Uncovering the Hidden Gem of Latvian Beer: Valmiermuižas

If you’re a beer enthusiast with a passion for discovering unique brews, let me introduce you to a delightful pick from Latvia: Valmiermuižas (pronounced VAL-meer-MWOY-zhahs). This exceptional craft beer has truly captured my heart, yet, mysteriously, its distribution does not extend beyond the borders of Latvia—and certainly not to Western Europe.

Years ago, I had the pleasure of living in Riga for three wonderful years, where my appreciation for Valmiermuižas blossomed into a fervent devotion. It’s safe to say that I was more than just a casual drinker of this incredible beer! After my time in Latvia, I traveled to various regions of Europe, including Italy and Germany, and made several attempts to arrange shipments of Valmiermuižas. Unfortunately, the costs involved were astronomical—hundreds of dollars for a mere case—making it an impractical option for me. Maybe one day, when I achieve “F.U. money,” I’ll splurge on it, but for now, that dream remains just that.

The primary goal of this post is to raise awareness about this remarkable craft beer and to urge fellow beer lovers who are planning a trip to Latvia—or possibly Estonia—to seek out Valmiermuižas during their travels. This is an experience not to be missed, as the flavors and quality of this brew are truly exceptional.

As I prepare for my upcoming move back to the United States in a few months, I can’t help but feel concerned about the likelihood of finding Valmiermuižas on this side of the ocean. Given my unsuccessful attempts to order it while living in Germany, I suspect that it may be just as elusive in the U.S.

In conclusion, if you ever find yourself in Latvia, do yourself a favor and seek out Valmiermuižas. You’ll be glad you did! Cheers to new adventures and great beers!