THERE has a been a rapid push to erase anything with a remotely Russian connection in the wake of Putin's less-than-rapid, but disgustingly deadly, push into Ukraine.
Many people have swung into action to support the people of Ukraine in the nation's fast developing humanitarian disaster.
One Irish brewer, Ballykilcavan, are doing a 'solidarity brew' for Ukraine, with proceeds going to the Red Cross's work in the country.
While gauging interest on social media this week, they declared that it would be a 'Ukrainian anti-imperial stout'.
The brew day was planned for earlier this week, so look out for that one in the coming weeks from the Co Laois-based brewers.
The imperial stout itself has its origins in Russia, but thankfully far pre-dates the current ruler of the country, being as it was the favoured tipple of Catherine the Great.
Of course, the rest of the world has also embraced the style, so I don't see it being eschewed along with everything else Russian at this stage.
In fact, there was a spirit of co-operation in the imperial stout I enjoyed this week.
Pyro is a collaboration brew between Beer Hut and Bullhouse and was concocted at the Kilkeel base of the Co Down brewers.
It's actually a smoked imperial stout, clocking in at a hefty 10.4 per cent ABV.
The beer comes in a sleek looking brown glass 500ml bottle and with that strength, it should really be a sharer if you can find someone who shares your love of impy stouts.
Pyro has a rich, black oily pour and sports a thin tan head. The smokiness may be advertised in the name, but the aroma isn't overpowering - you still get that roasty waft of sweet malt as well as a smoky aroma.
There's obviously a smoky flavor, but also little hints of burnt toast and coffee on the palate. They've added lactose to the brew, which gives it a nice sweet edge and hides the high ABV pretty well.
It makes for an interesting balance of smoky and sweet, and would probably go well with some nice barbecue ribs or a nice soft, smoked cheese or just sipped quietly away on its own.
