"Vasileostrovskoye" - draft beer, dark, cherry, homemade, in kegs: reviews

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Vasileostrovskiye breweries are considered pioneers in the market for the production of exclusive varieties of foamy drink. In 2002, when the company's specialists carried out the first brew, it was hard to imagine that a craft product would be able to compete with industry giants in any way. Today, "Vasileostrovskoe" beer can be tasted in almost any bar, not only in St. Petersburg, but throughout Russia. Today, the distillery produces 3 standard beers, a line of stouts and ales, as well as an exclusive experimental product.

From mass to quality

At the beginning of the 2000s, the beer market was completely controlled by large corporations. Companies like B altika or Heineken produced millions of liters of product every year. Mass production of beer implies the use of concentrates, which reduces the final cost and accelerates the maturation time. True connoisseurs of the foamy drink had to look for goods abroad. In Europe and America, since the 1930s, a widethe so-called craft (craft) brewing has become widespread. It involves the production of small batches of drink using only natural hops and m alt. Armed with Western experience, St. Petersburg brewers set to work.

First results

In 2002, the first variety appeared - "Vasileostrovskoe Domashny". This unfiltered lager was one of the first products on the draft live beer market in Russia. Manufacturers had to solve a number of issues: mass production required large capacities, especially since the issue of selling goods was acute. At first, the sale was carried out on its own. Initially, "Vasileostrovskoye" beer in kegs was supplied to only one bar in the Northern capital. The implementation problem was solved when the specialists were able to establish sales through a network of distributors. In addition, this allowed to reduce financial costs for the staff of sales representatives.

For some time, the plant's products were notable for their instability. Low production capacities led to the fact that different batches differed from each other in color, parameters and taste. A competent marketing policy made it possible to turn this into a plus. PR managers of the company began to position the product as perishable. Thus, the naturalness of the ingredients was emphasized, which in the minds of the buyer made Vasileostrovskoye an exclusive, high-quality product.

Production development

In the early years, the brewery operated at a loss. Specialists are notcould sell surplus products, despite the small scale of production. In 2004, it was decided to brew a brand new beer for domestic bars. "Vasileostrovskoye dark" was received with a bang by the buyer. In the same year, for the first time in its history, the company managed to achieve indicators at which demand began to exceed supply. It was decided to switch to the use of new equipment, which made it possible to cook large batches of products.

For 3 years, the company has managed to significantly increase sales. "Vasileostrovskoye" beer appeared in the bars of Veliky Novgorod, Moscow, Pskov and Petrozavodsk. The success made it possible to launch experiments on the production of new varieties. Brewers began brewing a traditional pale lager, and in 2009, red ale was added to the live product line. It is these types of beer that still make up the classic line of draft Vasileostrovskiy.

For gourmet beer

At the end of 2009, the company's management began to produce products that could surprise the most demanding beer lovers. It was decided to start the production of so-called seasonal varieties - small batches of exclusive goods. The first sign was "Vasileostrovskoye Maximum" - dark Bock in the best German traditions. The following year, the company begins the promotion of the new Weizenfield brand. As part of this project, "Vasileostrovskoye" cherry beer, wheat ale and classic bitter pils appear in the bars of the Northern capital.

In 2011, the company offered independentbrewers for a fee to use their equipment. All over the world, this practice, when novice craftsmen do not have enough of their own capacities, and they turn to relatively large firms, is called contract brewing. Perhaps it was this event that determined the vector of the plant's development for the next years. Under the influence of craft masters, the company's brewers create new varieties - First IPA, Coffee Stout, Red Ale, Blue Beard and Chekhov. This line can no longer be called traditional. The appearance of these varieties changed the Vasileostrovskoye Pivo brand. Reviews of experts emphasize that from this moment the plant becomes the locomotive for the development of independent domestic brewing. Moreover, bottling of new products was launched, which allowed the company to expand beyond the bars, now it has become possible to find their drinks on store shelves.

Let's dwell on a brief description of some varieties.

Characteristics. Vasileostrovskoe "Domashnee"

The extract of the initial wort is 12% with an alcohol content of 4, 5%. Beer is produced according to the standards of bottom-fermentation. In terms of taste characteristics, it is worth noting shades of yeasty aroma and a balanced aftertaste. The variety has a cloudy color, while it is easy to drink. Vasileostrovskoye "Domashnee" is a beer that has become a benchmark in its segment. The variety is bottled exclusively in kegs.

Characteristics. Vasileostrovskoe "Light"

Represents a classic lager. According to the initial characteristics, "Light" is practicallyidentical to "Home", however, during the production process, it undergoes a filtration and additional clarification procedure. The result is a very standard beer with a golden color. Suitable for lovers of the classics. The variety is exclusively draft.

Characteristics. Vasileostrovskoye "Dark"

This filtered variety has a high extract (16%) and contains 5.2% alcohol. Beer is distinguished by an unusual combination of caramel shades and cocoa flavor with sour tones. It should be noted that Vasileostrovsky beer of this particular variety is very often ruined by inept bottling. Excessive pressure of gas in kegs can lead to souring of the product. It is positioned exclusively as Vasileostrovskoye draft beer.

Characteristics. Vasileostrovskoe "Red"

In the manufacture of this beer, m alts from Germany and England are used, which makes it possible to achieve a unique ruby hue. In terms of taste properties, it is worth noting the pronounced presence of caramel with a slight bitter aftertaste. In general, a very calm variety that will appeal to lovers of filtered ales. Poured into kegs.

Characteristics. Weizenfield Krishbier

Before the appearance of this variety, foamy drinks with the addition of berries could only be found abroad. This is probably why this cherry beer got such a stylized name. The beer is very light, contains only 3.2% alcohol with a wort extract of 12.5%. According totasters, this variety is feminine, very sweet. At the same time, the cherry flavor is fully disclosed, which, in principle, corresponds to European product standards. Beer available exclusively on draft.

Characteristics. Author's ale "Chekhov"

Another cherry variety. It can no longer be called feminine. "Chekhov" has an increased density and has a strength index of 6.3%. Similar characteristics are inherent in craft varieties, which is this author's ale. For all its power, the drink is very soft and balanced. Cherry delays high density, which creates a unique taste of "Chekhov". Bottled only in 0.75 liter bottles.

Characteristics. First Irish Pale Ale

This smoked ale is the pride of Vasileostrovsky Brewery. The variety was presented in 2012 at the British Consulate, thereby emphasizing the landmarks that should be inherent in this variation of IPA. Ale has an extract of 15% with an alcohol content of at least 5.8%. On the palate, floral notes are pronounced with a strong hop aftertaste. In general, the variety is a perfectly brewed domestic smoked ale, therefore, it is suitable for lovers of such products. Sold in 0.5 liter bottles only.

Characteristics. Triple Wheat Ale

The strongest Vasileostrovsky wheat beer that can be found in bars today. It has a density of 17.5% with an alcohol content of at least 7.5%. Flavors of orange, banana and wheat are pronounced on the palate. beautifulcolor - golden amber color meets the standards of similar varieties, set by the traditions of Belgian brewing. Available in branded bottles of 0.75 liters.