From Russia with love!

We recently returned to Danish soil after an intense trip through the Russian empire, where we hosted numerous tap takeovers, poured beer at festivals, ran, succumbed into the world of Vodka, and had a genuine amazing time!

Russia is a country that people most often connect with vodka and borsch, but nevertheless have a booming craft beer scene!

Ivan, Craft Depot Festival, Moscow

We visited both Moscow and Saint Petersburg, and both cities have great beer bars and bottleshops sprinkled across the map, varying from small Russian style dive bars to more scandinavian-like tap rooms. All with their own charming atmosphere, a widespread selection of both local, and imported brews, topped off with enthusiastic and friendly staff all around. 

All Your Friends Bar, Tap Takeover, Moscow

We held a tap takeover at All Your Friends Bar in the heart of Moscow and we were amazed with the turnout and the support we received. A great evening with tons of fun and beer. This is also the home of Mikkeller Running Club Moscow, so we were happy to see some familiar faces from previous runs around Europe.

Comorra Pizza e Birra, Moscow

Jaws Spot, Saint Petersburg

Beer Geek Bottleshop, Saint Petersburg

Beer festivals have also begun to appear in Russia in the mist of the rising public interest in craft brewing. Among other, the Moscow festival, Craft Depot, which presented an impressive number of breweries (some 120+) from across the globe. We had the opportunity to visit Craft Depot festival as Mikkeller were invited to pour beers there and we were really impressed with the professional setup, including two different music stages, food trucks, and a swimming pool/bar. 

We were also very pleased to see our Mikkeller Running Club chapter in Moscow make an appearance on stage after running an impressive 21k ahead of the festival and following it up with beers to the bitter end!

Mikkeller Running Club at Craft Depot Festival, Moscow

Craft Depot Festival, Moscow

Alyaska Bar poured beers at our stand at Craft Depot Festival!

Our Russian friends, the Olympic Bartender team from Alyaska Bar were present at the Craft Depot festival where they poured beer at our stand and it was exciting to see this insane bunch again after their visit at MBCC last spring! In general, all the guests at the festival seemed really passionate about craft brewing and we felt welcome and supported by all the people we met!

Likewise, all the people we met during our 4 days in Russia were incredibly cool. You freaks (with love <3) really know how to throw a party and we are already looking forward to our next visit!

Craft Republic, Moscow

Mikkeller Running Club Moscow, All Your Friends Bar, Moscow

Special thanks to Ivan and Alexander from Moscow Brewing Company Jsc for putting everything together. Respect.   

Also thanks to Jaws Spot Moscow & Saint Petersburg, Redrum Bar, Comorra Pizza e Birra, Beer Geek Spb, All Your Friends Bar Moscow, Dogma Bottleshop, RULE Taproom and Craft Republic!

SPASIBA!