Vasileostrovsky Breweries are considered pioneers in the market for the production of exclusive varieties of foamy drinks. In 2002, when the company's specialists made the first brewing, it was difficult to imagine that the craft product could at least somehow compete with the industry giants. Today, Vasileostrovskoye beer can be tasted in almost any bar, not only in St. Petersburg, but throughout Russia. Today, the plant produces 3 standard varieties, a line of stouts and ales, as well as an exclusive experimental product.
From mass to quality
At the beginning of the “zero” beer market was completely controlled by large corporations. Companies such as Baltika or Heineken produced millions of liters of products annually. Mass production of beer implies the use of concentrates, which allows to reduce the final cost and accelerate the ripening time. True connoisseurs of the foamy drink had to look for goods abroad. Since the 1930s, so-called craft (craft) brewing has become widespread in Europe and America. It involves the manufacture of small batches of the drink using only natural hops and malt. Armed with Western experience, St. Petersburg brewers set to work.
First results
In 2002, the first variety appeared - “Vasileostrovsky homemade”. This unfiltered lager was one of the first products on the market for draft live beer in Russia. Manufacturers had to solve a number of issues: mass production required large capacities, especially since the issue of selling goods was an acute issue. At first, the sale was carried out on their own. Initially, Vasileostrovskoye beer in kegs was supplied only to one bar of the Northern capital. The implementation problem was solved when specialists were able to establish sales through a network of distributors. In addition, this allowed to reduce financial costs for the staff of sales representatives.
For some time, the plant's products were notable for their instability. Low production capacities led to the fact that different batches differed in color, parameters and taste. Competent marketing policy has turned this into a plus. PR managers of the company began to position the product as perishable. Thus, the naturalness of the ingredients was emphasized, which, in the minds of the buyer, made Vasileostrovskoye an exclusive, high-quality product.
Production development
The first years the brewery worked at a loss. Specialists could not sell surplus products, despite the small scale of production. In 2004, it was decided to brew a fundamentally new beer for domestic bars. "Vasileostrovsky dark" was perceived by the buyer with a bang. In the same year, for the first time in its history, the company managed to reach indicators at which demand began to exceed supply. It was decided to switch to the use of new equipment, which allowed to cook large batches of products.
For 3 years, the company managed to significantly increase sales. "Vasileostrovskoe" beer appeared in the bars of Veliky Novgorod, Moscow, Pskov and Petrozavodsk. Success has allowed to launch experiments on the manufacture of new varieties. Brewers began to cook traditional light lager, and in 2009 red ale was added to the live product line. It is these beers that today make up the classic line of Vasileostrovsky draft.
For beer gourmets
At the end of 2009, the company's management began to produce products that could surprise the most demanding foam drink lovers. It was decided to begin production of the so-called seasonal varieties - small batches of exclusive goods. The first sign was “Vasileostrovskoe Maximum” - a dark Bock in the best German traditions. Next year, the company begins the promotion of a new Weizenfield brand. As part of this project, Vasileostrovsky cherry beer, wheat ale and classic bitter pils appear in the bars of the Northern capital.
In 2011, the company invited independent brewers to use their equipment for a certain cost. All over the world, this practice, when novice craftsmen lack their capacities, and they turn to relatively large firms, is called contract cooking. Perhaps it was this event that determined the vector of development of the plant for the next years. Under the influence of craft masters, brewers create new varieties - First IPA, Coffee Stout, Red Ale, Bluebeard and Chekhov. This line can no longer be called traditional. The appearance of these varieties changed the brand Vasileostrovsky beer. Expert reviews emphasize that from this moment the factory becomes the locomotive for the development of independent domestic brewing. Moreover, the bottling of new products was arranged, which allowed the company to go beyond the bars, now their drinks have become possible to find on store shelves.
Let us dwell on a brief description of some varieties.
Specifications. Vasileostrovsky "Home"
The extract of the initial wort is 12% with an alcohol content of
4.5%. Beer is produced according to the standards of bottom fermentation. In terms of taste, it is worth noting shades of yeast aroma and a balanced aftertaste. The variety has a cloudy color, while it is easy to drink. Vasileostrovskoe “Domashnoye” - beer, which has become the standard in its segment. The variety is bottled exclusively in kegs.
Specifications. Vasileostrovsky "Light"
It is a classic lager. According to the initial characteristics, Svetloye is almost identical to Home, but during the production process it undergoes a filtration and additional clarification procedure. The result is a very standard golden beer. Suitable for lovers of the classics. The variety is exceptionally draft.
Specifications. Vasileostrovsky "Dark"
This filtered variety has a high extractivity (16%) and contains 5.2% alcohol. Beer is distinguished by an unusual combination of caramel shades and cocoa flavor with sour tones. It is worth noting that Vasileostrovsky beer of this particular sort is very often ruined by inept bottling. Excessive gas pressure in kegs can lead to souring of the product. It is positioned solely as draft Vasileostrovsky beer.
Specifications. Vasileostrovskoe "Red".
In the manufacture of this beer, malt varieties from Germany and England are used, which allows to achieve a unique ruby hue. In terms of taste, it is worth noting the pronounced presence of caramel with a slight bitter aftertaste. In general, a very calm variety, which will appeal to lovers of filtered ales. Bottled in kegs.
Specifications. Weizenfield krishbier
Before the appearance of this variety, foamy drinks with berries could only be found abroad. This is probably why this cherry beer got such a stylized name. Beer is very light, contains only 3.2% alcohol with a wort extractivity of 12.5%. According to tasters, this variety is feminine, very sweet. At the same time, the cherry flavor is fully disclosed, which, in principle, meets European product standards. Beer is available exclusively in draft version.
Specifications. Copyright Ale Chekhov
Another cherry variety. It can no longer be called female. "Chekhov" has a high density and has a strength indicator of 6.3%. Similar characteristics are inherent in craft varieties, which this author ale is. With all its power, the drink is very soft and balanced. Cherry draws high density, which creates a unique taste of Chekhov. It is bottled only in 0.75 liter bottles.
Specifications. First irish pale ale
This smoked ale is the pride of Vasileostrovsky Breweries. The variety was presented in 2012 at the British Consulate, thereby emphasizing the guidelines that should be inherent in this IPA variation. Ale has an extractivity of 15% with an alcohol content of at least 5.8%. The taste is pronounced floral notes with a strong hop aftertaste. In general, the variety is a perfectly cooked domestic smoked ale, respectively, suitable for lovers of such products. Sold only in 0.5 liter bottles.
Specifications. Triple Wheat Ale
The strongest Vasileostrovsky wheat beer that can be found in bars today. It has a density of 17.5% with an alcohol content of at least 7.5%. The taste is pronounced aromas of orange, banana and wheat. Excellent color - golden amber color meets the standards of similar varieties set by the traditions of Belgian brewing. On sale found in branded bottles of 0.75 liters.