Armenian beers

Armenians like their beer as much as the next guy. Due the manipulation of pricing (read lack of open borders) Armenian beer tends to be the most economical choice. Setting you back only $1. Russian beers are plentiful, while imports from Europe and America are outrageously priced in comparison. Kotayk, Gyumri, & Kilikia reign supreme in the Armenian beer market.



Stolen from the Gyumri website lets pause for some history, "Brewing is an ancient tradition in Armenia. According to Peotrovky's records since Urartu kingdom epoch ( IX-IIV BC ), on the territory of Armenia brewing was widespread. The “karas” jags found during the archeological excavations of Karmir Blur (Yerevan) proved this evidence, as they were filled with corn. There were even found cuneiform recipes of brewing and also different objects, characterizing the technology of brewing, special containers for preparation and keeping beer and sweet malt."

I have never wrote on beer before, so be patient with my lack of imaginative descriptives. For example, go to www.ratebeer.com where people who know beer (or think they do) can help you learn how to incorporate terms like "grassy/fruity hop aromas, near medium body with frothy carbonation, slightly spicy yeast."

Kotayk is a Pilsener with a 5.2% alcohol content. I was at the gym a few weeks ago and met the brew master, quiet an impressive guy. He naturally boasted about how it is the best of the Armenian beers and it is indeed a tasty lager.

Gyumri gold with its 4.6% alcohol content has a hoppy flavor. The company helps to employ lots of people from the region that was destroyed by the earthquake in the late 1980s, unfortunately that doesn't mean it tastes great.

Kilikia with its 4.8% alcohol content is a pale lager beer with a surprisingly bitter taste. Too bitter for me.

You can definitely pick up Kotayk in the US, not sure about the others.