Thanks to Robert for the heads up on this being available at a local Russian supermarket. $1.99 for the 500 mL can. It’s an attractive looking presentation.
Very little “pop” on opening, but it pours with a little more carbonation than the initial opening would suggest. Essentially this looks like a flat Coca-Cola. The coloring is that quintessential caramel color with a few reddish highlights.
The aroma is a bit “sap-like” – organic, like a tree or leaves! Drinks a little musty, and tastes a little like a really low quality diet soda. Finish has a bit of sweet and sour, but it is a strange combination of old, dusty tastes.
Obviously the style has very few reference points so it’s extremely hard to say if this is much of an example, but it is fair to say that this is not very tasty, not much like many other beer styles, not very drinkable and not to my liking! Difficult to get more than half of it down.
I suppose I might try again with another Kvass, but this isn’t exactly inspirational. On the plus side I like the ABV!