Varvar Brew
Varvar Brew is an independent craft brewery from Kyiv, Ukraine, founded in 2015 by a team that originally comes from the east of the country. They have released more than 300 beers, from accessible modern styles to barrel-aged beers and beers with wild yeast. They also work with ingredients such as tomato, beetroot and birch sap.
- LocationKyiv
- Founded2015
- TypeMicrobrewery
- Untappd 3.87 · 172k ratings
- At Hoptimaal1 in stock · 2 in total
In stock now 1
Previously at Hoptimaal 1
Sold out. If a new batch is coming, you can ask for a heads-up on the product page.
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From Donetsk to Kyiv
Varvar Brew started in Kyiv in 2015. The team originally comes from eastern Ukraine: the first wave of Russian aggression in 2014 forced several team members to leave the Donetsk region and build a new life and a new business in Kyiv. The founder is Vasyl Mikulin. He and his daughter Daria Palamarchuk were in Brussels in September 2024 at the Wanderlust festival of Brussels Beer Project.
Like many breweries, Varvar first had its beer brewed at another brewery. Then came its own equipment on a former timber storage site, lisopylka, which also became the name of the brewpub. According to the brewery itself, it started with a 500-litre brewhouse. Later that grew into two brewhouses with a capacity of more than 750,000 litres.
A Ukrainian voice in craft beer
Varvar wants to make beer that can hold its own against the international craft scene, but with a recognisably Ukrainian voice. Over the years more than 300 beers have appeared, from modern, easy-drinking styles to barrel-aged beers and beers with wild yeast. Besides classic ingredients, the brewery uses fruit, berries, herbs and local products such as tomato, beetroot and birch sap.
The war has shaped the company. In February 2022 production was temporarily halted during the most intense phase of the invasion. Since then it has been about uncertain logistics, rising raw material costs and disruptions to power and water. The British Euroboozer bought 45,000 pints from Varvar in 2022, with the proceeds going to humanitarian aid, and repeated that a year later. In May 2024, around Kyiv Day, Varvar worked with Renovation Map on Old Kyiv Breweries, a project about the brewing history of the city.
Varvar Brew at Hoptimaal
At Hoptimaal you will find Varvar Brew in the styles stout and barleywine, in sizes of 37 and 37.5 cl. Both beers are 12.5%. Varvar Ghost Elephant and Varvar SolidØl Blair Athol Marsala are among the highest rated on Untappd. The range changes, so check the brewery page to see what is in stock now.
These are heavy beers, so don't serve them ice cold. Take them out of the fridge for a while, so the malt and the depth of flavour come through. Take your time with them: 37 cl is plenty for two small glasses.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Varvar Brew come from?
Varvar Brew comes from Kyiv in Ukraine and started in 2015. The team originally comes from the Donetsk region and moved to Kyiv after 2014.
What kind of beer does Varvar Brew make?
Varvar makes a wide range: from modern, accessible styles to barrel-aged beers and beers with wild yeast. Sometimes they use local ingredients such as tomato, beetroot and birch sap. At Hoptimaal you will mainly find stout and barleywine.
How do you best drink a Varvar stout or barleywine?
Don't serve them ice cold, so the flavour can open up. At 12.5% alcohol, take your time with them, and share one with someone if you like.
