Baltika #6 Porter | Baltika Breweries
Brewed by:
Baltika Breweries
Russian Federation | website
Style: Baltic Porter
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 7.00%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by BeerAdvocate on 01-28-2003
Reviews: 608 | Ratings: 923
2.21/5 rDev -39.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5
Pours an impressive black color with just some brown edges to it. The aroma was harsh alcohol and dark fruit.
Taste just kept hitting waves of overripe dark fruit bitterness and hot alcohol. Even though it looked big ass, it was actually a little thin and couldn't sustain all that heavy alcohol and dark fruit yeast.
I just can't get into this beer.
★ 358 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5
Pours an impressive black color with just some brown edges to it. The aroma was harsh alcohol and dark fruit.
Taste just kept hitting waves of overripe dark fruit bitterness and hot alcohol. Even though it looked big ass, it was actually a little thin and couldn't sustain all that heavy alcohol and dark fruit yeast.
I just can't get into this beer.
★ 358 characters
3.54/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Dark brown, almost black. Little head that dissipated quickly.
Smell and taste were predominantly roastiness that comes from the roasted malt. A little bit of bitterness from it too, but much lighter than Guinness' level.
Surprisingly, when it got warmer and nearly to the end, it was really fruity. A lot of dark fruit character, plum, raisin; maybe it's the alcohol making an appearance.
It's quite a nice brew, defeating all the macrobrew the US has to offer out there. Just too high level of alcohol to be drinking it constantly, like a true Russian. But will be happy to have it again.
★ 593 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Dark brown, almost black. Little head that dissipated quickly.
Smell and taste were predominantly roastiness that comes from the roasted malt. A little bit of bitterness from it too, but much lighter than Guinness' level.
Surprisingly, when it got warmer and nearly to the end, it was really fruity. A lot of dark fruit character, plum, raisin; maybe it's the alcohol making an appearance.
It's quite a nice brew, defeating all the macrobrew the US has to offer out there. Just too high level of alcohol to be drinking it constantly, like a true Russian. But will be happy to have it again.
★ 593 characters
3.53/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
The back label says: "11.02.16 16:07 11.02.17 5 W"
Appearance: Black body and a light khaki head. Tiny bubbles packed tightly together forming a velvety head. The head is short but has decent retention. It eventually does fade out to just a film and leaves no real lacing.
Aroma: It doesn't have much of an aroma but it does have a light sweet caramel scent.
Taste: That sweet caramel flavor comes through right away with just a bit of very light toast flavor. Just a touch of alcohol flavor but it tastes more like a light caramel liqueur flavor that you might find in a chocolate candy.
Mouthfeel: Light carbonation and a body that rests on the lighter side of medium. Wet finish that lingers on the palate but is not bitter or strong. A very sweet beer that has a slightly syrupy texture.
Overall: It is a decent porter with a nice sweet presence. If you are a lover of caramel flavored light bodied beers then this is for you. As an authentic porter from the Baltic region it might be interesting enough to try at least once but discounting this the beer doesn't have a lot of complexity or character.
★ 1,110 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
The back label says: "11.02.16 16:07 11.02.17 5 W"
Appearance: Black body and a light khaki head. Tiny bubbles packed tightly together forming a velvety head. The head is short but has decent retention. It eventually does fade out to just a film and leaves no real lacing.
Aroma: It doesn't have much of an aroma but it does have a light sweet caramel scent.
Taste: That sweet caramel flavor comes through right away with just a bit of very light toast flavor. Just a touch of alcohol flavor but it tastes more like a light caramel liqueur flavor that you might find in a chocolate candy.
Mouthfeel: Light carbonation and a body that rests on the lighter side of medium. Wet finish that lingers on the palate but is not bitter or strong. A very sweet beer that has a slightly syrupy texture.
Overall: It is a decent porter with a nice sweet presence. If you are a lover of caramel flavored light bodied beers then this is for you. As an authentic porter from the Baltic region it might be interesting enough to try at least once but discounting this the beer doesn't have a lot of complexity or character.
★ 1,110 characters
3.5/5 rDev -3.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Poured pint bottle into pint glass. Very dark. No head.
Nose isn't much, just some malt. Not even very roasty.
Taste IS roasted, but not overly harsh. Some caramel as well.
Mouth is delightfully smooth.
A serviceable and refreshing porter. Not the cream of the crop, but there's little to complain about.
★ 309 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Poured pint bottle into pint glass. Very dark. No head.
Nose isn't much, just some malt. Not even very roasty.
Taste IS roasted, but not overly harsh. Some caramel as well.
Mouth is delightfully smooth.
A serviceable and refreshing porter. Not the cream of the crop, but there's little to complain about.
★ 309 characters
4.35/5 rDev +19.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
From bottle, pours dark brown with a good tan coloured head. Aroma roasty, caramel, toffee, chocolate, malty. Taste pretty much follows the nose, I really enjoyed this.
★ 168 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
From bottle, pours dark brown with a good tan coloured head. Aroma roasty, caramel, toffee, chocolate, malty. Taste pretty much follows the nose, I really enjoyed this.
★ 168 characters
4.73/5 rDev +30.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
From Carrefour Huelva. In Bavaria glass. Watching Sons of Anarchy 7x06. Very tasty and drinkable. Very surprised from what I thought would be another meh beverage. Instant buy if seen again
★ 189 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
From Carrefour Huelva. In Bavaria glass. Watching Sons of Anarchy 7x06. Very tasty and drinkable. Very surprised from what I thought would be another meh beverage. Instant buy if seen again
★ 189 characters
3.88/5 rDev +6.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Served in a snifter, it pours a very dark brown, almost black, with a small brown head that dissipated quickly.
The bouquet is a bit shy. Caramel, vanilla and chocolate. A little boozy after it warms up.
The flavor follows the nose. It adds up just a hint of molasses. The bitterness enters from the back door with a very humble presence, just to remind you of its existence.
Unbalanced beer tilting towards sweetness, with a long finish. You detect a high carbonation and a watery mouthfeel.
This is a nice baltic porter.
★ 528 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Served in a snifter, it pours a very dark brown, almost black, with a small brown head that dissipated quickly.
The bouquet is a bit shy. Caramel, vanilla and chocolate. A little boozy after it warms up.
The flavor follows the nose. It adds up just a hint of molasses. The bitterness enters from the back door with a very humble presence, just to remind you of its existence.
Unbalanced beer tilting towards sweetness, with a long finish. You detect a high carbonation and a watery mouthfeel.
This is a nice baltic porter.
★ 528 characters
3.73/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
It has that perfect coal black look about it, smells are subtle and all together undistinguished, that said, not in anyway unpleasant. The taste is not of anything that is mind blowing.... though I do like at the moment. Silky feel to a soft flavour of watered down coffee and a hint of paprika,and marsh mallow. over all a very good beer to try... not one to run back to ( unless it may be cheaper ).
★ 403 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
It has that perfect coal black look about it, smells are subtle and all together undistinguished, that said, not in anyway unpleasant. The taste is not of anything that is mind blowing.... though I do like at the moment. Silky feel to a soft flavour of watered down coffee and a hint of paprika,and marsh mallow. over all a very good beer to try... not one to run back to ( unless it may be cheaper ).
★ 403 characters
3.71/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
Look: It pours nicely and the foam settles quite fast. It's a dark brown, almost black color with small bubbles and leaves little residue.
Smell: Unlike many other Porters, it does not have that chocolatey taste we've come to expect, but does have some tones of coffee.
Tate: It's a great taste, but there are many other porters from the region that are better. It tastes a bit of coffee, but not enough to truly stand out.
Feel: Its biggest flaw is that it doesn't feel "thick" enough, as many other Porters do.
★ 515 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
Look: It pours nicely and the foam settles quite fast. It's a dark brown, almost black color with small bubbles and leaves little residue.
Smell: Unlike many other Porters, it does not have that chocolatey taste we've come to expect, but does have some tones of coffee.
Tate: It's a great taste, but there are many other porters from the region that are better. It tastes a bit of coffee, but not enough to truly stand out.
Feel: Its biggest flaw is that it doesn't feel "thick" enough, as many other Porters do.
★ 515 characters
3.56/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Actually a decent porter. Wow. Surprised. Some chocolate notes. Good carb and some roasted bitterness. Super thin mouthfeel with an extremely short finish.
★ 156 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Actually a decent porter. Wow. Surprised. Some chocolate notes. Good carb and some roasted bitterness. Super thin mouthfeel with an extremely short finish.
★ 156 characters
3.48/5 rDev -4.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
L - half inch tan head, quickly recedes to the edges of the glass with very little lacing.
S - licorice, coffee.
T - bitter coffee, chocolate
F - medium bodied with light carbonation.
O - not bad for a beer that I tried simply because I saw and ad for Baltika in Beer Advocate Magazine. Purchased at a local beverage store that carries a large selection of international and craft beers but I noticed two thing that could have lowered the quality of the beer: first, there was rust around the top of the bottle where the cap contacted the rim. Second, the dates were 31.07.14 and 31.07.15 which I assume means bottled on July 31, 2014 and best by one year later.
★ 664 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
L - half inch tan head, quickly recedes to the edges of the glass with very little lacing.
S - licorice, coffee.
T - bitter coffee, chocolate
F - medium bodied with light carbonation.
O - not bad for a beer that I tried simply because I saw and ad for Baltika in Beer Advocate Magazine. Purchased at a local beverage store that carries a large selection of international and craft beers but I noticed two thing that could have lowered the quality of the beer: first, there was rust around the top of the bottle where the cap contacted the rim. Second, the dates were 31.07.14 and 31.07.15 which I assume means bottled on July 31, 2014 and best by one year later.
★ 664 characters
3.43/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Poured into snifter. It poured a dark mahogany - nearly black, with a milk-white head and lacing. It had little discernible smell beyond the malt. The taste featured burnt coffee, dark chocolate, nuts, and bready malt. It is very dry with a slightly bitter hoppy finish. It is very thin in body and highly carbonated. The 7% ABV is not very evident. Overall, it is rather bland and is probably better when paired with a savory meal.
★ 439 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Poured into snifter. It poured a dark mahogany - nearly black, with a milk-white head and lacing. It had little discernible smell beyond the malt. The taste featured burnt coffee, dark chocolate, nuts, and bready malt. It is very dry with a slightly bitter hoppy finish. It is very thin in body and highly carbonated. The 7% ABV is not very evident. Overall, it is rather bland and is probably better when paired with a savory meal.
★ 439 characters
3.88/5 rDev +6.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Great porter from Russia. Nice coffee bitterness with hints of chocolate and cigar smoke. Pours black with airy beige head. Taste of chocolate and coffee and lingering bitterness on the palate. Mouthfeel is right on, medium weight and really delicious.
★ 252 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Great porter from Russia. Nice coffee bitterness with hints of chocolate and cigar smoke. Pours black with airy beige head. Taste of chocolate and coffee and lingering bitterness on the palate. Mouthfeel is right on, medium weight and really delicious.
★ 252 characters
3.84/5 rDev +5.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
22oz, bought sometime in the fall earlier in the year.
Look: dark caramel colored, with a nice amount of light-brown head that dissipates quickly and leaves a ring of foam on the edges, with a bit of lacing.
Smell: Very full, with dark malts, sweetness, and something else I like.
Taste: Dark malts, some hops, and a bit of dark fruit on the finish.
Feel: the mouth-feel is medium and a bit thin, it has nice carbonation, and the best part of this beer is that it is nice and creamy.
Overall: I did a side-by-side with the Uinta Sea Legs Baltic Porter. The Uinta clearly has more complexity, but as I am price conscious, when considering that the Uinta is about 4 times the price per ounce of the Baltica I actually prefer the Baltica. This is a beer I hope to have on hand often.
★ 786 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
22oz, bought sometime in the fall earlier in the year.
Look: dark caramel colored, with a nice amount of light-brown head that dissipates quickly and leaves a ring of foam on the edges, with a bit of lacing.
Smell: Very full, with dark malts, sweetness, and something else I like.
Taste: Dark malts, some hops, and a bit of dark fruit on the finish.
Feel: the mouth-feel is medium and a bit thin, it has nice carbonation, and the best part of this beer is that it is nice and creamy.
Overall: I did a side-by-side with the Uinta Sea Legs Baltic Porter. The Uinta clearly has more complexity, but as I am price conscious, when considering that the Uinta is about 4 times the price per ounce of the Baltica I actually prefer the Baltica. This is a beer I hope to have on hand often.
★ 786 characters
3.95/5 rDev +8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
500 ml bottle enjoyed during a tailgate before the Red Bulls vs Columbus Eastern Conference Finals 2nd Leg.
Deep brown color, almost black, and opaque with a tan head that has good retention. Rich malty aroma, very nutty with some chocolate and dark fruits. Roasted malt flavor with a sweetness and a nuttiness to it. Very clean and smooth, reminiscent of a doppelbock, with a medium-full body.
Really enjoyable porter here and a great value for $1.99 / 500 ml bottle.
★ 470 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
500 ml bottle enjoyed during a tailgate before the Red Bulls vs Columbus Eastern Conference Finals 2nd Leg.
Deep brown color, almost black, and opaque with a tan head that has good retention. Rich malty aroma, very nutty with some chocolate and dark fruits. Roasted malt flavor with a sweetness and a nuttiness to it. Very clean and smooth, reminiscent of a doppelbock, with a medium-full body.
Really enjoyable porter here and a great value for $1.99 / 500 ml bottle.
★ 470 characters
4/5 rDev +10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Sample from 16.9oz bottle in pint glass. Appearance: pours a thick cream color head that drops quickly with almost no lacing. Color dark reddish-brown. Aroma: strong roasted barley, chocolate, earthy hops, and a bit of alcohol Mouthfeel: medium and frothy with a dry, almost powdery finish. Flavor: rich roasted malt, cocoa, coffee, earthy and herbal hops. Overall: very nice. The roasted malts blend well with the hops and the alcohol presence is well hidden.
★ 460 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Sample from 16.9oz bottle in pint glass. Appearance: pours a thick cream color head that drops quickly with almost no lacing. Color dark reddish-brown. Aroma: strong roasted barley, chocolate, earthy hops, and a bit of alcohol Mouthfeel: medium and frothy with a dry, almost powdery finish. Flavor: rich roasted malt, cocoa, coffee, earthy and herbal hops. Overall: very nice. The roasted malts blend well with the hops and the alcohol presence is well hidden.
★ 460 characters
3.82/5 rDev +5.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into an antique Czech pilsner glass.
A fizzy and quickly fading tan head tops a brown and uninspiring body. Looks like a strong dark lager.
Aroma of chocolate and roasted malts.
The flavor is a tad threadbare, but what is there is pretty impressive for this price point (and the long trip from Russia). The flavor is driven by chocolate and well roasted malts, with a touch of acid fruitiness (not unlike Guinness Extra Stout) and a bit of jammy dark fruit flavor. On the dry side with nice balance. Nice aftertaste. Just enough bitterness to please.
Conclusion: An underrated beer in my opinion. There is no cheaper Baltic Porter out there, and this is pretty darn good on all fronts. Beyond worth the money.
★ 722 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into an antique Czech pilsner glass.
A fizzy and quickly fading tan head tops a brown and uninspiring body. Looks like a strong dark lager.
Aroma of chocolate and roasted malts.
The flavor is a tad threadbare, but what is there is pretty impressive for this price point (and the long trip from Russia). The flavor is driven by chocolate and well roasted malts, with a touch of acid fruitiness (not unlike Guinness Extra Stout) and a bit of jammy dark fruit flavor. On the dry side with nice balance. Nice aftertaste. Just enough bitterness to please.
Conclusion: An underrated beer in my opinion. There is no cheaper Baltic Porter out there, and this is pretty darn good on all fronts. Beyond worth the money.
★ 722 characters
3.22/5 rDev -11.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Poured from a tapered 1 pint beer bottle into a pint glass. The beer is opaque dark black with a nice even head of foam about two fingers thick. The foam settles slowly. There is little aroma - a faint smell of toasted malts and yeast. The taste is definitely malty but not too malty and it is pretty well balanced. The after taste is sweet. Creamy and smooth in the mouth with little effervescence. Overall pleasant, but average.
★ 438 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Poured from a tapered 1 pint beer bottle into a pint glass. The beer is opaque dark black with a nice even head of foam about two fingers thick. The foam settles slowly. There is little aroma - a faint smell of toasted malts and yeast. The taste is definitely malty but not too malty and it is pretty well balanced. The after taste is sweet. Creamy and smooth in the mouth with little effervescence. Overall pleasant, but average.
★ 438 characters
3.63/5 rDev 0%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
The beer pours a nice creamy brown head that seems to dissipate fairly quickly. The beer itself is an opaque black that isn't half bad to look at. It reminds me a bit of Guinness.
The smell is decent for a Baltic Porter. It has the acidic smell that is expected of the style among other notes. The other note consist of a barley note and fruity malt note. There is a bit of roast but not much and it strongly resembles an export stout. There is definitely some hoppiness there but its bitterness is in strong contrast to the maltiness.
The taste is similar to the smell except for a few differences. The taste has a bit more barley and malt notes with a slight chocolate note. The alcohol is certainly noticeable and makes it a bit difficult to drink. The hop bitterness is still there but the malts are what steal the show.
The feel is medium bodied with a little carbonation to give it some texture. It's nice and smooth through out but feels like it's missing something.
Overall, I'm pretty surprised at how drinkable this beer was. While it isn't the best Baltic Porter in the world, the price I paid for it made it a nice bargain and still fairly drinkable. That being said, I think this beer falls in the same category as Guinness; not the greatest but good enough when there isn't anything better.
★ 1,308 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
The beer pours a nice creamy brown head that seems to dissipate fairly quickly. The beer itself is an opaque black that isn't half bad to look at. It reminds me a bit of Guinness.
The smell is decent for a Baltic Porter. It has the acidic smell that is expected of the style among other notes. The other note consist of a barley note and fruity malt note. There is a bit of roast but not much and it strongly resembles an export stout. There is definitely some hoppiness there but its bitterness is in strong contrast to the maltiness.
The taste is similar to the smell except for a few differences. The taste has a bit more barley and malt notes with a slight chocolate note. The alcohol is certainly noticeable and makes it a bit difficult to drink. The hop bitterness is still there but the malts are what steal the show.
The feel is medium bodied with a little carbonation to give it some texture. It's nice and smooth through out but feels like it's missing something.
Overall, I'm pretty surprised at how drinkable this beer was. While it isn't the best Baltic Porter in the world, the price I paid for it made it a nice bargain and still fairly drinkable. That being said, I think this beer falls in the same category as Guinness; not the greatest but good enough when there isn't anything better.
★ 1,308 characters
3.39/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Bottle dated 10/31/14, BB 10/31/15:
Pours a deep dark brown -edges show some color through while the body appears black. Head is creamy but with some medium bubbles intermixed. This fades to a thin Pangea on the surface surrounded by a medium whitish-tan ring.
Nose actually reminds me of an old ale-cola and root beer notes, maybe some ginger, dark spice - and some hints of molasses. Maybe just a touch of smoke.
Taste similarly reminds me of an old ale, including the sensations from the nose paired with some dark fruit fig, a little licorice, and even a hit of dark cherry on some sips. Definitely on the sweet side, but I got used to it and it didn't seem as much as the first sips.
Feel is almost like a somewhat flat soda - pretty thin and the flavor washes away quickly. Little slickness while the beer leaves the tongue.
Eh- got it for a country tick, and seeing the ratings, not surprised. It did seem like a "macro old ale" to me more that other Baltic porters I've had. Not bad, really, just easily forgettable.
★ 1,034 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Bottle dated 10/31/14, BB 10/31/15:
Pours a deep dark brown -edges show some color through while the body appears black. Head is creamy but with some medium bubbles intermixed. This fades to a thin Pangea on the surface surrounded by a medium whitish-tan ring.
Nose actually reminds me of an old ale-cola and root beer notes, maybe some ginger, dark spice - and some hints of molasses. Maybe just a touch of smoke.
Taste similarly reminds me of an old ale, including the sensations from the nose paired with some dark fruit fig, a little licorice, and even a hit of dark cherry on some sips. Definitely on the sweet side, but I got used to it and it didn't seem as much as the first sips.
Feel is almost like a somewhat flat soda - pretty thin and the flavor washes away quickly. Little slickness while the beer leaves the tongue.
Eh- got it for a country tick, and seeing the ratings, not surprised. It did seem like a "macro old ale" to me more that other Baltic porters I've had. Not bad, really, just easily forgettable.
★ 1,034 characters
3.68/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
500ml bottle, European Food Stores, Bristol - Pours dark brown with medium tan head which quickly dissapates. No lacing. Medium carbonation Smell - Light coffee, malts and dark fruits. Taste - Coffee and slight dark fruits. Feel the alcohol in the finish. Decentish Baltic Porter which would drink again.
★ 304 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
500ml bottle, European Food Stores, Bristol - Pours dark brown with medium tan head which quickly dissapates. No lacing. Medium carbonation Smell - Light coffee, malts and dark fruits. Taste - Coffee and slight dark fruits. Feel the alcohol in the finish. Decentish Baltic Porter which would drink again.
★ 304 characters
3.35/5 rDev -7.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
500 ml bottle, Production date 07/31/2014 and best by 07/31/2015. Brewed in Russia, my second beer from Baltika.
Poured into a Guinness St. James's Gate Dublin mug.
A - Pours a slight watery cola brown-black. Some light shows through near the surface. Not opaque. One finger of quickly fading khaki cola bubbles for a head that audibly fizzles away like a Pepsi cola. No lacing.
S - Some weak watery coffee in the aroma. Light weak roasted malts, notes of soy sauce, and dark fruits ( raisins, dates, figs, etc).
T - Taste brings more of the same: roasted malts, soy sauce, cold watery coffee, cream, & dark fruits: raisins, dates, prunes. Not huge on duration of flavor or intensity, but it grows on me the more I drink it.
M - Feel is smooth, lightly for the style, but easy-drinking and light-bodied, especially for the 7.00% abv. A bit thin per style, but decent enough.
Overall, I like it more and more as I drink it. Definitely worth the $1.99 that these typically go for. Worth a shot for a cheap Russian import porter. I look forward to trying more from Baltika.
Baltika #6 Porter -----3.5/5
★ 1,107 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
500 ml bottle, Production date 07/31/2014 and best by 07/31/2015. Brewed in Russia, my second beer from Baltika.
Poured into a Guinness St. James's Gate Dublin mug.
A - Pours a slight watery cola brown-black. Some light shows through near the surface. Not opaque. One finger of quickly fading khaki cola bubbles for a head that audibly fizzles away like a Pepsi cola. No lacing.
S - Some weak watery coffee in the aroma. Light weak roasted malts, notes of soy sauce, and dark fruits ( raisins, dates, figs, etc).
T - Taste brings more of the same: roasted malts, soy sauce, cold watery coffee, cream, & dark fruits: raisins, dates, prunes. Not huge on duration of flavor or intensity, but it grows on me the more I drink it.
M - Feel is smooth, lightly for the style, but easy-drinking and light-bodied, especially for the 7.00% abv. A bit thin per style, but decent enough.
Overall, I like it more and more as I drink it. Definitely worth the $1.99 that these typically go for. Worth a shot for a cheap Russian import porter. I look forward to trying more from Baltika.
Baltika #6 Porter -----3.5/5
★ 1,107 characters
3.73/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Appearance - pours 2 fingers of lite brown foam, color is a transparent deep garnet to mahogany, a few broken lace rings after a few quaffs.
Smell - roasted malt, dark soy sauce, dark fruits, molasses.
Taste - much like the nose, mostly dark fruits and a very mild roast flavor like weak coffee, a touch of soy and molasses, and then in the finish I pick up some lite minerals, and a very herbal anise flavor, finishing with black licorice.
Mouthfeel - almost medium, carb is definitely lighter and silky smooth, making each sip feel almost soft, no scrub at all, which causes the flavors to build as you sip - not a bad thing here, as the flavors are pretty well balanced.
Overall - really a pretty darned good Porter! I've had a few other Baltika offerings that were average at best, but this one I'd purchase again. I say you give this one a try.
★ 853 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Appearance - pours 2 fingers of lite brown foam, color is a transparent deep garnet to mahogany, a few broken lace rings after a few quaffs.
Smell - roasted malt, dark soy sauce, dark fruits, molasses.
Taste - much like the nose, mostly dark fruits and a very mild roast flavor like weak coffee, a touch of soy and molasses, and then in the finish I pick up some lite minerals, and a very herbal anise flavor, finishing with black licorice.
Mouthfeel - almost medium, carb is definitely lighter and silky smooth, making each sip feel almost soft, no scrub at all, which causes the flavors to build as you sip - not a bad thing here, as the flavors are pretty well balanced.
Overall - really a pretty darned good Porter! I've had a few other Baltika offerings that were average at best, but this one I'd purchase again. I say you give this one a try.
★ 853 characters
3.96/5 rDev +9.1%
look: 3.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured a deep brown, almost black, though the more traditional deep reddish brown was apparent when held to light. Head formed to two fingers quickly and receded even quicker. Overall impression of appearance is of a good bodied Baltic Porter with poor head formation. Scents of soy sauce, dark fruit, with notes of raisin, cherry and prune, caramel, light alcohol in the background, hints of licorice, a malt character of toast, dark chocolate and coffee is also present. Overall impression of aroma is of a surprisingly complex bouquet. There is a great deal going on in the aroma and it blends harmoniously to make a very nice Baltic Porter aroma. Very well done. Flavor begins malty sweet with notes of toast, caramel and light amounts of licorice, with light fruity flavors of dried cherry, raisin and prune. Middle increases in bitterness, adding notes of bittersweet chocolate and hints of coffee to dried fruit flavors of cherry, raisin and prune. Finish is lightly dry with notes of bittersweet chocolate, coffee and licorice joining flavors of toast, molasses and warming alcohol and a light presence of dried fruit. Aftertaste is of toast and dark coffee. Overall impression of flavor follows aroma, rich, malty, and quite complex. It hits the notes for a Baltic Porter wonderfully. Mouthfeel is full bodied and smooth feeling, yet not heavy due to high carbonation. Overall impression of mouthfeel is of a true to style Baltic Porter. Overall this is a surprisingly fantastic beer. Given its price I was not expecting a great deal from it, yet it exceeded my expectations and is an amazing example of the style. It has a rich malty complexity in aroma and flavor that is wonderfully executed and the full bodied yet smooth and crisp feel of the body are fantastic. Give this one a try.
★ 1,797 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured a deep brown, almost black, though the more traditional deep reddish brown was apparent when held to light. Head formed to two fingers quickly and receded even quicker. Overall impression of appearance is of a good bodied Baltic Porter with poor head formation. Scents of soy sauce, dark fruit, with notes of raisin, cherry and prune, caramel, light alcohol in the background, hints of licorice, a malt character of toast, dark chocolate and coffee is also present. Overall impression of aroma is of a surprisingly complex bouquet. There is a great deal going on in the aroma and it blends harmoniously to make a very nice Baltic Porter aroma. Very well done. Flavor begins malty sweet with notes of toast, caramel and light amounts of licorice, with light fruity flavors of dried cherry, raisin and prune. Middle increases in bitterness, adding notes of bittersweet chocolate and hints of coffee to dried fruit flavors of cherry, raisin and prune. Finish is lightly dry with notes of bittersweet chocolate, coffee and licorice joining flavors of toast, molasses and warming alcohol and a light presence of dried fruit. Aftertaste is of toast and dark coffee. Overall impression of flavor follows aroma, rich, malty, and quite complex. It hits the notes for a Baltic Porter wonderfully. Mouthfeel is full bodied and smooth feeling, yet not heavy due to high carbonation. Overall impression of mouthfeel is of a true to style Baltic Porter. Overall this is a surprisingly fantastic beer. Given its price I was not expecting a great deal from it, yet it exceeded my expectations and is an amazing example of the style. It has a rich malty complexity in aroma and flavor that is wonderfully executed and the full bodied yet smooth and crisp feel of the body are fantastic. Give this one a try.
★ 1,797 characters
Baltika #6 Porter from Baltika Breweries
3.63
out of 5
based on 923 ratings.
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Production date 11/02/2016
Best before date 11/02/2017
Must be somewhat fresh I'm assuming....
Surprisingly not bad. Not quite black but close. Black cherry color that holds a decent head. We're off to a good start here.
Smells of dark fruits. Biggest on sweet plumbs. Raisins in there too and some grains. There is a hint of alcohol in there too, along with a lager yeast note. This isn't overwhelming by any means, but there.
Taste mirrors the nose. There's a black licorice liquor flavor that compliments what I described in the nose with some cherry as it gets closer to room temp.
Mouthfeel is pretty damn good. Truth be told, I came into this with low expectations, and am very pleasantly surprised. A little boozy for the ABV, but its Russian!!! And I can appreciate that.
★ 786 characters