Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland and other countries. However, in a tense political environment, the share of foreign beer is declining. Russian consumers have begun to purchase less beer from foreign brands, primarily because prices for foreign drinks have jumped at least once.

In our country, consumers prefer beer of the Zolotaya Bochka, Stary Melnik, Sibirskaya Korona, and Nevskoe brands.

Which beer is in high demand in Russia?

As statistics show, for most buyers the best beer in Russia is a light, low-strength drink packed in a glass bottle. About 83% of respondents prefer a light filtered drink, 7% prefer a light unfiltered drink. Only 10% of respondents said they liked dark beer. As already noted, most gourmets of the foamy drink prefer beer of medium strength (4.5-5%). About 10% of Russians choose strong beer, and only 3% of consumers buy exclusively soft drinks.

What is it like, fresh beer?

And of course, in our country they like to buy beer on tap. This drink is always fresh, which in itself is captivating. The best draft beer should be found in retail outlets located in close proximity to the factories that produce the foamy drink. Draft beer “Zhigulevskoe”, “Klinskoe”, “Admiralteyskoe” is in high demand.

Variety of beers in Russia.

Residents of the Russian Federation drink a huge number of different types of beer every year. With such a wide range of brands, sometimes choosing the best is simply impossible.

However, knowing the main criteria that determine this drink, you can easily compile the most complete list of quality beer in Russia. The best brands of intoxicating drinks will be discussed further.

Rating of brands and varieties of beer in Russia

Of course, ideal quality rightfully belongs to natural beer. The rating included in the beer drink is based on the results of the purchase of this product and the preferences of the population.

On drink quality many indicators influence:

• The consistency of foam that forms on the surface of beer
• Color indicator of the drink
• Beer aroma
• Taste characteristics of intoxicating drink

The qualities can be specified as follows:

• The foam of a quality drink should have a dense snow-white color and remain on its walls when the glass is emptied.
• Good light beer of high quality should not contain foreign impurities. As a rule, such a drink is characterized by transparency and unusual shine.
• A dark drink may have a dull appearance, but it lacks shine and is brown in color.
• In the smell A real beer drink has hop notes and freshness.
• Taste: dark beer has a bitter, hoppy aftertaste, while light beer has a sweetish taste.

Each person has their own preferences and requirements for beer. There is only one conclusion: it is impossible to please all people in this regard. But based on purchases and reviews from fans of the intoxicating drink, a list can be compiled that includes the best varieties and brands of beer in Russia.

• "Goat". This drink is considered an example of a light appearance. Easy to drink, has a pleasant taste, delicate bitterness, which is combined with notes of caramel. The drink differs from other types in its delicate aroma and unusual golden color.
• "Afanasy Homemade". This beer is alive. It is not filtered or pasteurized. It has a dark brown tint. The foam is creamy and has a subtle scent.
• "Baltika 6". Russian beer that is dark brown in color. There is also a reddish tint. The foam of the drink has a creamy brown structure. The smell of beer is strong, damp. In the taste you can feel caramel, coffee notes, plus the taste of prunes.

• "Ochakovo". Light intoxicating drink made in Russia. Pasteurized, it has a subtle, intoxicating odor and a yellowish tint.
• Zhigulevskoe "Special". A Belarusian-made drink with low density and hop bitterness. The shade of the product is light.
• "Yuzberg". A light beer drink produced in Russia. It has a persistent foam, a faint malt smell and a mild grain taste.
• "Baltika 3". Russian beer with a golden hue. It has a persistent foam, a fairly rich taste and a hop-like aroma.
• "Russian Imperial Stout". A special type of Russian beer drink. It has a rich grain taste that gives off a hint of dried fruit. The shade is closer to charcoal, the foam is brownish, quite dense and pleasant to the taste.

• "Shaggy Hop". This beer is considered a signature beer. It has a sweetish floral taste with caramel and herbal notes. The taste is pleasant, sweetish, caramel. The aftertaste is fruity.
• "Athanasius" Porter. A dense, intoxicating drink. It is rich and filtered. It has a dark color and a bitter, intoxicating taste.

The best and most popular brands and varieties of German beer in Russia

The Germans are considered the main competitors of the residents of the Czech Republic. On average, one resident of Germany drinks approximately 150 liters of beer drink and only in one year. In this state it is known approximately 4000 types of beer.

All of them are produced in 1200 breweries. More than half of these enterprises are located in Bavaria, therefore, German beer is considered primarily Bavarian.

Now we list the most popular beers that are produced in Germany and are considered popular in Russia:

• "Paulaner". A very famous beer in Russia, which is made by the Germans. The drink has a bright, pronounced sourness in its taste and aroma.
• "Franziskaner". Beer is made from wheat. Has a slightly noticeable bready flavor. The supply temperature is slightly higher than usual, that is, 12 degrees Celsius.
• "Lowenbrau". This type of beer is classic Bavarian. The drink has dark and light varieties. Foam tends to remain on the surface of beer for a long time. There is a hint of alcohol in the taste, which gradually disappears in the aftertaste. The drink has been produced since 1383 thanks to the original recipe.
• "Hasseroder". This beer is considered a grassroots beer, it has very little alcohol. In terms of taste, a slight bitterness should be noted, which disappears over time.
• "Krombacher". The collection includes approximately 20 different varieties. The most popular among them is Krombacher Pils.
• "Bitburger" The plant produces about 10 varieties of the drink.
• Beck's. This variety is considered the most popular among beer fans. And all because the drink has a pleasant taste and aroma.

The best and most popular brands and varieties of Czech beer in Russia

Brewing in the Czech Republic is not considered a simple business. This is a unique heritage, a piece of Czech culture that has existed for several centuries.

Almost every city in this country has its own brewery. And in larger cities there are even several of them. It is for this reason that being a brewer is a proud profession.

The Czech Republic ranks first in terms of the number of beers consumed and the number of different types of drink. Many of these varieties are quite popular in Russia and other countries. They have been passed on from one generation to another for a very long time.

Let's explore a little each proposed option:

Pilsner Urquell:

• This beer is considered the most popular in Russia.
• It is made in a town called Pilsen.
• For the first time, this intoxicating drink was made in 42 of the 19th century thanks to the brewer Joseph Grollem.
• A slight bitterness and the smell of malt - this beer has it all. It cannot be confused with another similar drink.

Velkopopovitsky Kozel:

• This beer is also considered quite popular in Russia. It is made near the city of Prague. It is interesting that in the village where they produce beer, a holiday dedicated to the goat is held every year.
• Russians are familiar with light and dark varieties of the drink. But in the Velkopopovitsky Kozl collection there are a couple more varieties: the first is premium light beer, the second is medium.
• The intoxicating drink of white varieties has a pronounced intoxicating aroma and a slight bitter aftertaste. Traditionally its hue is golden.

Staropramen:

• The beer is deservedly in the top five most popular and best. It is brewed in the city of Prague.
• Unfortunately, you can find only one brand of this drink on the domestic market.
• But the collection of this brand includes more than 10 different varieties.
• The intoxicating drink is made from selected and only high-quality malt.
• Light beer is characterized by a traditional hop aroma and a sweetish taste.
• Dark beer has a toasted malt flavor.

Budweiser Budvar:

The next variety, which is considered popular in Russia.

• It has been brewed since 1995.
• For its production, malt and Žatec hops are used, plus artesian water.
• The drink has a noticeable bitter taste and a pleasant aroma.

The best and most popular brands and varieties of craft beer in Russia

Recently, Russian craft beer has become a part of our traditions and reality. A large number of privately owned breweries have opened. They position their own product in this way.

But not every private owner brews really good and high-quality products. We have prepared for you a list of the most popular enterprises that produce craft beer in Russia.

AF Brew:

• The company is located in St. Petersburg. This place is considered one of the oldest breweries in Russia.
• Perhaps one of its most popular drinks is India Pale Ale.
• Fans who love beer simply must try this unique product.

Bakunin:

• The second most popular brand that produces craft beer.
• The brewery's most famous brew is American Pale Ale.
• The beer has a deep, rich flavor with notes of bitterness.
• This beer is positioned as a drink intended only for the male half of the population.

Brickstone:

• Beer is produced in the capital of our country.
• The production produces delicious Fuel beer with a bright taste and airy foam.

Drakkar:

• Production, which is also located in St. Petersburg.
• We recommend trying “Russian Fortress” - an ale produced using American technology and recipes.

• The brewery is located in the Sverdlovsk region, in the city of Zarechye.
• The facility was named after a famous wave in Hawaii.
• Its draft beer can be found in many retail outlets and bars in the capital.

La Beerint:

• The owners of this brewery are considered great originals.
• The names they gave to their products are truly amazing. For example, Chimney Sweep beer.

Vasileostrovskaya Brewery:

• Another representative of a private brewery located in St. Petersburg.
• In the assortment you can find wonderful beer, for example, “Chekhov”.

Petr Petrovich:

Anyone who decides to visit Tula should try beer from this brewery. According to eyewitnesses, this production is a landmark of the city.

Now let's look directly the best varieties and brands of craft beer in Russia:

• "Pel El" Popular light beer. It has a pronounced hop aroma with malt and caramel undertones. It also has a malty taste that gives off hints of bitterness.
• "Indian Pel Ale" A more exotic and piquant light drink. Its aroma contains citrus notes. The taste is rich and interesting.
• "Russian Imperial Stout". This beer is almost black beer, having a soft, velvety taste and rich aroma.

The best and most popular brands and varieties of bottled beer in Russia

In Russia, the foamy drink is valued and respected, despite the fact that doctors consider beer to be harmful. The foamy drink has been brewed since ancient times, therefore, it is impossible to discourage people from drinking this drink.

When asking this question, which bottled beer is better, it’s difficult to answer right away. There are a large number of manufacturers.

Their goods are supplied to various regions of the country, and the population does not always know its entire range. Therefore, before listing the list of the best and most popular bottled beer in Russia, it is necessary to describe the criteria that it must meet.

• When choosing bottled beer, try not to get confused about the strength of the drink. Because sometimes the percentage of alcohol and the percentage of degrees are considered completely different things. These parameters are the main ones when choosing an intoxicating drink.
• Despite the fact that many consider bottled beer to be bad and harmful, we note that neither the materials from which the container is made nor its size affect the taste.
• Be sure to study what is written on the label. Beer must contain water 80% and additional ingredients 20% (malt and hops). Various fragrances and fragrances may also be included, but not always.
• If the container says a “fairytale” period for which beer should be stored, then the drink is bad. A real foamy drink lasts for several weeks.
• If you want to choose really high-quality bottled beer, you just need to decide which beer you like best. And after that, focus on the type of drink you choose.

Now let’s list those types of bottled beer that are more popular among the population than other brands.

• Manufacturer: Heineken.
• "Semi-dark rye." Beer is produced at the Bogerhof brewery in the city of Anapa.
• Kruger Dunkel. The drink is produced by the Tomskoye Beer company.
• “Karachaevskoe. Alive." Great beer. It is produced at the Karachaevskoye brewery, which is located in the city of Karachaevsk.
• “Athanasius. Porter". The beer is produced at the Tver brewery under the name "Afanasy".

The best and most popular brands and varieties of canned beer in Russia

If we talk about beer in cans, then almost every drink manufacturer makes its own products in both glass bottles and cans. Therefore, the ranking of the best and most popular beers is identical to the ranking of the bottled beers we described above.

The best and most popular brands and varieties of dark beer in Russia

The foamy dark drink can quench your thirst at any time of the year. This is especially true in hot summers.

Today is a difficult time for this drink. After all, on the shelves you can find a huge assortment of drinks, which sometimes confuses buyers. We invite you to get acquainted with some varieties and brands that are considered more popular and have managed to maintain their popularity among beer fans.

SVYTURYS BALTIJOS:

• The beer is popular for its density, pleasant caramel flavor and rich foam.
• This drink is made using ancient technologies using new equipment.
• The beer has a rich aftertaste, dominated by notes of malt and a hint of caramel.

KRUSOVICE CERNE:

• It has an expressive taste that was able to win the hearts of Russian consumers.
• The beer has a subtle, pleasant bitterness.
• This has become the main indicator, thanks to which only good rumors circulate about beer.

GUINNESS:

• An amazing and very unique beer that has nice notes of roasted barley.
• Thanks to this ingredient, the drink has a bright bitterness, giving the drink an expressive and quite powerful aftertaste, giving off a caramel tone.

BELHAVEN BEST:

• To make this ale, only natural ingredients and pure water are used.
• That is why the drink has the highest taste characteristics, reminiscent of biscuit, cream and caramel.

The best and most popular brands and varieties of light beer in Russia

Perhaps you can find a huge number of fans of both light and dark foamy drinks all over the world. Because each person has his own taste and wishes.

Note that almost all types of drinks are quite similar to each other. Only the dark variety has a more pronounced specific taste. But light beer is softer and belongs to the “lager” brand.

But you were probably able to identify a specific brand of light beer for yourself. We would like to offer you several options that are very popular in Russia:

• Khamovniki. Produced at the Moscow brewery.
• Beach light. Produced in the city of Anapa by the Bogerhof brewery company.
• Kruger Premium Pils. This beer is produced by a brewery in Tomsk.
• Karachaevskoe. Alive. Produced in the city of Karachaevsk.
• Cervena Selka. Also produced in the capital of our state.
• Zhiguli Barnoe. Produced by the Mospivkom brewery.

The best and most popular brands and varieties of draft beer in Russia

Before you decide on a particular brand of beer, learn some rules:

• Buy draft beer, since it is usually stored according to the specified conditions. Very often, draft intoxicating drinks are stored either in barrels or in special kegs, since these containers are made of alloys that are safe for human health. The barrel protects the beer from the penetration of foreign tastes, odors and ultraviolet radiation.
• Draft beer, also known as “live” beer, can retain a greater number of useful microelements, for example, yeast, vitamins, and so on.

• Zhigulevskoe. Famous beer. It has been drunk since Soviet times and to this day the drink is considered quite popular.
• Golden barrel. Beer lovers have been familiar with this brand since the late 90s. The beer combines a wonderful taste, characterized by bitterness and a pleasant aftertaste.
• Samara. This intoxicating drink combines several positive indicators at the same time: a unique recipe, traditional preparation technologies, bright taste and low price.
• My Kaluga. The drink is rightfully called “the most worthy beer” among regional representatives. The beer successfully combines the best ingredients, giving the beer a pleasant hop taste and bright aroma.
• Three Bears. The advantage of this drink is as follows: it gives off a light aroma of herbs and a bitter aftertaste.

Video: The most delicious beer

Attempts to determine best beer in Russia, as indeed in other countries, are constantly being undertaken, but true beer lovers are skeptical about such ratings. And there are several reasons for this:

• firstly, there is never stagnation in the production of a foamy drink, and therefore strict judges will not have time to name the best beer (based on market research and consumer surveys ), how he is replaced in the new ranking by another leader;

• secondly, any survey covers a relatively narrow circle of beer lovers, and therefore it simply cannot reflect all the tastes and preferences of a multi-million army of consumers. That’s why in the comments to any rating you can find angry statements like “Your best lager is just rubbish”;

• thirdly, in Russia such ratings are completely empty, since it is simply impossible to objectively determine the best beer for such a huge country. Most often, beer ratings focus on the main metropolises of the European part of Russia, or even simply do not go further than Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Rating of the best Russian beer

Still, it’s worth checking out the latest ratings of the best Russian beer. At least for the purpose of obtaining information that may be useful to many. So, according to them, several varieties of light lager from the Moscow Brewing Company are considered the best. These are Khamovniki: Munich, Pilsen and Vienskoe. “Munchenskoye” on tap is especially famous, which can be tasted in the best bars and restaurants in Moscow. It is worth paying attention to the brand of the same manufacturer “Cervena Selka”.

The second place is confidently occupied by a number of varieties of the Anapa brewery “Bogerhof”, among which “Rye semi-dark” and “Bannoe dark” stand out (although many prefer the light lager of this brand).

In third place were two varieties of Tomsk beer (light and dark) from the Siberian company of the same name. Although lovers of strong beer would probably prefer to move the Afanasy porter of the Tver brewery of the same name from fifth to one of the leading positions, and lovers of light lager would give preference to the Sibirskaya Korona varieties of SUN Inbev OJSC. And it’s hard to say which beer is actually better, but it’s not without reason that they say: there are no comrades for the taste and color...

For example, beer lovers from the Ulyanovsk region claim that there is no better drink than the Zlata Podkova mini-brewery in Dimitrovgrad in all of Russia, and perhaps even in Europe. It is no coincidence that even Muscovites and St. Petersburg residents come here to try it, and rare foreign guests are surprised to discover that in the Russian outback you can drink simply amazing ale!..

The best foreign beer in Russia

Many people remember that thirty years ago, any foreign beer was the best of the best for the Russian consumer. Fortunately, this state of affairs is a thing of the past. Today, the domestic foamy drink is no worse, if not an order of magnitude better, than the “foreign” one, and this is the first thing. And secondly, an imported product is always more expensive than a similar domestic one. For this reason, by the way, foreign beers are considered in a separate rating category as the most expensive.

The first place among such drinks in many Russian ratings is occupied by the Bavarian beer Spaten (full name - Spaten Munchen Hell) of the German brewery Spaten-Franziskaner-Brau GmbH, which has been producing it in Munich since 1397. The Spaten logo even became a symbol of Germany's main annual beer festival, Oktoberfest.

In second place, most Russian beer drinkers place the Belgian ale Blanche de Namur with its spicy fruity aroma (curacao and coriander). In 2009, at the international exhibition World Beer Awards, this drink was recognized as the best white blanche in the world.

Well, third place was awarded by our consumer to the German unfiltered wheat drink Franziskaner, which has been produced by the Munich brewery of the same name since 1363. Its undoubted advantages are a special culture of brewer's yeast, unique wheat malt and strict use of three main ingredients in production: water, hops and malt.

As you can see, it is quite difficult to unequivocally answer the question of which beer is better than all others in Russia. Probably, for this reason, the First Beer Club was created at one time, which helps its members keep the right course in the modern “sea of ​​beer”. Although, to be honest, many who come to this wonderful association are no less interested in discounts, which bars and restaurants - partners of the club - provide to its members.

And since such cooperation is very mutually beneficial, there are more and more similar benefits, as well as the institutions providing them, in Russia (and not only). Therefore, trying the best beer, including foreign beer, becomes no problem for club members. If you want to drink only the best beers at affordable prices, then we are waiting for you at the First Beer Club! To get discounts at popular establishments, you need to get a special one.