evanrail (41), Prague, Czech Republic
| 3.6 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 7/10 | 4/5 | 7/10 | 3/5 | 15/20 | Oct 16, 2008 Bottle from Arbat Russian shop in Prague (www.russianshop.cz). It is a clear, very deep amber in appearance with a loose, sandy head that lasts longer (in a clean glass) than I was led to expect. Port and sherry notes in the nose, with figs and drying fruit in the foreground; a touch of toasty malt in the back. In the mouth, more figs and dried fruits with a cinnamon-spicy element; a second sip brings out dusty cocoa notes. Surprisingly good: I’m very glad I have another five bottles in the Gimp Room. Bring on Old Man Winter! greig (171), Hamilton, New Zealand
| 3.4 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 7/10 | 2/5 | 8/10 | 3/5 | 14/20 | Oct 9, 2008 Nice - a bit like an imperial stout-lite - some of the same burnt toffee, raisin, and warming alcohol characteristics. A little thin bodied though, and the head pretty much just vanished. Not a bad effort at all, I’d drink this again. Rastacouere (5552), Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| 2.7 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 6/10 | 2/5 | 5/10 | 3/5 | 11/20 | Oct 6, 2008 I finally got around to picking a bottle of the highest rated Russian beer. I can’t say I was too awed. The crystal clear, albeit dark brown poor lost its head within 20 seconds. Underneath, a brown sugar dominance provide no backing earthiness/smokiness/bitterness and roast from its dark malts was barely noticeable, perhaps a hint of cocoa here and there. Immensely sweet, like sugar cereals with its breadiness. Never chewy, relatively light-bodied and not without watery edges. I hoped for more fruity depth. gsmitty80 (638), Washington DC, USA
| 3.3 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 5/10 | 5/5 | 5/10 | 5/5 | 13/20 | Oct 6, 2008 This poured dark black sludge but with nice head and good lacing. Tasted of choloate and caramel mats with a little bit of smokiness but nothing too overwhelming. Snojerk321 (1937), San Diego, California, USA
| 3.3 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 7/10 | 3/5 | 7/10 | 3/5 | 13/20 | Sep 28, 2008 Bottle. Black on the pour with a lively, quick head - good amount of carbonation. Not a terribly thick beer despite the dark color. My first beer of this type (Baltic Porter). Taste is much like that of Baltika 4. Sweet, roasted caramel malts with a fair amount of bitterness at the finish. SamGamgee (1426), Santa Cruz (La Selva), California, USA
| 2.9 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 6/10 | 4/5 | 5/10 | 3/5 | 11/20 | Sep 27, 2008 50cl bottle. Black with some lasting tan foam. Sweet molasses, licorice and cocoa aroma. The flavor is sweet and syrupy, with some chocolate and dark bread. A world better that the 9, but still nothing I’d get again. A beer this heavy needs to be a bit more refined to be enjoyable. gwpom (250), Akron, New York, USA
| 4 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 7/10 | 5/5 | 8/10 | 4/5 | 16/20 | Sep 26, 2008 1 pt 9 oz bottle. Nice and dark, creamy head that lasts a while, not an overpowering aroma, and smooth drinkability. And 7.0% to boot. I think I should have got more than one bottle of this. I’m likin’ it. NJBeerman013 (771), Trenton, New Jersey, USA
| 3.7 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 6/10 | 4/5 | 7/10 | 4/5 | 16/20 | Sep 10, 2008 Bottle. Pours a midnight black with a deep, frothy tan head. The aroma is slightly fruity, with a strong shot of roasted espresso beans. It has a full mouthfeel and a fruity, sweet, molasses, vinous flavor characteristic. It has a warm, sweet finish. Awesome porter.
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