Russian Lullaby
The Ways Brewery and Restaurant

An aggregate review upon having two consecutive servings, first from a tap, delivered in a tulip glass (what a terrible way to drink beer), then from a clear glass liter mug, after the entire contents of a pint can were emptied into it. It's black coffee brown, with a modest and relatively short-lived head. Not overly aromatic, it smells mildly of sweet roasted barley and modest hopping. Thankfully, the taste is richer. This brings the nuances of taste references of coffee, dark chocolate and black licorice in a decent way. It's nice that those characteristics are transitional, going from dark chocolate, to coffee and finishing with the hint of black licorice. None of this is too sweet, even at the onset and the black licorice finish is nicely dry. The mouthfeel is also commendable; supple, yet soft and smooth, especially for the amount of alcohol being delivered. There's no glass lacing to compensate for the fast disappearing head, but that's a minor flaw. This is certainly an above average Russian Imperial Stout.

The Ways Brewery and Restaurant "Russian Lullaby"
$6/10 oz. on tap at the brewery on 26 March 2022

Look: Black body beneath a creamy head of tan foam. Average head retention and lacing.
Smell: Toasty, roasty, and nutty.
Taste: Roasty and coffee-like but also toasty, nutty, caramelish, toffee-like, and subtly fruity. Balanced bitterness with a dry finish. Coffee-like character lingers.
Feel: Medium-full in body and smooth across the palate.
Overall: Nicely done.
Review #7,922