Time for another BGX – this time with our first Russian beverage: Baltika 7, an export lager from Russia’s largest brewery.

Transcript

Hello, this is DrinksAhoy and this… is Beverage Guide Express.

In this episode, we’re covering Baltika 7.

Baltika 7 is a pale export lager, an easy-drinking crisp-style that’s popular on the international market.

Baltika beers come in a number of varieties – and each variety bears a number.

In addition to the export brew, No. 7 – there’s the No 2. Pale Lager, No. 3 Pilsner, the original Dark No. 4, a No.6 Porter, and No. 8 Wheat – amongst a few other varieties.

Baltika is Russian in origin, and the brand dates to around time of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, following a state brewery’s privatisation in 1992.

Baltika No. 7 was subsequently launched in 1994, and since then has been exported to 40 different countries.

The beer is brewed by Baltika Breweries, located in Saint Petersburg, in Western Russia.

It weighs in at 5.4% alcohol by volume, about typical for an export lager.

Atop the impressive half-litre bottle is a pulltab, negating the need for a bottle opener.

Pouring yields a decent head that fades quickly into naught but bubbles.

Taste is clean – a slightly metallic top, a little bitter in the aftertaste – but inherently drinkable.

As a no-nonsense lager that’s suited for sustained drinking, it’s no wonder No. 7 has seen enduring success in the export market.

Crisp, clean, well-rounded – and best served as cold… as the region it’s named for.

Thanks for watching, and join me next time for another liquid delight.