Mon Jun 20, 2005 6:49 am
16.9 fl oz. 500 ml. brown stubby bottle. Best before date of 7-14-05. Product of Russia. I believe this is my first Russian beer. Anyway, it poured out a deep mahogany-chocolate brown color, with a tan colored head. Very thick and sticky. The head slid down the sides of the glass slowly. Aromas are of roasted espresso coffee beans, slight licorice, some oak barrel in the mix also. Wafts of vanilla greet the nose as well. Tastes are of dark, bittersweet chocolate, coffee beans, rich malts, and a background of bitterness. Medium mouthfeel, decent carbonation. Not overpowering with the anise flavors, like so many other porters. Decently balanced, somewhat fruity finish to it. A decent Russian beer by anyone’s standards.
