Discovering Valmiermuižas: The Latvian Beer You Need to Know About

If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, allow me to introduce you to a gem from Latvia that deserves a place on your radar: Valmiermuižas. Pronounced VAL-meer-MWOY-zhahs, this exceptional brew is a testament to the rich brewing tradition of Latvia. However, there’s a puzzling twist—this delightful beer is not available for export, and this includes markets as close as Western Europe.

My journey with Valmiermuižas began several years ago when I called Riga home. For a solid three years, I found myself thoroughly captivated by this remarkable beer. To say that I enjoyed it regularly would be an understatement. Since then, I have traveled across Europe—including Italy and Germany—only to encounter significant hurdles when attempting to procure it. After numerous inquiries, the shipping costs I encountered were astronomical, often amounting to hundreds of dollars for just a case. While I harbor dreams of having “F.U. money” someday, that day unfortunately isn’t today.

The primary goal of this post is to shine a spotlight on Valmiermuižas and urge all beer lovers with plans to visit Latvia (and perhaps even Estonia) to seek it out and give it a try. It is truly a taste experience you won’t want to miss.

As luck would have it, I am preparing to relocate back to the United States in a few months. Given my struggles to find this cherished beer in Germany, I am left with little hope of enjoying Valmiermuižas stateside. If you find yourself in Latvia, do yourself a favor and indulge in a pint or two; you won’t regret it! Cheers to new experiences and exceptional brews!