What to drink and not to drink in Moscow.

Oct. 16, 2003

Drinking in Moscow

Since many of our guests experience an overpowering urge to overindulge on finding themselves in Moscow and since consumption of sub-standard alcoholic beverages results in an aggravated Russian-strength hangover, here is a quick guide of the best brands to drink.

Valid as of October 2003.

Gave up on booze?

Tea & Coffee

Note this excellent tea and coffee shop at Pyatnitskaya 20. I recommend Montana Coffee because it is roasted locally. You can also buy it at many or most British Petroleum filling station.

On your request a selection of good local beers will be waiting for you in the refrigerator. Complimentary to our accommodation guests and other clients.

A monument to Bacchus in the Swamp Square (Bolotnaya Ploshad) park, part of a composition of 12 figures symbolizing vices. Any idea why they used a Frog to symbolize prostitution?

Beer

Most beers on the Moscow market today are at least OK. I would caution you, however, against Baltika and in particular No. 9 unless you want to see the world as your average Russian sees it.

Presently I drink Tinkoff (Platinum or Dark), Obolon (unfiltered), and Zolotaya Bochka (seasoned).

	Obolon Wheat Unfiltered. No bloated feeling after wheat beers.	NB. Alcoholics Anonymous Russia http://www.aa- europe.net/ countries/ russia.htm
	Tinkoff Platinum. Some accuse Tinkoff Brewery in catering to American tastes. Others praise their beers for overall quality and especially for its ability to leave you satisfied without clouding your brains.
	Tinkoff Dark. Same but darker. A better picture coming up.
	Zolotaya Bochka (Golden Barrel) Seasoned. Replaces a meal. Also great for cooking if you don't mind a bit of bitterness in your soup.

Vodka

Russian Standard. The quality leader is presently Russian Standard. Goes down well, no hangover, affordable price. Speaking of vodkas generally, don't assume that high price guarantees quality. Till further notice stick to Russian standard.

Vologda Distillery. Can't find it in Moscow since last winter but the quality is remarkable and the price ($2-3 per bottle) even more so.

Brandy and Cognac

Bely Aist and Cherny Aist (White Stork and Black Stork). $7-10 per bottle. Beware of forged Aist, and buy it in respectable stores only.

Ararat. $12-30 per bottle, excellent quality. Buy in respectable stores only.

Stock up in Moscow before being off to explore the rest of the country. That applies to nearly all alcoholic beverages unless you know the scene real well.

Wine

Moldova supplies good table wines at $4-7/bottle. Georgian wines are more saturated but also more expensive. LOTS of forged and substandard wines. A tricky market.

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