Today, the surname Kalashnikov is mostly associated with the famous automatic rifle, but in Tsarist Russia, it was linked to beer. This popular brand of the drink could be purchased in Penza at Kuprina Street, 5.

At this location, there was a warehouse where beer was sold exclusively wholesale. The main buyers were restaurants and cafes. According to contemporary reviews, the quality of the beer was good, and it successfully competed with products from other breweries. The factory was founded in 1811, and one of its founders was merchant Kalashnikov. Initially, the beer was sold only in St. Petersburg, but soon the factory began to generate significant profits, and Kalashnikov decided to expand the business. Thus, branches appeared in other cities. By the end of the 19th century, the factory became a supplier to the Court of His Imperial Majesty, and this beer was favored by Alexander III. In the early 20th century, when the founders were no longer alive, 'Kalashnikov' earned about 1 million rubles a year and effectively turned into one of the largest and wealthiest firms in Eastern Europe. The factory constantly expanded and often released new beer varieties, among which Vienna Dark and English Porter were particularly popular.

In Penza, Kalashnikov beer was not brewed; it was delivered from Moscow in railway tank cars, then transferred to barrels and brought to Kuprina, 5.