"Vasileostrovskoe" - draft beer, dark, cherry, homemade, in kegs: reviews

"Vasileostrovsky breweries" are considered to be pioneers in the market for the production of exclusive types of foam beverage. In 2002, when the company's specialists carried out the first brewing, it was difficult to imagine that the crafting product could at least somehow compete with the industry giants. Today, "Vasileostrovsky" beer can be tried in almost every bar not only in St. Petersburg, but throughout Russia. Nowadays the plant produces 3 standard grades, 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 you to reduce the final cost and accelerate the maturation period. The true connoisseurs of a foamy drink had to look for a product abroad. In Europe and America, since the 1930s, so-called craft craft brewing has become widespread. It involves the production of small quantities of beverage using only natural hops and malts. Armed with Western experience, the St. Petersburg brewers started to work.

First results

In 2002, the first variety appeared - "Vasileostrovskoye homemade". This unfiltered camp has become one of the first products on the market of live draft beer in Russia. Manufacturers had to solve a number of issues: mass production required large capacities, especially since the issue of selling the product was acute. At first, the sale was made on its own. Initially, "Vasileostrovsky" beer in kegs was supplied only to one bar in the northern capital. The problem of implementation was solved when specialists were able to arrange sales through a network of distributors. In addition, it allowed to reduce the financial costs for the staff of sales representatives.

For some time the plant's products were notable for their instability. Low production capacity led to the fact that different parties differed in color, parameters and taste. Competent marketing policy has allowed to turn 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 "Vasileostrovsky" an exclusive, high-quality product.

Production development

The first years the brewery worked at a loss. Experts could not sell surplus products, despite the small scale of production. In 2004 it was decided to weld a brand new beer for domestic bars. "Vasileostrovsky dark" was taken by the buyer with a cheer. In the same year, the company for the first time in its history managed to reach the indicators at which demand exceeded supply. It was decided to switch to the use of new equipment, which allowed to cook large quantities of products.

For 3 years, the company managed to significantly increase sales volumes. "Vasileostrovsky" beer appeared in the bars of Veliky Novgorod, Moscow, Pskov and Petrozavodsk. Success allowed the development of experiments to produce new varieties. The brewers began to brew a traditional bright camp, and in 2009 a red ale was added to the line of live products. It is these types of beer that today make up the classic line of draft "Vasileostrovsky".

For beer gourmets

At the end of 2009, the company's management began to produce products that could surprise the most demanding fans of a foamy drink. It was decided to start production of so-called seasonal varieties - small lots of exclusive goods. The first sign was the "Vasileostrovsky Maximum" - a dark Bock in the best German traditions. Next year, the company begins the promotion of the new Weizenfield brand. Within the framework of this project, the "Vasileostrovsky" cherry beer, wheat ale and classic bitter pils appear in the bars of the Northern capital.

In 2011, the company offered independent brewers to use their equipment for a certain cost. Throughout the world, this practice, when novice masters do not have enough of their capacities, and they turn to relatively large firms, has the name of contract cooking. Perhaps, it was this event that determined the vector of the plant's development for the next years. Under the influence of craft craftsmen, the company's brewers create new varieties - First IPA, "Coffee Stout", "Red Ale", "Bluebeard" and "Chekhov". This line can not be called traditional. The appearance of these varieties changed the brand "Vasileostrovskoe beer". Experts' comments emphasize that from this moment the plant becomes the locomotive of the development of independent domestic brewing. Moreover, the bottling of new products was arranged, which allowed the company to go beyond the bars, now it is possible to find their drinks on store shelves.

Let us dwell on a brief description of some varieties.

Characteristics. Vasileostrovskoe "Homemade"

Extractivity of the initial wort is 12% with alcohol content at the level of
4.5%. Beer is made according to the standards of bottom fermentation. According to the taste characteristics it is worth noting the shades of yeast aroma and balanced aftertaste. The cultivar has a cloudy color, while it is easy to drink. Vasileostrovskoe "Domashnoe" - beer, which became a benchmark in its segment. The variety is bottled exclusively in kegs.

Characteristics. Vasileostrovsky "Light"

It is a classic of the camp. According to the initial characteristics, "Light" is almost identical to "Home", but in the production process is a procedure for filtration and additional clarification. The result is a very standard golden color beer. Suitable for fans of classics. The variety is exceptionally spilled.

Characteristics. Vasileostrovskoe "The Dark"

This filtered variety has an increased extractivity (16%) and contains 5.2% alcohol. Beer is distinguished by an unusual combination of caramel colors and cocoa taste with sour tones. It should be noted that Vasileostrovsky beer of this variety is very often ruined when inept filling. Excessive pressure of gas in kegs can lead to souring of the product. It is posited exclusively as a Vasileostrovsky draft beer.

Characteristics. Vasileostrovsky "Red".

In the production of this beer, malt varieties from Germany and England are used, which makes it possible to achieve a unique ruby color. On the flavoring properties 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. Poured into kegs.

Characteristics. Weizenfield Krishbier

Before the appearance of this variety, foam drinks with the addition of berries could be found only abroad. Probably, that's why this cherry beer got such a stylized name. The beer is very light, contains only 3.2% alcohol with wort extraction 12.5%. According to the tasters, this variety is female, very sweet. At the same time, cherry flavor is fully disclosed, which, in principle, corresponds to European standards of production. Beer is available exclusively in the filling version.

Characteristics. Author's El Chekhov

Another cherry variety. It can not be called female. "Chekhov" has an increased density and has a strength index of 6.3%. Similar characteristics are inherent in kraft species, which is the author's ale. For all its power, the drink is very soft and balanced. Cherry delays high density, which creates a unique taste of "Chekhov". Poured only in bottles of 0.75 liters.

Characteristics. First Irish Pale Ale

This smoked ale is the pride of the Vasileostrovsky Breweries. The variety was presented in 2012 at the British Consulate, thereby highlighting the benchmarks that should be inherent in this variation of the IPA. El has an extractivity of 15% with an alcohol content of not less than 5.8%. The taste is vividly expressed floral notes with a strong hop aftertaste. In general, the grade is perfectly cooked domestic smoked ale, respectively, suitable for fans of similar products. Sold only in bottles of 0.5 liters.

Characteristics. Triple wheat ale

The strongest wheat Vasileostrovskoe beer, which today can be found in bars. Has a density of 17.5% with an alcohol content of at least 7.5%. In the taste are pronounced aromas of orange, banana and wheat. Beautiful color - golden amber color corresponds to the standards of similar varieties, given by the traditions of Belgian brewing. On sale is found in branded bottles with a volume of 0.75 liters.