Gubernija Brewery Zhiguly Barrel 95 Malt Liquor at 9.5% ABV (C$4.99 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 500 ml, no bottle date or best before, acquired 18-Sep-2016, reviewed 12-Nov-2016)
Appearance: hazy medium gold with one finger of fluffy white head diminishing rapidly to a thin skim, no lacing. (2/5) Aroma: corn, apple, grainy malt, solventy alcohol. (3/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate alcohol, mild bitter. (2/10) Medium-full body, moderate carbonation, hot solvent finish. (2/5)
Smells bad, tastes worse – I actually shuddered at the first sip. And the next one. Gave up after the third – although there’s enough nail polish remover-like alcohol present to cause immediate warming of the throat and stomach, it didn’t numb my taste buds quickly enough to continue. Checked the label and found “Contains sulphites.” Mwah? Why would a beer contain sulphites? What the hell are they spiking this with? Nasty and no doubt favoured by discriminating soccer hooligans and street dwellers everywhere. (6/20)
3/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
