North Coast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout

Beer Name: Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
Brewery: North Coast Brewing Co. (Fort Bragg, CA)
ABV: 9.0%
How sold: 12 oz. bottles
Where bought: Belmont Station (Portland, OR)
Price: $2.59 per 12 oz. bottle (roughly $11 for a 4-pack)
IBU: 75

When Opened: March 27, 2015
When brewed? Year-round beer

Where distributed: North Coast Brewing has distributors in 47 of the 50 states. Go here for their list of distributors!

Awards: A lot -- dating back to 1996. Go here for their list of awards!

What's on the Website: "Produced in the tradition of 18th century English brewers who supplied the court of Russia's Catherine the Great, Old Rasputin seems to develop a cult following wherever it goes. It's a rich, intense brew with big complex flavors and a warming finish. The Old Rasputin brand image is a drawing of Rasputin with a phrase in Russian encircling it -- A sincere friend is not born instantly."

REVIEW:

Appearance (5%): Poured virtually black into a clear pint glass. Had a frothy, pronounced tanned head of a few millimeters before settling down. Significant lacing on the inside of the pint glass. Extremely attractive look. 5/5

Smell (25%): Mostly chocolate malty and smoky aroma, some hoppy characteristics. Fairly complex and pleasing. 4.5/5

Taste (40%): Explosion of smoky, slightly alcoholic, malty, hoppy, and chocolaty notes. The bitterness stays controlled through the aftertaste. Excellent balance of flavors. Very complex but delicious. 4.5/5

Mouthfeel (10%): Full-bodied beer that coats the tongue with smoky and hop-bitter flavors. Slightly carbonated. Creamy and satisfying (that's what she said?). 4.5/5

Overall (20%): Easily one of the best stouts I have had -- even though I honestly am not the biggest fan of this beer style. After reading the reviews on Ratebeer and BeerAdvocate, I am happy to confirm and contribute my thumbs up for Old Rasputin. The hoppiness likely boosted this a couple extra notches due to my preference for IPAs. I certainly feel a good portion of the 9% ABV while drinking this; it tends to get a bit warm and satisfying in the stomach after a while. Given its full-bodied nature, I'd probably be limited to one of these 12 oz. beers, maybe two if I felt like it. I know a few stout lovers, and this is what I would tell them to get. Excellent stuff here. 4.75/5

Final Weighted Rating: 4.575/5