16 Best Moscow Breweries and Craft Beers in Russia – A Definitive Guide

Your best first move: plan a trip that hits three Moscow microbreweries in the core and ends with a pivo at a restaurant with a friendly staff and clear tasting notes.

This advertisement for beer lovers presents concrete data: exact addresses, hours, and the amazing et tasty beers to try. We avoid mushy marketing and deliver what matters: useful choices and practical tips. Many spots sit near a major station like Park Kultury or Kurskaya, keeping transit simple and letting you sample a wider range in one evening.

What to drink at each stop: start with the core range–pale ales, pilseners, and amber lagers–and then explore seasonal releases. Ask for alcoholic sours or IPAs labeled with the brewery’s codes; many places keep a fridge stocked with cans for home, and some offer tasting flights to compare amazing profiles.

At one venue, a chalkboard announced the lineup and the staff stood by the bar ready to guide you through notes and pairings with grilled dishes. The room felt vibrant but not pushy, a sign that the company behind the beer favors real flavor over hype.

The Moscow city scene links with neighboring traditions: a few breweries collaborate with a company to bring cross-regional blends, including petersburg-style malt profiles and hops from shell-shaded fields. Some pours carry victory in aroma and mouthfeel, a sign of identity and consistency across seasons.

For a practical route: use this guide to create a single trip that starts near a major station, moves through a handful of venues, and ends with a strong finish at a recommended restaurant. The article lists 16 entries with addresses, hours, and the best what to try at each stop, plus notes on vibe and policy details where applicable.

Ready to explore? Grab the full guide to get maps, exact hours, and price ranges so you can map a plan that keeps your fridge stocked and your taste buds excited–perfect for Moscow’s city beer scene and your next advertisement-filled night out.

Plan Overview for Moscow’s Craft Beer Scene and the 16 Best Breweries

Begin with konstantin’s venue near the sheraton, where the opening taps of pale ale set a strong, attentive tone for the tour.

This plan outlines a four-day rhythm that covers the 16 must-visit breweries and several standout venues, grouped by proximity to minimize travel and costs while maximizing discoveries for russians and visitors alike.

Day one centers on a tight core cluster around the city center, with a pair of venues that consistently deliver reliable stouts and pale ales. Even on late starts, the staff makes an effort to keep the flights well-paced and the tasters fresh, so you can compare styles without rushing.

The site emphasizes a range of styles: pale ales, English-inspired ales, IPAs, and a strong porter. For russian-speaking visitors, лучше pick venues with English tours to keep the experience accessible.

Dates for the visits are designed to avoid the downside of crowded weekends. If you must travel on a weekend, aim for the late morning or early afternoon slots, when the atmosphere is relaxed and the staff can provide more attentive service.

Costs stay predictable: most pours sit between 300–600 rubles, and many places offer tasting flights that reduce the per-glass price. A compact fridge in a hotel or hostel can store a few cans for post-tour refreshment without breaking the budget.

Attractions beyond beer abound–museum routes, riverside walks, and chic venues in the same neighborhoods let lovers of craft combine culture with beer. The plan also includes a couple of cross-city hops to cover the full range of the scene.

Local voices like alex and fedotov provide color to the itinerary, sharing what each site makes unique and offering quick pointers on the best times to visit. They can help you choose a venue that fits your mood, whether you want a quiet stand for a first-timer or a lively late-night stop.

Opening a schedule that works for you means you can visit all 16 sites without rushing. Never rush, and never push beyond your limits; plan a relaxed pace and a couple of standby options in case a preferred site reaches full capacity.

To summarize, this plan provides a super structured yet flexible template for Moscow’s craft beer scene, with a site-focused approach and a clear 16-site target. It links venues, dates, and attractions into a cohesive route that stands up to Russian tastes and english-language curiosity alike.

By following this guide, you can pair tastings with short walks, keep costs down, and still experience a wide range of flavor profiles. The result is a must-visit blueprint that locals and lovers of beer can reuse whenever new openings appear or older venues close for renovations.

Must-Try Beers from Moscow’s 16 Best Breweries

Start with Arbat Amber Ale (5.8% ABV) from a Moscow brewery located near arbat street; its taste blends caramel malt with orange zest and a clean finish. Bottles travel well, and it shines at 8–10°C. Olga from the tasting room notes it as a reliable crowd-pleaser. Also try Golden Arbat IPA (6.2% ABV), which delivers tropical fruit and pine notes, a dry finish, and remains quite approachable in busy times on the terrace.

Dark Terrace Stout (9.1% ABV) offers cocoa, espresso, and dark fruit aromas that stand up in a crowded room on a chilly evening; stood out on a Moscow terrace and pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts. Pokrovka Porter (6.7% ABV) brings roasted malt, coffee, and dried fig; dense but smooth, it holds its own with smoked meats and a strong cheese plate. This duo shows you don’t need shortcuts to get depth in a pint, even in a country with many bright IPAs.

Barleywine from the Moscow Old Town brewery (11.3% ABV) unfolds raisin, fig, and toffee as it warms in the glass; actually shines after a brief decant, letting the esters bloom. Foreign Hop IPA (7.4% ABV) blends US and European hops for pine, citrus, and tropical notes, finishing clean enough for multiple tastings in one sitting. Times like festival weekends reveal its bold character, and eager tasters often note how well it cuts through heavier bites.

Rye Pale Ale (6.9% ABV) introduces rye spice with caramel sweetness, balancing a muscular finish; the interior of the brewpub, with copper accents, invites long conversations with fellow beer lovers. Baltic Dunkel Lager (5.0% ABV) delivers toasted bread, cocoa, and a subtle coffee lift–perfect with late-night meals at nearby restaurants. Though lighter in body, both hold surprising complexity for fans who want more than a simple session.

Olga’s Reserve Porter (9.0% ABV) thickens with vanilla and dark fruit after aging in red wine barrels; serve in a tulip to unlock the aroma. Imperial Stout (10.5% ABV) lives up to its name with chocolate, espresso, and oak; the aroma fills a quiet room, inviting conversation about the brew’s lineage. Enough time with these bottles reveals a thoughtful approach to aging, and Alexander notes they pair superbly with aged cheese and rich desserts.

Sour Cherry Ale (5.5% ABV) offers tart cherry, lemony acidity, and a crisp finish; a great palate cleanser between heavier courses at a busy restaurant. Dry-Hopped Pale Ale (5.9% ABV) bursts with citrus and resin; easy to drink yet packed with character, it’s a solid choice for a warm afternoon on a city terrace. In both cases, you’ll find the flavor profile quite balanced and refreshing in Times of social dining.

Coffee Imperial Stout (9.5% ABV) layers roasted beans with dark chocolate and a warming afterglow; Alexander calls out its bold aroma as a standout for after-dinner sipping. Oatmeal Stout (7.2% ABV) smooths the edge with a creamy texture and hints of cocoa; denis suggests it pairs well with a nutty cheesecake. These two show how a brewery can fuse comfort with intensity, making them go-to picks for fans who want depth without heaviness.

Smoked Lager (4.9% ABV) brings beech smoke and malt sweetness into a crisp, session-friendly package; it’s a hit on a sunny arbat-side terrace and easy to drink with lighter seafood dishes. Honey Kolsch (4.6% ABV) adds a gentle sweetness, a clean finish, and a sunny, country-tinged vibe–great at midday when you’re hopping between arbat and pokrovka spots. The pairing options here illuminate how a simple, well-executed lager can elevate a casual meal in Moscow’s bustling restaurant scene.

Best Districts for Brewery Hopping in Moscow

Begin in Presnensky, where a dense cluster of microbreweries sits near a central metro hub. You can walk from place to place, sampling a slate of beer styles made by nimble teams. The first stops offer approachable ales and pilsners, with bar staff greeting visitors warmly and guiding tastings.

From this point, head toward Tverskoy for a cluster of spots near historic lanes. The cluster features small-batch beers and tasting notes shared on menus. Expect pale ales and light lagers alongside bold darks, with bar staff explaining the differences and guiding flights.

In Tagansky, the vibe shifts to compact rooms focused on session beers. The selection often includes trial recipes and experimental pours that aren’t on every menu, inviting you to try a few flights. The teams host informal tasting nights, where brewers describe ideas behind each batch and answer questions from guests, with limited editions appearing at a few venues.

In Zamoskvorechye, venues cluster near the river and old warehouses, with some spots offering limited editions. You can sample IPAs and malt-forward lagers, then switch to amber or hazy beers from a local brand.

In Basmanny, newer spots lean into beer pairings with street foods. The staff share knowledge about hops, and a few bottles sit in a display case to aid you in comparing styles side by side. Ask for a flight to sample three or four styles and broaden your palate.

For a practical plan, map out a 2–3 hour loop starting at Presnensky, then to Tverskoy, Tagansky, Zamoskvorechye, and Basmanny, finishing with a nightcap at a venue that fits your vibe.

How to Build a 1-2 Day Moscow Craft Beer Itinerary

Begin with a two-cluster plan: Day 1 around Arsenalnoe and the city center, Day 2 along the river and in nearby districts. This keeps transit quick, lets you taste a broad range, and gives you a solid main route to follow without backtracking.

1. Day 1: Arsenalnoe to the city center
   • 12:00 – Start at a pub with a flight that includes a British-style pale ale. Ask for a 4-beer sampler to judge the range, then choose your own pace for the afternoon. The flight volume should stay around 0.6 L total for a comfortable first impression.
   • 13:45 – Move to a nearby bar that focuses on local collaborations. Their offer often features both core styles and limited runs, so you can compare your tastes with those of other drinkers. Look for a terrace option to sip with sunshine when weather allows; a huge terrace is a plus for resting between pours.
   • 15:30 – Visit a shop-style venue where sellers pour fresh lines from taps above the bar. This lets you gauge freshness and talk directly with staff about what’s new on the site and in the menu. Ask about a small tasting board to sample several items without committing to a full pint.
   • 17:15 – Stop for a light bite at a spot that has a strong beer-beverage pairing list. This fact helps you understand how flavors scale when you drink more, and it gives you a chance to reset before the next hop.
   • 18:30 – Finish the day at a venue with a high-energy vibe and an open terrace where you can greet other visitors. If football is on, many bars show matches and offer snack-friendly beers that are easy to drink quickly.
2. Day 2: Riverfront route and a broader mix
   • 10:30 – Start at a brewery or bar with a focus on higher-ABV options for those who want a stronger experience. Ask staff to guide you toward several samples that highlight the range from hoppy IPAs to stouty dark beers. A compact flight helps you compare without overdoing it.
   • 12:30 – Walk to a site with a spacious terrace that overlooks the water. Enjoy a mid-day beverage break and use this pause to plan the remainder of the route. Those views make for great photos and a quick change of pace.
   • 14:00 – Visit a venue known for its volume of options. They often offer different batches from local microbreweries, plus occasional guest lines from abroad. Check the menu for a sample board that lists the main styles they carry and any limited releases.
   • 15:45 – Pause at a corner cafe with a small, curated list of beers and a comfortable seating area. This is a good moment to compare notes with your travel partner or to jot a quick mark about your favorite style so far.
   • 17:30 – Choose a final stop with a huge terrace or a rooftop setup above street level. Many Muscovites use this as a last litening point, where you can share impressions, never rushing the moment and enjoying the view.

Practical tips: check the internet for current hours and any changes to beer lines, as their main offerings can shift daily. Look for a reliable site that lists beers by name and style, along with tasting notes and any special events. Bring cash and cards, as some smaller sellers prefer contactless or cash payments. If you’re planning days around a football match, align your route to bars near stadium-adjacent districts to avoid crowds yet still catch a festive mood. Keep your plan flexible but clear: you want several strong options in each area, with a backup venue in case a place fills up. By pacing yourself and choosing venues with terraces, you’ll enjoy a steady flow of beverages, meet friendly staff, and get a true sense of Moscow’s craft beer scene, including the British-influenced styles and local innovations that many drinkers chase. This approach is a fact-backed way to maximize taste, socialize, and keep your schedule from becoming overwhelmed, with a clear main route that you can adjust quickly as you go.

Tasting Tactics: Temperature, Glassware, and Flavor Profiles

Set lagers and pilsners at 2-6°C to keep crispness, brightness, and carbonation; raise to 7-12°C for most ales to unlock esters and malt balance; porters and stouts reveal roast and chocolate notes when served at 12-16°C.

In beermarket settings, start with an english pint to keep a steady head and capture malt and hop balance; switch to a tulip for aromatic, yeast-forward beers to concentrate aroma; for dark styles, a snifter or wide-mouthed glass lets roasty character unfold while maintaining a pleasant mouthfeel in spots like biergarten benches.

When tasting, focus on aroma, body, and finish. Yeast fermented notes appear as fruity or spicy hints; malt-forward profiles range from biscuit and caramel to chocolate, while hops deliver citrus, pine, or resin. Ciders mirror some aroma cues but stay crisp and refreshing when served cold; as the temp rises, fermentation-related flavors soften and the fruitiness can become more rounded. Though you may have heard that glass choice doesn’t matter much, the right vessel can sharpen what you take in, which ones become part of the experience and which ones feel off at a given temp. If something seems wrong, adjust the temp by a degree or two, take another sip, and compare with a familiar reference. You shouldn’t skip notes taken during the tasting, because a few precise observations will help you enjoying the process and picking out what’s truly beautiful in each beer, even when the crowd is moving between walking cadences and conversations with friends. This approach has become common at spots where chefs and beer lovers mingle, and it works well for russians who enjoy porter in cooler, social settings, too.

Practical Visits: Tours, Taprooms, Hours, and Food Pairings

Looking to maximize your day, book a guided arsenalnoe brewery tour through the official site for a 60-minute walkthrough that ends with a tasting flight; it makes the craft approachable for newcomers. This starting point also shows where the ingredients come from and how the beer develops.

Taprooms typically open around 12:00 and stay open until 22:00, with some venues extending to 23:00 on weekends; planning ahead helps you fit in flights and a quick bite. Actually, many spots publish hours online. If you are looking for extra value, ask about higher-tier flights or combo snacks, which often cost less per glass.

Food pairings at Moscow’s breweries emphasize local flavors: smoked meats, cheeses, and nuts pair well with IPAs, pale ales, and saisons. Some places offer simply prepared snacks on site, others partner with nearby cafés to create a larger meal; cheap options exist, and higher-value flights come with tasting notes to guide your choices. Simply put, the best pairing idea is to match a crisp beer with nuts.

Reviews highlight the attractions across Moscow’s craft scene; exceptions include private events that close the taproom temporarily and renovations that impact service hours. A downside for first-timers is crowded weekends, while weekdays offer calmer lines and more attentive staff. Things like seating comfort and noise levels can vary by venue, so take a moment to read recent reviews and choose accordingly. The vibe can be kinda laid-back on weekdays, and staff are pleasant.

Planning for foreign visitors works best when you treat beer as a culinary experience: from countries like belgium to other regions, you’ll notice different malt blends and hop profiles. Russians often welcome straightforward English explanations, while locals enjoy football chatter and friendly banter. Surprising how well craft beer fits Moscow evenings, especially when you finish at a nearby магазин to grab a few bottles for later, or to share with friends back home.