Beer of the 'stan

We knew that it couldn't be long before our cultural attache came up with a beer review for us. Apparently the major brand available locally is the Russian-made Baltika beer. This comes in nine different numbered varieties, from ordinary to scary. It would appear that the odd numbered beers are lager-like, and the even numbered beers are dark. (Apart from No. 8, which is a wheat beer.)

Our man's favourite, Baltika No.5 Gold Beer, comes in at 5.3%. But the good people of Russia have not earned their reputation as hard-drinkers lightly. Baltika No.6 (Porter) comes in at 7%, and Baltika No.9 ("Extra Beer" - no kidding) is a mighty robust 8%.

Apparently, our brave brewhouse ambassador has also tried (purely in the name of research) a Czech beer with an alcohol content of 12%. "Undrinkable filth" was his verdict.