Discovering Valmiermuižas: A Hidden Gem of Latvian Craft Beer

If you’re a craft beer aficionado, let me introduce you to a true treasure from Latvia—Valmiermuižas (pronounced VAL-meer-MWOY-zhahs). This exceptional brew captures the essence of Latvian craftsmanship, yet, for reasons that elude me, it’s not available for export, even to western Europe.

Having spent three memorable years in Riga, I became quite familiar with Valmiermuižas, and it quickly became my go-to beer. To say I was a fan would barely scratch the surface; I practically lived on this delightful craft creation. Since then, I have traveled across other parts of Europe, including Italy and Germany, and I have reached out to the brewery multiple times in hopes of procuring some. Unfortunately, the shipping costs are astronomical—often running into the hundreds of dollars for just a single case. While having money to spare for such indulgences would be fantastic, I find myself waiting for that day to come.

The primary purpose of this post is to shine a spotlight on this remarkable beer and to urge fellow beer lovers visiting Latvia—and potentially Estonia—to seek out Valmiermuižas and savor its unique flavor profile.

As I prepare for a move back to the United States in a few months, I can’t help but feel disheartened at the prospect of not being able to find Valmiermuižas stateside. If importing it into Germany proved challenging, I have serious reservations about its accessibility in the U.S.

So, if you find yourself in the Baltics, don’t miss the opportunity to try Valmiermuižas. You might just discover your new favorite brew, and who knows—perhaps it will even lead to a friendship forged over an appreciation of great craft beer!