Beer was classified as a soft drink in Russian until 2011.

Beer was classified as a soft drink in Russian until 2011.

Beer was legally classified as an alcoholic drink in Russia in 2011, after former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed the bill. Until then, anything containing less than 10% alcohol was considered foodstuff in Russia.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has signed a bill that officially classifies beer as alcoholic. Until now anything containing less than 10% alcohol in Russia has been considered a foodstuff. ... Correspondents say it is common to see people swigging beer in the street and in parks as if they are drinking soft drinks.

In Russia, the legal drinking age is usually eighteen. Usually, because there are some exceptions to that case. Technically, stronger alcohol such as cognac and vodka is sold only to those over 21.

Beer is most certainly a carbonated beverage. It's saturated with dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) that makes it bubble once the bottle or can or draught beer is poured and the gas can get out, forming a nice head of foam and giving you a little bit of zestiness on the tongue as you drink it.