Pennaya Kollektsiya Barkhat
Bouquet Of Chuvashia (Cheboksarskaya Pivovariya)

This is somewhat closer to a Dunkles.

A: Pours a translucent brown with a fluffy two-finger tan head that fades with nice lacing.

S: Sweet caramel malt with a hint of brown sugar.

T: A sweet start meets the roasty malt in the center. The finish is slightly sweet, but the aftertaste is pretty dry.

M: Medium body with ample carbonation.

D: A refreshing malty beer from Chuvashia.

Hand-delivered from Cheboksary (thanks, Nathan), this brew comes in a standard brown half liter bottle with a white, gold and purple label featuring little more than wording. The "frothy collection" is a line of brews, of which Barkhat ("velvet") is the dark version. When I was in Cheboksary two years ago, they had no dark beers to offer - this is progress. Ingredients conform to the purity law. Best before 110 days after 11/10/04, I opened it on 2/9/05.

Pours a good looking clear, bubbly cola brown under a one finger creamy tan head that lingers a bit and generates a few traces of lace. The nose is mild and sweet of caramel. The mouth is light and fairly (not overly) prickly. A smooth, sweet caramel malt taste greets the palate, a touch watery but quite pleasant. There is no discernible hops presence. The malt lingers in the aftertaste, although less sweet and more bready as the tastebuds' memory of the liquid fades. A good solid product, this is a treat for malt mavens.