I have heard a lot about the “book” series from the Voronezh brewery Brewlok. Dmitry Zhezlov and other respected people spoke enthusiastically about it. And I, to my shame, have never bothered to try it. I drank other beers from Brewlok. Some I liked, some I did not, so probably did not drink “books” in a hurry.
For those who don’t know, the “book” series combines strong beers. These beers are released in relatively small batches (volumes) and all bottles are numbered. Personally, I got the 7th volume of Bunin, number 0264.
Brewlok Bunin. Volume 7 (Russia, Voronezh) – 13/32 As the official description says – “This imperial stout was brewed back in the summer of 2020 and languished in a tank, where it acquired a moderate dryness. Its further fate was a barrel from the unique French beverage, armagnac.” Interesting start!
The aroma is chocolate-coffee, through which something strong, really cognac-armagnac comes through. The taste is very thick. Even by the looks of it, the beer is lingering (32 ENS, what did you expect!). The taste is sweet, but moderately so. In the aftertaste, bitter chocolate, pepper, figs and all the same brandy notes.
While the beer is in the glass, and it takes a long and thoughtful reading to drink it, it changes its taste. Different notes are added and gone. The epilogue brings everything together with a good bit of hop bitterness that puts everything in its place.
Brewlok Bunin is indeed an excellent beer, worthy of all praise. Rated A+.
Decided to record little videos (not reviews) of the beer on my YouTube channel. I don’t know how well this format will work, but I’ll give it a try. Beer tastings and descriptions will still be here.
