Discovering the Hidden Gem of Latvian Craft Beer: Valmiermuižas

If you’re a craft beer enthusiast looking to explore unique flavors, allow me to introduce you to Valmiermuižas (pronounced VAL-meer-MWOY-zhahs), a remarkable Latvian beer that stands out in the crowded world of brewing. Although its exceptional profile deserves a global audience, it’s perplexing that this brew is not exported—even to Western Europe.

My journey with Valmiermuižas began during my three-year stay in Riga, where it quickly became a staple of my beer experience. I would say my fondness for this beverage transcended casual enjoyment; I was a regular patron, always eager to savor its distinctive taste. However, my love for Valmiermuižas hit a roadblock when I attempted to find it in other parts of Europe, such as Italy and Germany. My efforts to have it shipped were met with exorbitant prices that made my aspirations seem unattainable—hundreds of dollars for just a case! For now, the dream of having “F.U. money” remains just that, a dream.

The intent of this post is to share my admiration for this extraordinary craft beer and to encourage fellow beer lovers who find themselves in Latvia (or even Estonia) to seek out Valmiermuižas. Trust me—it’s worth the effort to track it down.

As I prepare for my upcoming relocation back to the United States, I can’t help but feel concerned. If I struggled to locate this beer while in Germany, the likelihood of finding it in the U.S. seems slim. Nevertheless, I hold onto hope that one day, this remarkable brew will find its way to the shelves of beer bars and stores across the globe, allowing more enthusiasts to enjoy it.

So next time you’re in Latvia, don’t miss the chance to discover Valmiermuižas. It might just become your new best friend in the world of craft beer!