There has been a lot of talk lately about craft beer, or craft beer, and more and more people are looking for it in pubs and bars, since the choice is large enough so that everyone can choose a beer to their taste. Craft – produced in a small brewery according to traditional or classic recipes, but improved by the creative team. A striking example of such a brewery can be the Russian Volkovskaya, which was created by the Moscow Brewery as a creative laboratory.
The main facilities of the Moscow Brewing Company are located in Mytishchi, near Moscow. The range is well known in the territory of the Russian Federation and beyond its borders. The emergence of the craft division is understandable. Over the past 10 years, several factories owned by beer giants, such as AB InBev, Heineken, or the same Baltika, for example, have closed in Russia. But small enterprises hold on and even multiply. And if you think of a craft brewery as a creative laboratory, then it generates ideas for the parent company, offers new drinks, develops original recipes, and even monitors customer demand.
The head brewer of the Volkovskaya brewery is Mikhail Ershov, whose skill is known far beyond the borders of Russia. He took over the Creative Lab in 2015 and has been experimenting ever since. There is a development of new flavors and aromas, new drinks with unique characteristics.
The plant has a digester with a volume of only 100 liters, which means that the production volumes are small. If the new beer is successful, production is transferred to the facilities of the main enterprise. The chances of finding experimental products from the Volkovskaya Brewery in an ordinary store are low — Smoke on the Water, 100 Roentgen, or Tear of the Dusseldorf Komsomol Girl are only available at private events and presentations. But there is a line of regular products that are produced by the Moscow Brewery under the supervision of specialists from the creative laboratory. There are 7 such drinks today – 4 traditional beers, 2 fruit drinks and mead. Residents of not only Russia, but also Ukraine, Moldova, and Armenia can appreciate the work of Volkovsky brewers.
Assortment of beer Volkovskaya brewery
Volkovskaya Pivovarnya, APA (5,9%). American Pale Ale, or light American ale, in the preparation of which two varieties of hops are used – Azacca and Pekko. Golden color, notes of pine needles and exotic mango are heard in the aroma. The taste is soft, with hints of fruit and hops. Aftertaste with light bitterness. Long lasting and rich foam. Serve chilled to 12-14°C. In Russia, it is traditionally combined with fish and seafood; it can be served in the American style – with smoked sausages and salted nuts.
Volkovskaya Pivovarnya, IPA (5,9%) INDIA Pale Ale, or light Indian ale, is made from two varieties of hops – Pekko and Jarrylo. Light golden drink pleasantly smells of tropical fruits. Powerful taste with pronounced hop bitterness and herbal notes. Dry hop aftertaste. The foam is rich but loose. Serve chilled to 12-14 °C. It goes well with spicy hard cheeses, smoked meat, spicy snacks.
Volkovskaya Pivovarnya, Port Artur (6,5%). Classic porter, dark craft beer with a thick brown color. Three varieties of hops were used – Cascade, Golding and Magnum. The taste is powerful and multifaceted, with hints of hops and roasted nuts. The aroma has notes of caramel and chocolate. This is the strongest drink from the Volkovskaya brewery. Serve chilled with oysters and cheeses with a sharp taste.
Volkovskaya Pivovarnya, Blanche de Mazaj (5,9%). A white wheat beer made from American Mosaic hops, which gave the drink its name. Pleasant scent of meadow flowers. Intense taste with hints of hops and wheat toasts. Serve chilled to 12-15 °C. Pairs well with seafood and vegetable dishes.
