Fans of Latvian beer claim that it is in no way inferior to Czech or German. You just need to know which variety is the most delicious and where you can taste it fresh. There are several dozen breweries operating in the country, and it is small enterprises that produce the nicest and tastiest types of beer in Latvia. Gastronomic tours to this Baltic republic are still rare among Russian tourists, but in the future this type of travel has undoubted prospects.
History and modernity
Some brands of Latvian beer have a very long history, counting centuries:
- For the first time, Cesu Alus beer was brewed in 1590 in the old castle of Cesis. The brewery was erected only three hundred years later and since then the Cēsis Brewery has managed to become one of the largest beer production facilities in Latvia.
- The Aldaris plant was built in 1865 by a German brewer. Then the small enterprise grew into a large-scale production, and today it turned out to be part of the Carlsberg concern. Unfortunately, the increase in volumes did not affect the quality of beer in the best way, and drinks from Aldaris are more consumer goods than the foam elite. The only thing that local gourmets advise to pay attention to is the Aldaris Porteris drink. Traditional, strong, it has a velvety caramel flavor and a rich dark amber color.
- In Bauska beer began to be brewed in 1981, but even in such a short period of time the masters of the local brewery were able to achieve unprecedented success in their business. Bauska beer is produced today in five varieties: dark Premium and Special, unfiltered and two light ones - Senchu and Special. For those who drive, this brewery offers excellent bread kvass.
Beer in Latvia is especially actively consumed during holidays and folk festivals. One of these days - the Ligo holiday - is itself a national Latvian cultural heritage.
In search of a blooming fern
Ligo is the most coveted summer day for Latvians. It is celebrated on the night of June 23-24 and is accompanied by outings and picnics. Beer is preferred as a drink this night in Latvia.
Each region of the country brews its own drink for Ligo. This is how the brewery in Zemgale produces Tērvetes beer, the products for which are grown by local farmers. The brewery in Ventspils boasts a light and tasty Užava beer. Among its varieties, in search of a fern flower on a summer night, the light and light Uzavnieks is especially suitable.
