By Jeff Evans

Nose

Powerful, vinous and malty. Hints of liquorice, bitter oranges and polished leather.

Palate

Smoothly malty and almost tarry, with a vinous sharpness throughout. Dark malt with chocolate notes forms the base, but there's an almost raspberry-like fruitiness apparent and suggestions of leather. Bittersweet.

Finish

Lingering vinous fruit. Liquorice. Bitter chocolate. A real gum tingler.

Comment

Splendid re-creation of the imperial Russian stout style in a corked bottle. Not for the fainthearted or the novice.