The legendary Soviet light beer, at the peak of its popularity, produced at more than 700 factories, traces its history back to the 30s of the XX century.
Today, the famous drink is produced at different breweries in different countries, and the modern assortment includes completely different varieties: from traditional Samara, 4,5% ABV, to craft, unfiltered and special high-ABV.
History of the legend
The official version says that the technology for the production of Soviet beer was developed by specialists from the relevant research institute in 1935. After 3 years, the Zhigulevsky recipe entered the standards, which clearly specified the characteristics of the drink: the type of fermentation is bottom-bottom, the density is not less than 11%, the alcohol content is not less than 2,8% (by weight), the inclusion of unmalted raw materials is up to 15% .
However, alternative sources claim that the prototypes of the famous lager appeared much earlier – at the end of the XNUMXth century.
As for the name, here, too, not everything is clear. Legends say that long before the official registration, the general term “Zhigulevskoe” denoted all foam products manufactured by the plant of the same name in Samara.
One of the oldest varieties, known since 1881 and bearing the name “Viennese”, attracted the attention of the party elite in the person of Anastas Mikoyan, who demanded that the overly “bourgeois” name be changed to something close to a Soviet citizen. Without thinking for a long time, the plant’s specialists named the variety “Zhigulevskiy”.
According to another version, the legendary name was given to the Samara product that won the All-Union brewing competition.
One way or another, but by the middle of the 80th century, the drink gained fame as a folk one, was produced at hundreds of factories and accounted for about XNUMX% of all beer consumed in the USSR. Therefore, the attempt of Samara brewers after the collapse of the Union to appropriate the legendary trademark was not crowned with success.
Beer, beloved by many generations, is still brewed in different regions of Russia, as well as in Belarus, Ukraine and the Baltic states. Most manufacturers try to stick to classic Soviet technology.
Species overview
It is not possible to list all types of the famous lager. So let’s focus on the main ones:
Russian Zhigulevskoe
Produced according to the classic recipe. The composition includes: barley, water, malt and hops.
Fortress: 4-4,7%. Density: 10-11%. Supplied in glass, kegs, plastic.
Well-known producers: JSC Zhigulevskoe Pivo (Samara), JSC Vyatich (Kirov), PE Varnitsa (Smolensk Region), JSC Balakovsky Brewery, LLC Baltika Brewing Company, SUN InBev, PE Trekhsosensky “(Ulyanovsk), JSC MPBK “Ochakovo” (Moscow).
Ukrainian Zhigulevskoe
Strength: 4-4,7%.
Popular brands: “Zhigulyovske Zaporizhzhya Pouring” (Carlsberg Ukraine), “Zhigulyovske” and “Zhigulyovske Export” (PJSC “Obolon”), Zhigulyovske (Umanpivo), “Zhigulyovske svitle” (Zhigulivske svitle) (LLC “RIVEN LTD”).
Belarusian Zhigulevskoe
Fortress: 5,2%. Density: 11%.
It has a mild taste with a slight sourness, a dense but short-lived foam, and a sweetish aftertaste.
Produced by the Lida plant since 1940.
Interesting Facts
Mentions of Zhigulevsky can be found in the texts of many writers and musicians: Sergei Lukyanenko, Ivan Bunin, Sergei Antonov, Vladimir Vysotsky.
The taste of the first Zhigulevsky was less bitter than that of modern analogues, and was distinguished by brighter tones of hops and malt.
Multiple attempts to promote the national brand outside the CIS were unsuccessful.
One of the employees of the Research Institute of Beer and Soft Drinks in the 80s noted that “the best samples of Zhigulevsky are brewed in Kirov.”
The cost of “folk beer” in the USSR ranged from 35 to 50 kopecks, depending on the region.
Relevance: 22.07.2019
Tags: Beer, Cider, Ale, Beer brands