I don't think I've ever seen a Baltika #9 that wasn't outdated

I just assumed it's the law in Russia that any beer headed here must sit outside for a full year...

 

I have no quarrel w/ Baltika. I've had better, had worse.

 

The #6 Baltic Porter is pretty good, not on the same level as other examples of the style, but still tasty if you must try something from Baltika.

 

I split an outdated one of these with a friend and I didn't think it was half bad.

 

I've had the same issue with the #6 here in Indy. I would chalk it up to low demand.

 

They have dates? I never even looked- the #6 is usually a $2 bonus I throw in my basket from time to time, and I can't say freshness has ever been an issue (no cardboard staleness or anything like that).

 

Many malt liquor brands in the USA claim to be "premium," but Baltika #9 is the closest you'll get to a premium malt liquor

 

Never heard of that one but I've never seen a Ballast Point where I live that was in date either, and it's just coming from the left coast.

 

It's Russia, whaddaya expect....ya know.

 

Had a #6 one time that was right on the edge of its Best By date. Wasn't very good at all. Not completely skunked but it was obvious it had taken a beating by the light since it had been sitting in that clear glass bottle for almost a year.

 

I lived off this stuff when I was in Russia. #6 is very hard to find also.

 

Don't mess around with that crap. If you want a strong Euro beer, try a Super Brew 15 from Romania. Check out my review if you want.

 

That sounded awesomely horrible and truly terrifying. How come I never see it at any of the Russian markets in my neighborhood?

Or, back to topic, any "fresh" Baltkia?

 

Apparently, almost 10 years ago, I loved Baltika #6 ( http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/401/4694/?ba=JISurfer ). I should try it again, probably won't be the same results,

 

@CK21 care to chime in on this? I would like to know the true story of the back corner of the cooler...

 

that stuff tastes like prison toilet-wine

 

I had it before it's best by in the past. That stuff is horrible! After 6 months in Astan not drinking the limit of 3, at manas AB, gets you toasted.

 

At a large Russian grocery store outside of Boston, I bought a can of 9 that was only 4 months old, according to the case box that was on the floor.

Perhaps the worst, most adulterated almost beer I have ever had and i have tasted a number of the strong euro beers