Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
Rating: 9 out of 10
Surprisingly, this beer is actually brewed in California. I looked up the North Coast Brewing Company and it doesn't look like I've tried any of their other beers. If Old Rasputin is any indication of the quality of their work, I need to try some of their other brews, stat.
It's a deep, rich pour with a lot of aroma jumping out - it may be the most aromatic beer I've tried. It smells of coffee, chocolate and roasted malts, along with a hint of alcohol (no wonder - it's a 9% ABV). The color is near black, though it is actually a dark dark brownish red, and the thick, creamy tan head just taunts you to dive in, though it dissipates rather quickly. It smells unlike any other beer I've tried, though I've not tried a lot of stouts and don't necessarily have the best benchmark there. Scratch that, I think I now have the benchmark.
The taste is complex and strong - huge on chocolate and coffee - a perfect beer tandem. It's a sweet treat that's not too sweet. I also pick up some black licorice and some roasted, smoky flavors. The mouthfeel is good and smooth.
The aftertaste hangs around your palate for a long while and tastes like rich coffee and earth. This one hangs around longer than any other beer that comes to mind. It's a wonderful treat. This was the last of a 4 pack and I loved every one of them as if they were my own children. I had tried this beer in the past as well, as I was beginning my beer journey, and didn't think quite as highly then, when I had a limited beer tasting experience. I actually thought the first time I drank it that it was too bold. The second one got through to me though and since then it's been gaining momentum. It's absolutely worth picking up and putting in the rotation.
By John on
May 14, 2007 @ 8 PM with 0 Comments
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