zarschloch

Even if this highly decorated would-be tsar has been anonymized by means of a crossed-out face, one can still guess who it is. ZARschloch is surrounded by a dance of rockets and, according to his appearance, appears to be from Russia. We don’t want to say more about the protagonist of the label at this point, we’d much rather focus on what’s behind it.

The provocative design houses a fine Baltic Porter, which is much more tame than its peers with a mild 6.0% alcohol content. In the glass, the megalomaniacal imposter appears in the darkest shade of mahogany. A small crown of dense-pored, ivory-colored foam sits enthroned on the coffee-black body. A synthesis of dark chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, raisins, crispy bread crusts and campfire smoke fills the air and entices you to take the first sip. Despite the light-footed 6.0%, the initial taste is complex and full-bodied: the taste unfolds in a thousand layers and presents roasted aromas, dark chocolate, creamy caramel, roasted nuts, raisins and candied red fruits. The powerful sweetness is balanced by the crisp, roasted bitterness, and this bitterness becomes the dominant note in the finish.

Freigeist Bierkulturs ZARschloch may have a somewhat uncouth name, but it is all the more flattering on the tongue! The Baltic Porter from Stolberg is perfect for everyone who appreciates the aroma of the beer style, but can do without the alcohol content, which is usually quite high.