15 Ukrainian beer brands worth gifting to your foreign friends

1. The Southern Steppe Brewery “Drofa”

The Southern Steppe Brewery “Drofa” was founded in August 2019 in Kherson and quickly became a source of local pride. The brewery offers an impressive assortment of over 12 types of beer, ranging from lagers to unique exotic varieties. Each has its own story, and some have even won awards. All products are crafted from natural ingredients using unique recipes.

Before Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Drofa produced 17 types of beer and sold around 200 tons of products monthly. The brewery had eight branded stores and employed a team of 80 workers.

In September 2022, collaborators seized the brewery; however, the team managed to maintain production and retain its workforce. Despite facing shelling and challenging conditions, Drofa continues to operate, supplying fresh beer to various regions across Ukraine. Due to its short shelf life, consumers receive only the freshest products.

One of the brewery’s standout creations is “Pivdenne Lehkе,” brewed in the Vienna Lager style. This light beer has an original gravity of 11.1%, an alcohol content of 4.2%, and a delightful hop bitterness of 13.8 IBU.

In 2021, Drofa made a strong impression at the V Degustation Competition of the East European Beer Award, winning gold for “Midnyi Ptakh” in the Red/Amber/Semi-dark category, silver for “Milk Stout” in the Sweet Stout category, and bronze for IPA.

Today, the brewery operates under wartime conditions in a nearly empty Kherson. Despite all challenges, it remains a symbol of the “Freshness of the Southern Land,” continuing to produce beer that delights its loyal fans.

2. “Pivna Lehenda” brewery

“Pivna Lehenda” brewery in Kharkiv is reviving brewing traditions that date back to 1798. In 1878, Oleksii Olkhovskyi constructed the main brewery building, where beer is once again produced using traditional recipes.

The brewery offers more than 50 types of beer, including “Olkhovskyi’s Table Beer,” “Wheat Reserve,” “Festive,” “Seasonal,” and “Philosophical Dark.” The finest hops from the Czech Republic and Germany are used in production, while craft varieties feature hops sourced from the USA, Australia, and New Zealand. Yeast is supplied by the American White Labs bank.

Having been in operation for over six years, the brewery already serves more than 100,000 customers across 10 regions of Ukraine. Its products can be found in branded stores and can be ordered online with delivery available.

3. MOVA Brewery

MOVA Brewery has been operating in Dnipro since 2017, founded by Bohdan Tochka and Borys Hildin. Initially, the brewery produced beer on a contract basis without its own equipment, averaging around 5 tons per month.

In 2020, MOVA opened its own brewery, significantly increasing its production capacity to 150 tons per month. The current product range includes various types of beer, such as Lager, Amber Ale, Blanche, Pilsner, Stout Oatmeal, IPA, and more.

By 2023, MOVA’s net revenue reached 34 million UAH, more than doubling its revenue from 2022. The products are available on the Rozetka marketplace and in stores such as Good Wine, Varus, and Silpo, as well as in 1,300 other retail locations. Forty percent of sales come from the HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, Café) sector, and 4% are exported to Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

MOVA also actively promotes beer culture by organizing festivals and educational events. In 2023, they published the book “The History of Brewing in Dnipro,” which caters to both beer and history enthusiasts.

The brewery’s products are distinguished by their high-quality ingredients, diverse selection of beer styles, and a strong commitment to developing beer culture in Ukraine.

4. The brewery “Pravda”

The brewery “Pravda” opened at the end of 2014 in Lviv, located on the central Rynok Square. The project was developed with the assistance of international experts, including Czech engineers, Belgian consultants, a German bottling line, and an American brewer.

The founders of “Pravda” are partners from the “! FEST” emotions holding: Yuriy Nazaryk, Andriy Khudo, and Dmytro Herasymov.

In 2020, “Pravda” relocated to a new location, tripling its production capacity. The brewery now produces over 1.5 million liters of beer annually.

The assortment includes various beer styles, ranging from classic to experimental, using local ingredients. A distinctive feature of their products is the double fermentation technology used in the bottles, which ensures natural carbonation and a longer shelf life without filtration or pasteurization.

“Pravda” beer is exported to more than 15 countries, including Canada and Japan. Its strengths include high quality, a rich variety of flavors, and a focus on local components. The brewery has received international awards, including a bronze medal at the Brussels Beer Challenge for its stout “Vid Syanu do Donu”.

5. The Hutsul craft brewery “Tsypa”

The Hutsul craft brewery “Tsypa” was established in 2015 in the village of Kvasy, located in Transcarpathians, by Oleksandr Shatalov. The brewery utilizes German Braumeister equipment, and its beer is crafted using water sourced from a local high-mountain spring, which imparts a unique Carpathian character to the beverages.

“Tsypa” offers an assortment of over 16 types of beer, including:

• “Bila Tsypa” — a light lager
• “Chorna Tsypa” — a dry stout
• “Kopchena Tsypa» — made with smoked malt
• “Tsypa pid Travoyu” — an ale infused with Carpathian herbs
• “Samotnia Tsypa” — a bitter pale ale

What distinguishes this brewery is its commitment to using local ingredients, such as Carpathian herbs, bilberry (yafyn), and even fir tree branches, which contribute to the authentic taste of its beers. “Tsypa” beer is unfiltered, unpasteurized, and free from chemical processing. Fermentation occurs in egg-shaped vats, symbolizing birth, while maturation takes place in an old cellar for periods ranging from 30 days to several months.

The brewery operates 11 establishments across various Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Rakhiv, and Uzhhorod. Its uniqueness stems from its natural ingredients, authentic recipes, and continuous experimentation with flavors that reflect the essence of Hutsul traditions.

6. The “2085” brewery

The “2085” brewery started operations in April 2020 at the Kyiv art factory “Platforma.” It was founded by brewer Nazar Drebot, who brings seven years of experience from establishing breweries in the USA, Georgia, Spain, India, and Ukraine, alongside restaurateur Valerii Sozanovskyi, co-founder of the THE restaurant chain.

The brewery uses American Beer Equipment for its brewing process. The ingredients include Dutch Swaen malt, hops sourced from Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, and yeast from the American laboratory, White Labs. The water is purified and mineralized specifically for each type of beer produced.

The product line features both classic and experimental beers. The “2085-UA” series includes light and dark lagers crafted from Ukrainian raw materials. Notably, the beer is neither filtered nor pasteurized.

In September 2023, the brewery opened a venue near the “Livoberezhna” metro station, where customers can enjoy its own beer along with signature hot dogs. Future plans involve expanding to new locations in Kyiv’s residential areas.

“2085” distinguishes itself through high-quality ingredients, modern equipment, and an innovative brewing approach. The brewery aims to promote craft beer in Ukraine and ensure it is accessible to everyone.

7. The brewery “ШО” (Sho Brewery)

The brewery “ШО” (Sho Brewery) was established in Mykolaiv in 2017 by beer enthusiasts Dmytro Voloschenko and Oleksii Hubskyi. They began by brewing beer in rented facilities and quickly gained popularity among Ukrainian craft beer lovers.

In 2019, after securing an investment of $800,000, they opened their own brewery in Mykolaiv, equipped with Craft Innovation technology, enabling them to produce up to 20 tons of beer per month.

“ШО” offers an impressive assortment of over 149 beer varieties, with a particular focus on sour beers. Their signature creation is a sour beer infused with raspberries, black currants, and blackberries, made without syrups or sugar purees. This beer is both unfiltered and unpasteurized, preserving its natural taste.

Despite the challenges posed by shelling during the war in 2022, the brewery not only maintained its operations but also increased production by 10-15%. Sales of bottled beer surged from 2,000 to 8,000 bottles per month.

“ШО” is recognized for its high-quality ingredients, bold flavor experiments, and unique sour beer varieties, solidifying its position as one of the leaders in Ukraine’s craft beer market.

8. The brewery “Rebrew” (Reformation Brewery)

The brewery “Rebrew” (Reformation Brewery) was established in 2016 by a group of investors from Ukraine and various other countries. It is located in Brovary, Kyiv region, and utilizes modern Italian equipment from Meccanica Spadoni, operated by experienced brewers.

In 2018, Dmytro Sholomko, the director of Google Ukraine, announced the development of the brewery under the Rebrew brand. He emphasized that the project was independent of the craft beer trend.

Rebrew offers a diverse assortment of beer styles, including:

• “Malanka Doppelbock”: A rich doppelbock with a malty flavor, featuring notes of caramel, chocolate, and dried fruits.
• “Spin Hazy IPA”: A tropical IPA brewed with Mosaic, Sabro, and Azacca hops in collaboration with the SPIN project.
• “Kupava Wheat”: A Belgian wheat beer with hints of coriander, citrus, and mild bitterness.
• “Cat Sith Imperial Scotch Ale”: An imperial scotch ale characterized by a biscuit aroma and notes of caramel and toffee.

In 2021, the brewery opened the Beerplace store in Brovary, with plans for further expansion in Kyiv. At Beerplace, one-third of the taps are dedicated to Rebrew beer, while the remaining taps feature other brands.

9. “Gonzo Brewery”

“Gonzo Brewery” was founded in 2017 in Kyiv and specializes in craft beer brewed using original recipes. The brewing process is done manually over an open flame with specialized equipment. The brewery offers a variety of both permanent and new experimental flavors.

In 2019, “Gonzo Brewery” opened Gonzo Bar at 19 Kostyantynivska Street in Kyiv. The bar features 19 types of draft beer from the brewery, along with cider, prosecco, whiskey, and cocktails. The menu includes sandwiches, soups, salads, and classic beer snacks, such as meat platters, fish and chips, and wings in Asian sauce.

“Gonzo Brewery” is a member of the “Independent Breweries of Ukraine” association and is known for experimenting with various styles, particularly fruit sours. In 2022, despite facing challenges, the brewery continued its operations, supporting the economy and the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Additionally, the company successfully launched a new brewery and introduced new beer varieties.

10. “Underwood Brewery”

“Underwood Brewery” was established in 2015 by a group of enthusiasts who aimed to create a unique Ukrainian beer that would stand out from mass-produced options. Initially, they brewed beer at home, experimenting with different recipes and techniques. For over a year, the brewery operated as a “home brewery” while preparing to enter the market. The official launch took place in 2017 at the Kyiv Beer Festival, where they introduced four beer varieties, including the Kyiv Lager, which continues to be one of Underwood’s most popular offerings.

The brewery is owned by Yevhen Podlesnykh and is located in the village of Stari Petrivtsi in the Kyiv region. The production facility was built in nine months and is equipped with a 500-liter Brewiks brewing system, currently producing 15 tons of beer per month.

“Underwood Brewery” offers around 20 different beer varieties and approximately 10 types of lemonade. Some popular beers include:

• “Kyiv Lager: A Munich-style Helles lager that is golden, clear, malty, and has a mild bitterness.
• “IPA”: An American India Pale Ale with tropical fruit aromas, notes of pine and herbs, and a distinctive hoppy bitterness.
• “Shchedryk”: A Christmas-themed sweet-and-sour Pastry Sour featuring pineapple and mandarin flavors.

Products from “Underwood Brewery” can be found at Silpo and Fozzy Cash&Carry chains, on the Rozetka platform, and through various other retailers.

11. The “Varvar Brew” brewery

The “Varvar Brew” brewery was established in May 2015 by Ukrainian businessman Vasyl Mykulyn, along with partners Oleksii Havrysh and Nataliia Kovalevska. Before founding Varvar Brew, Mykulyn managed the “Yuzivska Brewery” restaurant in Donetsk. After the city was occupied in 2014, he relocated to Kyiv to start a new brewing venture.

Initially, the beer was brewed using rented equipment in another city. Over time, the brewery acquired its own equipment, which was manually assembled in Bila Tserkva and installed in a former sawmill in Kyiv. In August 2015, the Lisopylka brewpub opened on Starosilska Street, continuing the production of Varvar beer.

In June 2016, “Varvar Brew” expanded its production capabilities by installing new equipment from ZIP Technologies, allowing for a wider variety of beers and an increase in production capacity.

The brewery offers a selection of 12 permanent beers and up to 60 experimental varieties each year. Some popular beers include:

• “Milk Stout”: A rich stout with chocolate flavors and subtle bitterness.
• “Citra APA”: A pale ale featuring citrus and tropical fruit aromas.
• “Hoppy Lager”: A lager known for its intense hop flavor and mild bitterness.

“Varvar Brew” products are available in over 200 retail locations, including Silpo, Fozzy, and Goodwine, as well as in approximately 400 restaurants and bars across Ukraine. The beer is also exported to Austria.

12. “Kyiv Local Brewery”

In 2017, “Kyiv Local Brewery” was founded by Yevhen Nartenko and Dmytro Samoylov. They initially brewed beer at home, experimenting with various styles and flavors. After receiving positive feedback from friends and family, they decided to turn their hobby into a business. The first batches were brewed using rented equipment, and in 2018, they opened their own brewery in Kyiv.

“Kyiv Local Brewery” operates in a former factory that has been equipped with Ukrainian-made brewing equipment. The brewery has a production capacity of 3,000 liters per month, with potential for future growth.

Their product lineup includes a variety of beer styles, such as:

• “American Pale Ale (APA)”: a pale ale with a strong hop aroma and moderate bitterness.
• “Munich Dunkel”: a dark beer characterized by its rich malty flavor and caramel notes.
• “American IPA”: an India Pale Ale featuring an intense hop profile and high bitterness.
• “Special IPA”: a unique IPA with a complex blend of hops, creating a distinctive aroma and taste.
• “Fruit Lambic”: a fruit lambic that incorporates natural fruits, offering a refreshing taste and aroma.

“Kyiv Local Brewery” has won prestigious awards, including a gold medal at the Hop Cup Ukraine Open Beer Awards 2019 for its Stout.

13. “Divchata Brewery”

“Divchata Brewery” was founded in 2020 by Kseniia Lytvyniuk and Yuliia Kyrylenko. Kseniia works at “Uno Mas”, a distribution company that specializes in craft alcohol, where she also manages “Divchata Brewery.” The brewery does not have its own production facility but collaborates with Zlak Brewery, located in Kyiv, to produce its products.

The brewery offers a selection of unique beers, including “Brave,” a tomato beer rated 3.98 out of 5 on the Untappd platform. Other varieties feature ingredients like dates and blueberries. A key aspect of Divchata Brewery’s offerings is their exclusivity, with limited production runs and innovative flavors. Additionally, the brand seeks to challenge gender stereotypes in the brewing industry, promoting the idea that beer is for everyone, regardless of gender.

14. “Hoppy Hog Family Brewery”

“Hoppy Hog Family Brewery” was established in Odesa in 2017 by the Symonenko family. The inspiration to start the brewery arose when the father-in-law received a home brewing kit worth approximately 4,000 euros as a gift. Initial brewing experiments took place in a garage, equipped with a 50-liter brewing system, and the mother-in-law took on the role of head brewer, drawing on her background in handmade cosmetics, perfumes, and craft chocolate.

Since its inception, the brewery has created over 200 types of beer, including:

• “Pulp Milkshake IPA”: a milkshake IPA featuring coconut, mango, and passion fruit puree, with an ABV of 5.5%.
• “Sacher Pastry Stout”: a dessert stout characterized by a chocolate-sweet taste, apricot tartness, and biscuit notes, with an ABV of 6.5%.
• “Krow Moskala”: a tomato sour brewed with spices, with an ABV of 5%.
• “Winter Cherry”: a triple sour beer with cherry, boasting an ABV of 9%.

The products from “Hoppy Hog Family Brewery” are available for purchase through their online store and are distributed across various regions of Ukraine.

15. The brewery “Blukach”

The brewery “Blukach”, founded by brothers Oleh and Yaroslav in the Volyn region, symbolizes a continuous pursuit of new flavors in brewing. They blend classic recipes with experimental techniques to create both traditional and innovative beer varieties.

The lineup from “Blukach” includes:

• “Sonyachni Klarnety”: a golden ale with a malty flavor and light coriander notes.
• “Kulbit”: a light wheat beer infused with rosemary and orange zest.
• “Kruk”: an American stout with coffee, dark chocolate, and pine flavors.
• “Zayda”: a hazy IPA with aromas of lychee, citrus, and pine.
• “Tse Zh Bulo Vzhe!”: an American IPA featuring hops, citrus, and peach notes, combining slight sweetness with moderate bitterness.

The products from “Blukach” brewery are available for purchase through its official online store, where customers can buy individual beers or gift sets. For instance, “Box #1” features four beers from the core lineup: “Zayda,” “Kulbit,” “Sonyachni Klarnety,” and “Kruk.“