Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
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(6 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ...“Old Rasputin develops a cult following wherever it goes.”
– from the Old Rasputin label
As with its “Mad Monk” namesake, Old Rasputin’s reputation certainly precedes it. This Russian Imperial Stout from North Coast Brewing Co has garnered plenty of rave reviews from beer enthusiasts across the country, and several of my readers have reminded me that I am long overdue for trying a glass of Old Rasputin. They’ve praised its powerful taste, immense hops, measured sweetness and dry finish.
The label is striking, with a head and shoulders shot of Grigori Rasputin. He’s gesturing seriously with his hand, as if to say either “I curse you!” or “Go ahead, drink up!” I’m going to assume the latter and take him up on the offer.
Old Rasputin looked very dark coming out of the bottle, black but not inky or oily. I poured this 9% ABV stout into a snifter, which created a small amount of chocolate brown foam. The head quickly faded away to nothingness, but a few swirls brought it back in full force.
The aroma reminded me of chocolate covered coffee beans. Rich dark chocolate and roasted malt hovered just above the glass; a seductive smell, sensually sweet with hops adding fullness and dimension. As I was enjoying the aroma, my eyes locked uncomfortably with Rasputin’s. He seemed to say either “I smell good, yes?” or “I curse you!”. I turned the bottle to face the other direction.
Old Rasputin is extremely bitter, but so well-balanced that its 75 IBU rating becomes an afterthought. The beer has a creamy sweetness that goes head to head with roasted malt and more bitterness than many IPAs can boast. The hops swell through the swallow, mellowing the malt and helping the beer obtain a pleasing, dry finish. I know Old Rasputin has a hefty 9% ABV, but I’m not tasting much astringency or feeling the alcohol warm my throat or my stomach.
The stout goes well with dessert, too. My wife made crepes in honor of Bastille Day, and the nutella-filled French treat mixed wonderfully with Old Rasputin’s richly roasted malt. Or if you really feel like a decadent diversion, why not try an Old Rasputin Ice Cream Float?
Am I an instant fan of this beer? Let’s just say Old Rasputin has cast its spell on me. Nazdrovia!
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2 Comments
July 26th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Great review! This beer is absolutely one of my favorites. I love the idea of a dessert pairing with this rich and powerful brew. While often I feel I am doing myself a disservice by not trying something new whenever there’s the chance, reading your review reminds me it may be time to go out and stock up on this tried and true favorite. Between this and Yeti you have had your hands full with a couple of the greatest Imperials on the market.
May I also recommend New Holland’s Dragon’s Milk – it’s an oak aged Imperial. While I will say the oak may be a bit strong, I found it a great educator for my palate. I am used to bourbon or whiskey barrel aged stouts, but Dragon’s Milk I believe is in new (American?) oak. I was amazed how much of those flavors are derivative of the oak rather than the remnants of whiskey in the barrel.
Anyhow, keep it up – nice work!
May 25th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
[...] is a good review of this beer at beeraday.net [...]