Despite the strong popularity of kumys (which doesn’t necessarily have to be non-alcoholic) or vodka, beer in Kyrgyzstan is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages.
Beer in Kyrgyzstan
History of Beer Brewing in Kyrgyzstan
Beer brewing in Kyrgyzstan began to develop during the Soviet era, with the first breweries being established in the early 20th century. The most significant brewery is the Bishkek Brewery, founded in 1906, which produces the most famous Kyrgyz beer brand, Arpa (Арпа). This brewery played a key role in the development of the beer industry in the country and remains a market leader to this day.
Kyrgyz Beer Arpa (Арпа)
Arpa beer is the most widespread beer brand in Kyrgyzstan. It is a light pale lager with an alcohol content of around 4% and an original gravity of 11%, reminiscent of traditional Soviet beers like Zhigulevskoye. Though the beer is popular mainly due to nostalgia and historical availability, its taste is simpler, with a very faint hint of bitterness and a slightly soapy aftertaste. This brewery, however, still holds a strong position in the market, representing a nostalgic choice for those who remember the Soviet era. Interestingly, the malt used for Arpa beer production was also imported from Czechia.
Kyrgyz Beer Zhivoe (Живое)
The second most prominent brand in the Kyrgyz beer market is Zhivoe (Живое), which means “live” beer, referring to unpasteurized beer that supposedly retains a certain level of active fermentation. Zhivoe is not heat-treated, which allows it to preserve a richer spectrum of flavors and aromas. Compared to Arpa, this beer is more sophisticated and has a shorter shelf life, requiring quick consumption.
The Popularity of Beer in Kyrgyzstan and My Opinion
Although Kyrgyz people traditionally prefer non-alcoholic beverages or drinks like kumys (strong kumys can have as much alcohol as beer!), maksym, or chalap, beer is gaining more and more fans, especially in urban areas. In the summer, when temperatures are high, beer becomes the preferred alcoholic drink for refreshment (but beer is still overwhelmingly outpaced by non-alcoholic drinks like maksym and chalap).
As a Czech, I just “had to” try the beer in Kyrgyzstan despite the bad reviews. The unfiltered Zhivoe tasted great, while the description of Arpa as “soapy beer from Soviet times” is unfortunately quite accurate. 😢
One 0.45l can of Zhivoe beer cost 75 KGS (0.80 EUR), while a half-liter of Arpa beer in a bottle was 120 KGS (1.20 EUR). I bought all the beers at the Alma supermarket chain.
Cheers, and drink responsibly!
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