Discovering the Hidden Gem of Latvian Beer: Valmiermuižas

If you consider yourself a beer enthusiast, then allow me to introduce you to an exceptional find from Latvia—Valmiermuižas (pronounced VAL-meer-MWOY-zhahs). This remarkable craft beer has captured my heart, yet for reasons that remain unclear, it is not available for export, even to Western Europe.

Having spent three wonderful years in Riga, I can confidently say that I have enjoyed my fair share of Valmiermuižas. My passion for this brew would be an understatement; I was practically a regular! After moving around Europe, including stints in Italy and Germany, my quest to procure this beloved beer became a bit of a challenge. I reached out multiple times, only to be met with exorbitant shipping costs that were far beyond my budget—think hundreds of dollars for just a case. Perhaps in the future, I’ll have the financial freedom to indulge in such luxuries, but for now, that remains a dream.

The intention behind this post is not just to lament my beer predicament, but rather to shine a light on the fantastic craft brewing scene of Latvia. I wholeheartedly encourage fellow beer aficionados visiting Latvia—or even neighboring Estonia—to seek out Valmiermuižas. You won’t be disappointed!

As I prepare for my upcoming move back to the States in a few months, I can only hope that my adventure to find Valmiermuižas doesn’t end here. If the challenges I faced in Germany are any indication, securing this delightful brew in the U.S. may prove to be an even greater challenge. However, my mission will continue!

So, if you find yourself wandering the lovely streets of Latvia, be sure to savor a glass of Valmiermuižas. Who knows? You might just uncover your new favorite beer!