Brewer Bob Barrar's The Russian, an imperial stout, was judged best among 91 entries in the category. The beer was rated No. 2 earlier this year at The Inquirer's annual Brew-vitational local-beer contest. Columnist Craig LaBan said the judges found it "richly malted and complex, with notes of molasses, licorice, and coffee, and a 'durable head and full body' that some found 'a bit hefty.' Another called it 'yummy but geeky.'"