Whiskey Ruskie
New Republic Brewing Company

I bought this bottle near Christmas in 2019 or 2018. It has been in the beer frig since then. Not sure why I did not drink it. Today is the end of a long difficult haul since the beginning of the year, and if you include the pandemic, well... Time to drink the beer.

I poured it from a bomber into tall snifter. Dark brown color with a thin beige head and light lacing. Strong, distinct whiskey smell and taste. From the one other review of this beer, it seem the last couple years has enhanced the booziness of this beer. Strong alcohol note. The frig aging also seems to have brought out the woodsy, earth notes from the barrel aging. Some dark berries, hint of coffee and chocolate. It is a bit thin for an imperial stout.

Drinking this beer makes me nostalgic for the brewery that has been closed for a while. I remember going there in the early days and having a great time. Less so when it changed management, but they had some nice beers. Here is to getting things done and enduring.

 

Poured from tap into sniffer, small tan colored head, light lacing. Jet black in the glass, no light passing thru. Smells faintly of roasted malt, some whiskey notes peeking out. Taste is smooth out of the gate slight roasted malt, chocolate and then the whiskey slides in and mutes it down, lots of smooth whiskey in the middle, not harsh at all. Finish is somewhat on the dry side. No alcohol presence at all. This is a dangerous beer, great sipper. Nice job new republic