Baltika #12 Novogodneye
Baltika Breweries

Hat's off to Baltika for being the first Russian brewer to produce a winter seasonal brew. "Novogodneye" means "for the New Year." Thanks to atheist Soviet history, Russians celebrate New Year's with most of the rituals the West uses at Christmas, so this is a real Russian Christmas beer. The label includes a big clock about to strike midnight, and lots of snowflakes. Ingredients conform to the purity law. Best before May 27, 2004 (late new year's party), I opened it on 12/14/03.

Pours a pleasant clear copper under a tan 1.5 finger head with a bit of retention but not much lace. The nose is strong with caramel. The mouth is mildly prickly and medium-bodied. The taste is nice and malty, with caramel and a bit of sugarplum. Very mild hops come out in the finish, while the aftertaste is mainly fruity sweet with just a touch of bitter. This is a good beer that I'm sure I will enjoy repeatedly this holiday season. We here in Russia are still a long way away from Celebration Ale, but this is definitely a step in the right direction!