By Jeff Evans

Nose

Smoky, oaky, bitter dark malt and liquorice with hints of polished leather and a winey fruitiness.

Palate

Hefty, bitter dark malt, tarry and intense, with a silky, oily texture. Wine, leather and liquorice also feature, as well as sweet berries and a light funky wild yeast note.

Finish

Dry and tangy with hops more in evidence. There's coffee, too, plus liquorice and leather.

Comment

The daddy of imperial stouts, a recreation of a beer once imported into the Russian empire by Albert Le Coq. It's an acquired taste, with no compromises.

By Robert Millichamp

Nose

Up front and alcoholic with fresh leather, aniseed, almonds and cigars with some rich chocolate.

Palate

Very rich with assertive alcohols at the fore. Plenty of deep complex soured dark berries overlay an oily, leathery texture throughout.

Finish

A lack of carbonation leaves a clinging sweetness in the port-like finish that lingers with woody blackcurrant and chocolate notes.

Comment

Very rich and warming but drinks more like port with its lack of carbonation and alcoholic notes throughout.