3.4 AROMA 6/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 14/20
Medium beige head. Clear reddish brown body. Roasted sugar and earth aroma with spicy notes. Dry-sweet earthy caramelly licorice taste with roasty peppery notes. Mid-bodied. Mild, soft mouthfeel with a sharpish edge to it. Dryish roasty earthy peas aftertaste with licorice spice and caramel notes. Can actually make out the rye. Lovely! Smooth, drinkable, harmonic, and very vivid. (0.5l bottle, Bamb Alyne, Vilnius.)
3.6 AROMA 8/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 15/20
In short: A highly toasted farmhouse bronze lager. Very good example of a Lithuanian Tamsus
How: Tap at Šnekutis Užupis, Vilnius, Lithuania
The look: Almost clear bronze body topped by a medium beige head with good retention
In long: Nose is very toasted, tree bark, strong hay sensation, typical Lithuanian farmhouse character (henhouse-ish) and a bit herbal. Taste has lots rough highly toasted hay, dried dark fruits, fruit seeds, a bit of toffee, a light astringency. My first experience with a Lithuanian farmhouse Tamsus (their darker lager, like a Polotmavé for the Czech) and after drinking many many more I later realized that this first one was truly typical and very good example of the style. My first beer in Lithuania, and for me travelling through the countryside of Lithuania was a voyage of self-discovery and … nah, just kidding, it was a beer trip, all about beer.
3.2 AROMA 6/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 6/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 13/20
UPDATED: MAY 10, 2013 Tap (Snekutis, Uzupis) (6:4:6:3:13=3.2)
Dusty dry aroma. Almost watery palate, carbonation quite high. A touch raisingy and spicy, very much like the gira, just brewed to beer strength. In some ways, I prefered the gira for what it was!
Tap (Špunka, Vilnius) (7:4:7:4:14=3.6)
Amazing rye aroma. Full palate. Maple syrup as you swallow. Lovely bitter finish. Nice woodiness too, and the rye is so spicy. Fantastic dunkel. Possible underrate.
3.6 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 8/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 15/20
En fût. Pinte dégustée chez Šnekutis Užupis (Vilnius, Lituanie). Arôme: Légère odeur de caramel au beurre. Apparence: La couleur est blonde complètement opaque. Présence d’un moyen col mousseux et d’une fine dentelle sur le verre. Saveur: Goût de céréales avec une pointe de caramel légèrement fruité. Durée moyenne de l’arrière goût. Palette: Le corps est moyen avec une texture légèrement vineuse. Moyenne effervescence en bouche. Légère présence de caramel en arrière goût. (Rating #4180)
3.6 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 14/20
My Bottom Line:
Supremely toasted malts and their toffee bed are diversified by berry fruitiness and delicate earthiness for yet another delightful Lithuanian Tamsus.
Further Personal Perceptions:
-.A great head of foam bobs atop the mahogany.
-The burnt butter touch found in some Tamsuses is definitely not diacetyl.
-Non-toasted Bready malt flavors are also found.
-The soft effervescence serves the rich flavor profile nicely.
On tap at Šnekutis Užupis.
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