Baltika #9 Extra Lager

$1.89/16oz @TWAM 8%ABV

I was expecting something along the lines of their Dark Lager, so when the beer poured a dirty yellow, I was initially disappointed. Looking at the ABV, I was expecting a Russian version of Old English 800- more college memories I'd like to forget. Upon tasting, my first thought was of Jupiler, but I quickly realized the Baltika was a much better brew- almost in the Belgian Golden Ale category. I won't say this is as good as Duvel, but it's in the ballpark.

Not as coarse as the Baltika Dark lager, it carries the alcohol well without tasting "sharp" and has low carbonation. It's not particularly complex, but hey- it's a lager. This is at least as good as any of the Duvel clones on the market. OK, I'm going to have to A/B this against Duvel to see if I've completely lost my sense of taste to even be comparing them. Another great bang-for-buck beer- this is much better than I had any right to expect.

Thumbs up.

Baltika Beer