Ukrainian beer impresses despite war challenges
- David Hookstead, a beer enthusiast, discovered Zhygulivske Lager Beer from Ukraine during a recent shopping trip.
- Despite typically preferring American beers, he decided to try this Ukrainian lager and found it pleasantly surprising.
- He concluded that while the beer was enjoyable, the price was too high for regular consumption.
In the recent months during the ongoing war in Ukraine, beverages like beer continue to make their way to consumers despite the dire circumstances. A writer and beer enthusiast named David Hookstead, known for his reviews, stumbled upon a unique lager called Zhygulivske Lager Beer - Pivo Svitle, which piqued his curiosity due to its striking bottle design. Hookstead, who generally favors familiar American beers such as Coors Banquet, Miller Lite, and Busch Light, decided to step out of his comfort zone and purchase the Ukrainian beer to pair with a homemade beef stroganoff dinner. After purchasing the beverage for $4, which he considered relatively expensive, Hookstead noted the beer's 4.6% alcohol content. Despite the limited understanding of the label due to the language barrier, he was confident in the worthiness of the attempt. When poured into a glass, the beer exhibited a darker copper hue, differing from the typical light American beers. Hookstead expressed surprise at the quality and flavor of the beer, indicating that it was a pleasant surprise. While he enjoyed the experience, he also pointed out the pricing difference, highlighting that for the cost of three bottles of Zhygulivske, he could have bought a 12-pack of his usual American beers. Although he contemplated purchasing it again, he acknowledged that the price was prohibitive for regular consumption. He concluded that trying out the Ukrainian lager was worth it for a single occasion, given his unexpected enjoyment of the beer. This review not only reflects the unique flavors coming out of Ukraine under tough conditions but also highlights how war does not completely halt cultural exports. The experience serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Ukrainian people, who continue to produce quality products amid adversity, and encourages others to explore flavors from different cultures, fostering a sense of global connection.