Empress of Russia
Bosk Brew Works

 

Poured into a Fremont small snifter. Pours a very dark mahogany brown, appearing nearly opaque in the glass with a thin khaki head that dissipates to patches with light lacing. Aroma of mild dark toasted and dry biscuit malt, raisins, dates and malted milk balls. Flavor is lightly toasted dark and biscuit malt, raisins, a touch of cocoa and dried plums. Finish has a light astringent quality, but ultimately a lingering dark fruit and malt flavor. Medium bodied with light creaminess. A toned down Baltic porter. Good fruit notes of date, raisin and a little plum, but the malt flavor is somewhat attenuated. Aroma was more balanced and classic for the style; the flavor seemed somewhat muted. There is a mild astringency in the finish that seems out of place for this style of porter, which should end on a dried fruit note. Close to what I hope for, but needs a little dialing in.