Discovering Valmiermuižas: A Craft Beer Lover’s Dream

If you’re a fan of unique and exceptional craft beers, let me introduce you to a hidden gem from Latvia—Valmiermuižas (pronounced VAL-meer-MWOY-zhahs). This distinctive brew has captured my heart, yet, perplexingly, it remains unavailable for export, even to Western Europe.

Years ago, I had the pleasure of living in Riga, where I indulged in Valmiermuižas for three delightful years. To say I was a frequent drinker would be an understatement; I became quite the aficionado. Since then, I’ve explored various parts of Europe, including Italy and Germany, and I’ve made several attempts to procure this exceptional beer. However, the shipping costs I encountered were exorbitant, often reaching the hundreds of dollars for just a single case. While I hold hope for a future where I might have the funds to indulge in such luxuries, that day has yet to arrive.

The purpose of this post is twofold: to share my enthusiasm for Valmiermuižas and to encourage fellow beer enthusiasts who visit Latvia (and possibly Estonia) to seek out and savor this wonderful craft beer. If you find yourself in the region, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this local treasure.

As I prepare for my return to the United States in a few months, I can’t help but feel a twinge of apprehension. If I struggled to find a way to enjoy Valmiermuižas in Germany, I can only imagine the challenges I’ll face attempting to locate it back home. So, let this serve as a call to action: if you ever venture to Latvia, be sure to seek out Valmiermuižas—you won’t regret it!