Russian Imperial stout that is. Wow I’ve been reaching past this for years.
Upfront is a dark roasty malt with and an aggressive hop bitterness. Creamy head is lasting as I sip it down. Yep much more of a hop flavor and aroma presence also here. Much much more than I expected (or wanted). Effervescent and slightly sweet but not syrupy- very dry. Weighs in at 9%.
I say it’s an American interpretation even though they say (North Coast Brewing): “Brewed in the tradition of the 18th century English brewers who supplied the Russian court of Catherine the Great…”
North Coast is one of my favorites. This is a well made stout (imho) I also really like their Pranqster. Two great beers from the same brewery… both are on my regular “buy list”. But Old Rasputin was the first one I ever tried from them, and I liked it so much, I’ve tried every other beer of theirs.
Try the Old Stock Ale. That’s 3. And Red Seal. That’s 4. I don’t think they have any beers that are not great. [/quote] I’ve had both of those. I really like the Red Seal. Have not had Pranqster.
I really like Old Rasputin and love that it’s reasonably priced. I’ve had the much hyped Three Floyds Darklord a few times and I think Old Rasputin is a better beer. And I know I can walk around the corner and buy it when I feel a whim.
North Coast get everything right. I had the Rasputin for the first time during my visit to the parents in Texas a few weeks ago. I was put on to it by an English friend who loves it. It is such a nice slow, stout to drink and I was able to reward him with a bottle brought back to England.
Old Rasputin also makes a superior stout milkshake. The acme california pale ale is also a favorite around here. I got a bottle of the 2009 old stock last year as a treat and sipped at it for three days. Didn’t even matter that it was flat after the first night. that was a wonderful beer. Like a fine scotch.
This is on draft around the corner from me. On the rare occasions I get out, I’ve been known to have a Pranqster or two and close the evening with Old Rasputin.
Perhaps I’ll have to go out for Thursday Night Football…
I had this one at the moonrise hotel, from a bottle, at 9am, after a night of drunken shenanigans in the loop district of St Louis. it made for great hair of the dog, and a fine breakfast too! It’s a very fine beer, and I agree that it would go great with a cigar!
Finally found a bottle of Samuel Smiths Russian Imperial Stout and had it this weekend. I have to say Old Rasputin definitely kicks the pants off the old czar there.
I wish I could find Old Rasputin close to me, maybe I can get one of the locals to see if their distributors carry it and brind it in. Does it come in a 4 pack or a 6 pack? I’m getting to where I appreciate big dark beers more and more. I’m not particularly fond of Belgians dark or not and regular IPA’s are just a bitter APA it seems. Yeh, I’m kinda picky I suppose but I know what I like. :P Give me a great tasting beer thats got high abv, good body and loaded with Flavor and I’m happy as hell… I don’t need a six pack to make me happy, just good beer with some kick to it. 8)
