Wandering Lizard
Russia

A Trip to Russia - St. Petersburg - Peterhof Palace - Spring

Peter the Great visited England in 1698 and took a liking to English and Irish stout ales. On his return to Russia he asked that some be sent to him, but the first attempt resulted in a disaster as the brew spoiled on it's way to Russia. On their second try the British brewers decided to dramatically increase the amount of alcohol and hops in the hope that the brew would travel better. This batch arrived safely and was a big hit at the Imperial Court. Called "Russian Imperial Stout" it was a favorite throughout the country and became known around the world. One of the British breweries made a stout for Catherine II that they claimed would keep for seven years.

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