Siniy Utes Spasskoye
Pivovarinaya Kompaniya Utes

Siniy Utes means "blue cliffs". The microbrewery is located just outside of Tomsk (Siberia), on top of some cliffs overlooking the Tom river. When the sun shines on those cliffs just right, they look blue. This microbrewery does not have a brewpub. You can't find their products on tap or in glass bottles, either. The only way to get Utes products is in 1.5 liter plastic bottles. I got this one at the brewery. The folks were nice enough, but weren't game to give a tour. The label features a big brown bear holding a large frothy mug. Never filtered, never pasteurized - don't let this stuff sit in the fridge for long!

Good beer. It poured a nice cloudy dark reddish brown under a substantial tan head that stuck around and left a bit of lace. The nose was a very pleasant mix of barley and caramel. The mouth was heavy, sweet and prickly. The taste starts out as sweet caramel, chased by some very nice hoppy bitterness. This beer was fresh, fresh, fresh, and the hops were still very much present. The aftertaste was mainly bitter, with just a touch of caramel sweetness. Very good stuff.