Putin In The Rye
Former Future Brewing Company

easily the best beer i have ever had from former future, and really its not close. this is their putin on the fritz russian imperial fermented, not aged, fermented in rye whiskey barrels from laws right on the other side of broadway there, which is excellent rye by the way. the beer is inky black, and as viscous as they get. short fluffy head on it that slowly fades out. nice shine as well, moderately intimidating with all the body and long legs it leaves on the edge of the glass, but the aroma is just so inviting. it smells like the whiskey first, peppery rye and vanilla sugar, with some char and booze elements as well. the base stout has been drastically improved. not sure if its the difference of fermenting it on wood instead of stainless, or if its just the influence of the quality whiskey. lots of oak in the flavor, really well integrated, faint licorice and black pepper way behind a molasses sweet front end with rye and coffee beans. its really impressive, its really complex, and its infinitely smooth. the alcohol is only warming, not as hot as it might be for how strong it is, and the is a slick feeling to it that i really like. maybe the faintest hint of smoke as it fades out, sweet all the way through, but resolving in the finish. enormously stoked on this!