North Coast Brewing Company Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout Russian Imperial Stout at 9% ABV (Price unknown, via trade.)
Pours solid opaque black with a fat finger of dense beige head diminishing gradually to a thin cap, light patchy lacing (4/5). Nose is roasted malt, dark chocolate, coffee, liquorice, woody smoke, faint hops (8/10). Taste is mild sweet, intensely bitter with both roasted malt and grassy hops (8/10). Full creamy body, moderate carbonation, with a semi-sweet lactose-like finish (5/5).
Some distinct harshness at times, with the hops giving a suggestion of cattiness in the nose and on the tongue – but just a suggestion. Overall, it’s complex and robust, quite able to pull off the moderately high ABV. An excellent example of the style – right on par with Ten Fidy, perhaps, but not quite as decent a performer as Stone’s IRS. And yet again, Mikkeller’s Beer Geek Brunch Weasel has spoiled me for all lesser beers. (17/20)
My 116th from the 2010 Edition of 1001 Beers, 109th by the 2013 Edition, and 119th overall.
8.5/10 #1001beers #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
