Baltika 6 Porter

So far, probably my favorite Baltika. Aroma has the roastyness that I love, plus there is a hint of anise that gets me going. Appearance is a deep black color with highlights of red around the outside. The flavor is, of course, the best part with a nice molasses, roasty hoppy bite to it that is very clean. Enjoyable and it’s usually a repeat purchase when in stock.

Probably THE best Baltica in the production line-up. Burnt brown sugar/molasses/dates/smoke. Some decently hopped bitterness on top of the whole thing. Very impressive from a disappointing brewery.

Baltika Porter is a Baltic Porter by style, which is a descendant of Russian Imperial Stout. In the 18th Century, British brewers send a very strong, robust version of stout to the Baltics and Russia as a winter warmer. This beer was a huge success, and Baltic and Russian brewers started to brew their own versions of Imperial Stout, but did so with a lager yeast strain, making these beers very similar, but because they were lagers, a bit rounder, smoother, and cleaner beers. Baltika Porter is a classic example of this style, with rich, chocolatey, powerful flavors matched with a smooth and polished character. Coming in at 7% abv, it has enough strength to take the chill off the coldest of Russian winters. Baltika Porter pours to a beautiful, bright, deep brown to ebony color with a creamy white head, and a good bit of carbonation. The nose is very nice on this beer with aromas of caramel, dark chocolate, and touches of molasses, and roast. The palate is firm with lots of good dark chocolate and coffee flavors, paired with more roasty notes on the tongue. The body is full, yet it is also so polished and clean on this beer making it very, very drinkable. Baltika Porter finishes with more dark chocolate, coffee flavors, then ends with a dry, roasty, and slightly warming alcohol finishes that lingers. This is a really outstanding version of Baltic Porter with fantastic dark chocolate, coffee, roast, and dry character. It makes for a perfect winter warmer, and is a great beer to relax with after a hard day at work. This beer is also an idea beer to have with desert, and would match well with rich, decadent chocolate deserts, as well as a thick slice of NY style cheese cake. At $2.30 a 16.9 oz bottle it comes in at a very nice price as well. If you happen to find this beer in your market, seek it out, and enjoy a bottle or two of the Beer Lover’s Russian caviar.

Okay, if you gave this less than 5 for appearance, you are guilty of McCarthyism. Secondly, the beer smells awesomely malty and dark, head is tan and foamy, flavor is roasty and almost hints of hickory, a really great porter from mother Russia.

Poured black with a tan head, but released hardly any aroma, although what was there was was pleasant. Flavor of roasted malt and chocolate, just a very tiny bit of coffee. A little on the thin side.

Bottle. Black with a small head that lasts all the way through. Thin bodied with some flavors of bitter hops and dark roasted grains. Nice for an old style baltic porter but nothing to run to the store to buy again.

Bottle. Dark brown coloured with a huge beige head. Aroma of dried fruits with roasted notes and notes of chocolate and alcohol. Sweet flavour of chocolate and dried fruits with roasted notes.

Aroma has a decent roasted barley noticable. Black body with brown head. A creamy texture along with roasted malt flavor made this a smooth enjoyable beer. Roasty aftertaste on palate, thanks Santa.