Meks
Ostankinskiy Drinks Plant (Останкинский Завод Напитков)

Found in a Moscow grocery store, this standard brown half liter bottle has pretty complicated green, gray and red label featuring a coat of arms surrounding the name. On a banner below the name is written: "Beer for Real Men." No further explanation. Being a real man, I naturally shared it with Globetrotterette. She wasn't impressed. Ingredients conform to the purity law. The label makes a bit deal about the fact that the water comes from a region famous for its mineral waters. Best before Valentine's Day 2007, I opened it on 5/6/06.

Pours a clear slightly orangish gold under a one finger white head that lingers a bit but can't muster any lace. The nose is full of sweet bready malt with a hint of spice. The mouth is very well-carbonated and quite viscous, leaving a thin film around the mouth. Interesting spice taste - ginger, perhaps. There's plenty of barley, too, and a touch of mint. The finish includes a bit of dry bitter hops, but that doesn't last long. The aftertaste consists of sweet malt and spice. It's actually quite a pleasant brew.