Baltika #8 Wheat - Baltika Breweries

isualum12

Idaho

3.9/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

appearance: yellow in color white foaming head.

smell- orange fruity wheat slight stink to it a little at first but I think I was a little confused on it.

taste- hefeweizen with extra wheat on it. the wheat seems strong on the tip.

mouthfeel- decent feel with mild carbonization. There was a little burn from the stomach on this.

Serving type: bottle

08-19-2011 03:37:48 | More by isualum12

BeardedBoffin

Minnesota

3.08/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

From a bottle, this beer pours a hazy yellow color with a decent cap of foam. The aroma is dominated by sweet, almost artificial-like, banana with a touch clove. The texture is a little chewy from the wheat. The flavor mimics the aroma somewhat with sweet banana, boarding on cloying. Afterward the palate is coated, trapping the flavor next to the tongue. The beer bested my expectations, but it still far from excellence.

Serving type: bottle

08-15-2011 01:02:20 | More by BeardedBoffin

metter98

New York

3.6/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: The beer is slightly hazy pale yellow in color and poured with a finger high off white head that has good retention properties and never completely faded away. A light amount of carbonation is visible.
S: There are moderately strong aromas of bananas in the nose.
T: The taste has flavors of bananas, bubble gum and wheat.
M: It feels light-bodied on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: The beer is rather easy to drink and goes down quite smoothly. It has some refreshing properties.

Serving type: bottle

08-07-2011 04:38:56 | More by metter98

Dster

Texas

3.48/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

It pours a straw yellow with a 1 inch white head. The smell is not bad, but when I smell a typical high quality hefeweizen, it is a sensory overload of goodness. That is quite absent here.
After the smell, the taste is surprising. It is light with the taste of lemon peel and coriander. It tastes a little bready, but that is subdued. This would be a great hot weather beer. I could easily drink a few of these.

Serving type: bottle

07-05-2011 04:22:25 | More by Dster

rdilauro

Connecticut

3.5/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I was taken by surprise with this beer. I've seen it in the store along with their #6, but at the low price I just figured it was a think light nothing type of beer.
Finally, we tasted some and was impressed. It had a nice aroma, typical of a wheat beer and had that nice cloudy hue about it
The wheat 'flavor' was not as pronounced as with some other wheat beers, but still it was really nice It didnt have the typical orange, coriander spice to it, but none the less it was an enjoyable and inexpensive beer

Serving type: bottle

06-19-2011 03:04:07 | More by rdilauro

treque

Mexico

3.35/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: a pale straw, thick, tons of carbonatation, long lasting white head, cloudy

S: not the best smell for a hefeweizen, some citrics orange peel, clove and malt, but no so notourius

T: lighter than expected, tastes more like a krystal one although is not filtred, very flat flavours

M: light body not so refreshing

Serving type: bottle

06-18-2011 01:48:23 | More by treque

JerzDevl2000

New Jersey

3.5/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Picked this up in Totowa since I never tried it before and this is prime season for this type of beer. While it wasn't anything bad, this may have been the most "plain jane" Hefe that I've ever had one of most plain beers overall. It's by no means a drain pour like the mass-market macros would be for me but there wasn't anything memorable about this either.

Standard pour to this with an off-gold hue and lots of cloudiness to it. The head reminded me of soda based on the sound and how long it lasted - lots of fizzle with little substance. There wasn't any lacing to be seen and for the most part, that was the taste too. Lots of starch like potato chips or crackers with just a hint of clove, bubble gum, and banana here. Nowhere near as pronounced as its German counterparts and the aftertaste could hardly be detected either. Just a bit of carbonation here too but nothing that detracted from the beer itself.

Sure, it's a bigger bottle but this was easy to down and if I had another, I might have opened that too afterwards. I came in with no expectations and left feeling the same way - not quite "blah" and not impressed either. I wouldn't mind giving other beers from these guys a go, if for no other reason to see if this brewery is middle of the road on all of their offerings. This is only worth a try if nothing else in this style is readily available.

Serving type: bottle

06-09-2011 19:47:54 | More by JerzDevl2000

tempest

Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

After suffering through a few of the Baltika lagers, my expectations were low here. However, this turned out to be a completely respectable wheat beer. You know, I'd be happy to homebrew something like this.

There's a light, doughy malt character in the background. The main yeast character is a big creamy, sweet candy spice aroma and flavor, a bit like a spice cake, with a twist of orange. The body is light enough to make this a decent session beer. And it finishes with clean touch of wheat cracker and strawberry and citrus hit. Nice beer, not amazing, but I'd take it on a hot day.

Serving type: bottle

05-08-2011 23:48:34 | More by tempest

JayQue

Virginia

4/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Surprisingly good!!! I had a Baltika 9 as the representative of a style I had not tried before and it was very average and boozy. This beer was like a fairly good hefe. Straw color, big bubbly delicate white head and a little lacing. Good solid smell of cloves bananas and lemon zest.

Crisp, tart taste, cloves, bananas, lemon zest and other spices. Very nice!!!!

Mouthfeel is crisp and rich. overall a good solid summertime brew.

Serving type: bottle

04-20-2011 01:31:39 | More by JayQue

ThirstyBird

Germany

2.85/5  rDev -20.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Pours a hazy pale golden yellow color with a huge creamy head that slowly falls to a half inch cap. Smell is pretty straight forward with sweet wheat and spicy clove and banana dominating. The taste is as the smell would indicate though I get a metallic taste which is distracting. The mouthfeel is very nice effervescent and smooth. Body is light.

If it wasn't for the metallic taste I would say that this is a pretty tasty brew.

Serving type: bottle

04-17-2011 21:17:48 | More by ThirstyBird

tlamond

Massachusetts

4.65/5  rDev +29.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

served into Paulaner Weizen glass

A-typical straw color with haziness and white head
S-grainy with CO2 output from the yeast
T-very banana like..clean wheat taste..no noticeable hops
M-highly carbonated as per style with no cloyingne

The Verdict- Easily one of THE most under rated of the Hefeweizens.I personally think it stands up to the German "Masters" and is a steal for $2 for a pint 9oz. where as the Germans cost $4. Definitely one of my favorite Hefeweizens but would like to see it on tap somewhere (which I doubt I will ever see). Perfect summer beer!!

Serving type: bottle

04-15-2011 23:22:14 | More by tlamond

ForWhatAlesYou

Minnesota

3.38/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

1 pint .9 oz bottle into a pint glass

A: Two finger loose bubbly head that falls quickly. High effervescence. Pale yellow.

S: Nice aromas of wheat and light orange zest. A little chalky aroma.

T: A little sour (in a nice way). Grainy. A touch of honey over the citrusy notes. Phenols.

M: Effervescence again. Thin and a little chalky.

D: Quaffable? Not overly remarkable.

Serving type: bottle

02-20-2011 19:28:18 | More by ForWhatAlesYou

sommersb

Tennessee

3.68/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

500ml brown bottle with a production date of 09-18-10 and best before date of 09-18-11, poured into a weizen glass.

This beer had a frothy, big 4-finger head typical of the style, with good retention and a nice amount of lace. Color was a hazy gold, with a high amount of carbonation evident.

Aromas are of wheat, fruits/banana, cloves and vanilla. Sweet malt aromas with no hop smells. A light bubblegum smell as well.

Taste is of fruits and spices and light malts. No bitterness. The feel is smooth, with a medium level of carbonation and a light body. The finish is well balanced, neither sweet nor dry.

Overall a good, easy to drink, refreshing example of the style that I would purchase again.

Serving type: bottle

02-08-2011 01:49:28 | More by sommersb

CuriousMonk

Virginia

3.43/5  rDev -4.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Hazy, pale yellow appearance with frothy, mostly diminishing white head. Classic wheat aroma: Banana, vanilla, honey, and clove spiciness. Balanced sweet honey, bubble gum, nutty flavor with spicey finish. Hints of lemon tartness in the aftertaste. Medium bodied, active, sparkling carbonation. Tasty hefeweizen from Russia.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2011 17:48:55 | More by CuriousMonk

heavy216

New York

2.9/5  rDev -19.2%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A: 1 pint bottle. 2 finger head, light lacing, gold color, somewhat

S: heavy strong wheat aroma iwtha touch of sweetness

T/M: served cold light body. tasted fruity, average carbonation. watery, wheat flavor

D: basic standard wheat beer, nothing to write home about

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2011 14:48:25 | More by heavy216

e11iott

New York

2.9/5  rDev -19.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

A: 1 pint bottle. 1 finger head, light lacing, sorta cloudy, light yellow in color.

S: Strong sweetness of wheat and honey for smell.

T/M: Light body, water like. Small amount of fruit and honey, medium carbonaito, very full wheat flavor.

D: Standard wheat beer, was way better ice cold, alcohol was well hidden.

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2011 04:37:05 | More by e11iott

crossovert

Wisconsin

3.68/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Half liter brown bottle. Best before 30.05.11.

It pours a hazy gold color with a fizzy and tall white head.

It actually smells like a Hefeweizen, unlike many American wheat beers. It has a ton of ripe banana, a hint of clove, a bit of lemon, and a hint of bubblegum, it hits all of the classic scents.

The flavor is kind of remniscent of an American wheat brew. It has the banana, clove, and lemon, but it is super light and airy and doesn't pack quite the punch that German Hefeweizens do.

It is something I would prefer on a hot summer day.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2011 19:37:18 | More by crossovert

tigg924

Massachusetts

2.63/5  rDev -26.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

Appearance: bright golden-yellow in color, one inch head, cloudy, high carbonation

Smell: banana, wheat, and clove

Taste: Wheat dominates...There are touches of bananas, clove, and a bit of honey

Mouthfeel: very light bodied, high carbonation, very very sweet

Drinkability: Light and weak for the style. Lately I have had the pleasure of trying complex hefes and this is not one. This is not a bad beer and I would have this again if offered--maybe even down a couple. However, in the style, there are much better.

Serving type: bottle

01-10-2011 15:37:47 | More by tigg924

zymurgy4all

New York

4.22/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a nice golden color with slight haze. Has a nice clove aroma. Taste is very refreshing like a hefeweizen. Seems a little cleaner than the traditional hefe, making it more of a cross between an American Wheat and a Germen Hefe. If you are a wheat beer connoisseur, then you should try this beer. Baltika hit a home run with this one--this is the best Baltika beer I've had so far.

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2010 23:32:26 | More by zymurgy4all

BeerManDan

California

4.08/5  rDev +13.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

The color when poured was of a hazy wheaty yellow with an orange hue. The aroma was of yeast,spice and a hint of vanilla and banana.

The flavor was of sweet/tangy yeasty malts, with vanilla,banana, and a hint of spice to balance the component into a pleasant Hefeweizen. Not to sweet and not to tart. A little different taste from the German Hefe. But, still a very good beverage.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2010 23:37:26 | More by BeerManDan

flagmantho

Washington

3.85/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from 500mL bottle into a weizen glass. Bottle says best before 7/18/2010, but four months is hardly super old for a beer.

Appearance: light golden-yellow hue with a touch of haze and plenty of effervescence. Head pours two thick fingers of pillowy white foam. I rather like it.

Smell: nice wheaty aroma with a touch of clove to boot. This beer is certainly trending toward a true hefeweizen, but I feel like there isn't a whole lot of character to the aroma. Just a little bit of banana would help this beer a whole lot.

Taste: nice wheaty and clovey flavor. There's just the tiniest hint of banana here, but I still feel like there could be a lot more yeast character. The wheaty and malty aspects are pretty good, though, and I like the taste more than the aroma.

Mouthfeel: light body with a decent amount of carbonation. I would like to see a lot more creaminess in this brew.

Drinkability: a refreshing and quite drinkable hefeweizen. It's not my favorite, but it is above what most American breweries seem to pass off as hefeweizens.

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2010 00:21:27 | More by flagmantho

TheKingofWichita

North Carolina

3.28/5  rDev -8.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a deep hazy yellowish orange color with a thick off white head and a tiny bit of lacing. Smells of coriander, orange zest, and plenty of wheat. Tastes a little like coriander, orange and lemon zest, black pepper, and plenty of wheat almost like wheat germ. Mouthfeel is medium and decent. Drinkability is pretty good.

Serving type: bottle

11-22-2010 16:51:12 | More by TheKingofWichita

megahurts4

Louisiana

1.55/5  rDev -56.8%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 1 | feel: 3 | overall: 1.5

Baltika No. 8

Appearance: Light yellow with a large head and little to no lacing.

Smell: A hint of wheat and yeast.

Taste: Bland wheat and yeast water.

Mouthfeel: Medium and semi-smooth.

Bottom line:
This is one of the most bland beers I've ever had. It makes Bud Light seem complex. If you've never had a Russian beer, don't start with this one.

Serving type: bottle

10-08-2010 05:48:14 | More by megahurts4

KTCamm

New Jersey

4.25/5  rDev +18.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from 500 ml bottle into my pint glass. Foam foam foam! Patience required.

Looks cloudy pale yellow with lots of lacing. The foam remains throughout.

Quite wheaty smell, very nice.

Wheaty chalky taste - wheat a touch firmer than most hefes I have had - almost moving to a gritty territory, but hangs on the border and remains tatsy. Some kind of spice buried in there I can't nail down. Nice balance.

Smooth mouthfeel, minimal carbonation. Good drinker, one to enjoy.

Serving type: bottle

09-17-2010 11:37:45 | More by KTCamm

PorterLambic

Florida

3.48/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a nice cloudy golden yellow. Small head drops fast and leaves no lace.
Smell is wheat, malt, banana and yeast.
Taste is as above with a vety slight acidic note, tangy almost with aa hint of vanilla. Atouch of alcohol in the aftertaste.
Light-medim body with good effervescence. A good, solid middle-of-the-road performer with good balance throughout.

Serving type: bottle

09-16-2010 03:07:37 | More by PorterLambic