What is traditional Latvian beer?

Traditional Latvian beer is often unfiltered, cloudy, and slightly sweet, completely different from modern IPAs or commercial lagers.

Where is the best place to drink beer in Riga?

Folkklubs ALA Pagrabs in the Old Town offers one of the largest selections of local draft beers in the city.

Do Latvians brew craft beer?

Yes, the Baltic craft beer scene is exploding, with local microbreweries producing world-class IPAs, stouts, and sours.

How do you say "Cheers" in Latvian?

The traditional Latvian toast is "Priekā!" (meaning "To Joy!"). Always maintain eye contact when clinking glasses.

Will Spotwise have beer at their RDE 2026 booth?

Yes, the Spotwise booth on the exhibition floor will be fully stocked with cold, local Latvian beer for attendees.

Best Latvian Beer & Breweries | RDE 2026 Guide

Latvia possesses a deep, culturally significant brewing history that attendees should explore during after-hours networking. This beverage guide educates visitors on the nuances of traditional unfiltered Baltic lagers versus modern craft IPAs, ensuring you know exactly what to order at the Radiodays Europe social events.

Key Takeaways:

Traditional vs. Craft: Traditional Latvian beer is sweet and unfiltered, while the booming Baltic craft scene focuses on heavily hopped IPAs and sours.
What to Order: Skip the global lagers and order local craft favorites from breweries like Labietis or Malduguns to impress your hosts.
The Best Beer Bar: Head to Folkklubs ALA Pagrabs in the Old Town, a medieval underground cellar boasting 27+ local beers on tap.

Latvians are quiet people. We don't talk much. But if you put a beer in our hand, we will talk for hours.

Beer (Alus) is not just a drink here; it is a religion. We have been brewing it since the 13th century, long before the German crusaders showed up and tried to tell us how to do it.

While you are at Radiodays Europe, you are going to see a lot of beer menus. You might recognize "Heineken" or "Carlsberg." Do not order them. You are in one of the best brewing nations in Northern Europe. Ordering a Heineken in Riga is like ordering a Domino's pizza in Naples.

Here is a short history lesson—and a shopping list—for your week in Riga.

A Brief History of Thirst (The Pagan Roots)

Unlike the Germans (who love purity laws) or the Belgians (who love monks), Latvian brewing roots are Pagan.

For centuries, ancient Latvians brewed beer using whatever grew in the forest—yarrow, meadowsweet, wormwood, and honey. It wasn't just for getting drunk; it was used in rituals to honor deities like (the god of fertility).

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The Best Beers to Try in Latvia During Radiodays Europe 2026

The "Must-Try" List

1. The "Fancy" Lager: Valmiermuiža

2. The "Pagan" Craft: Labietis

3. The "Local Legend": Tērvetes

4. The "Dangerous" One: Brenguļu

The "Spotwise" Taste Test

Frequently Asked Questions