Four of the seven medals were gold, prompting much talk of export possibilities and offers to cooperate in production inside Russia for Latvia’s leading kvass brands, all of which had garnered previous distinctions at the international Baltic Beer Star awards contest.
The kvass producers included two brands from Bauskas alus brewery, one from Piebalgas alus, and four samples from Ilgezeem. Lithuanian kvass producers also won over many Moscow kvass connoisseurs.
Ilgezeem’s Porter Tanheiser brand kvass won two gold medals, standing out among the other competition this year.
“Baltic kvass brands are very competitive, as testified by Russian kvass producers’ great interest in our recipes. We’ve been involved in talks about producing these recipes in Russia, thus expanding Latvia’s kvass and malt-beverage producers’ exports,” Šikors pointed out hopefully.
Other medal winners included a bronze for Bauskas alus Kvass-brand beverage.
The kvass segment of Latvia’s non-alcoholic beverage market is significant, as the drink serves as a healthier alternative to sodas and colas and a non-alcoholic alternative to beer.
Also referred to as 'bread drink', it is traditionally brewed using fermented rye bread and has a distinctive and refreshing taste, though some modern versions cut corners by using caramel derivatives and other sugary, unhealthy substitutes. They don't win awards.
