OREANDA-NEWS. On December 02, 2008 Carlsberg Uzbekistan has produced the first batch of Baltika No. 9 Extra (Strong). A licensing agreement for local production of this popular brand was signed on 23 May 2008 between UzCarlsberg LLC (formerly Sarbast Plus JV) and Baltika Breweries.

The licensing agreement provides for the production of the popular "No.9" and "No. 3" varieties of Baltika in 0.5L glass bottles and 1L plastic bottles at the Carlsberg Uzbekistan brewery. In mid-October, domestically brewed Baltika No. 3 Classic began to arrive at stores around the country.

In 2007, the share of Baltika No. 3 and Baltika No. 9 in the total sales of Baltika beer in Uzbekistan was in excess of 50%. Licensed production has made it possible to significantly reduce logistics and transportation costs. This has had a positive effect on the price of the product for the end user, namely a savings of 30%. Given the current competitive environment, the retail price for Baltika No. 9 Extra in 0.5L glass bottles averages 1,600 Uzbek soums.

Beer lovers appreciate No. 9's strength (8% ABV), which is achieved exclusively through natural fermentation. The beer's unique recipe was developed by specialists at Baltika Breweries using high quality malt and hops.

This beer harmoniously combines unique strength and a light flavour. In the fermentation process, yeast which is especially resistant to alcohol is used, so that the alcohol content can be augmented. Production of strong beer is a more labour-intensive and lengthier process compared to the production of light varieties.

In countries with long-standing traditions of beer brewing, strong varieties have always been considered the elite. Baltika No. 9 has won about a dozen awards in different international venues, among them a Silver Medal at the Superior Taste Award in Brussels, Belgium, one of the most authoritative beer competitions in the world.