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Siberian Soul Beer From The Gelios Brewery

Brewmaster Olga runs a tight ship at Gelios Brewery. (Credit: Steve Nelson)

 

This philosophy also extends to plant equipment. The brewery buys the latest technologies from the Czech Republic, Denmark, and Italy to brew, store, and package beers in bottles and kegs. Gelios’ fully automated factory allows brewers to adjust production to meet market demands and stay nimble in a competitive marketplace. The brewery produces about four million liters of beer each year and in brewing processes that take from 30 to 120 days. As a responsible corporate citizen, the brewery disposes starch byproducts to animals on a company owned farm near the factory. The company also sponsors a nearby clinic for employees. Who says old communists can’t learn new tricks? 

Customers purchase draft beer or “live beer” from local shops equipped with kegs and taps.  Draft beer sells for about 100 rubles ($ 2) per liter and customers bring their own jugs or containers to the shop. A 16-ounce bottle of beer sells for about 50 rubles. In addition to their taste for draft beer, Russians like to drink beer with smoked fish and local shops also sell smoked salmon, perch, flounder or other species. Other Russian beer drinking traditions can be summed up in the saying: “Beer without vodka is like money to the wind.” 

With a successful formula that combines classic methods with new technologies, the Gelios brewery nailed the sweet spot among Siberian beer makers. Moreover, this proud brewery in Bratsk serves as a reminder of how international cooperation and shared expertise binds together a global community of beer drinkers that appreciate a quality beer with soul. But for thirsty locals, the company motto sums it all up: “There will be peace in Bratsk, if you just drink Bratsk beer.” So be sure to visit the Gelios brewery next time you’re in Siberia. на здоровья! (to your health!)


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