In a pre-Christmas visit to our local Total Wines and Spirits to stock up for the holidays, we managed to pick up several different beers, all of which have been drank with much gusto over the past few days. This review will cover Old Rasputin from North Coast Brewing Company.
We were supposed to visit family in England over the holidays, but due to Covid-19 and the situation in the UK, we opted to postpone the trip until a later date until the Omicron wave subsides. So Old Rasputin, brewed in the tradition of 18th Century English brewers is the perfect way to start the holiday beer reviews!
Old Rasputin Imperial Stout Alcohol Content and IBU
Beer: Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
Brewery: North Coast Brewing Co
Type of Beer: Imperial Stout
ABV: 9%
IBU: 75
I’ve been really into my stouts recently, so was looking forward to seeing how this one drank.
The Appearance
As you would expect from an Imperial Stout, the body of the drink was dark, almost tar like, with very subtle hints of copper. The head was thick and creamy and it poured aggressively, with the head developing rather quickly.
The head did maintain it’s consistency, although shrank some as the beer was consumed. Unlike some stouts where the head disappears as soon as you drink, I was pleasantly surprised that this one didn’t.
The Taste
Upon initial inspection Old Rasputin gave me coffee, malty hints. Others have experienced caramel and licorice with this one, but I didn’t note those on this occasion. It was a little on the sweet side, but with the smokiness combined with the coffee notes, it was balanced really well.
It did drink a little coarse to me, and I primarily put that down to its richness.
What to Drink With
I had some really nice chocolate from a local gourmet chocolate shop, and that really brought out the smokiness. I may have pushed it a little with combining with a sweet treat, but not so overpowering that I wouldn’t combine again. Would also go well around a fireplace with family and friends.
Round Up
If you’re a stout drinker and you haven’t tried this one yet, put it on your list. Definitely a winter beer to add to your rotation. Don’t be put off by the 9% ABV. Old Rasputin is a really approachable robust stout that will welcome you in. Complex but easy to drink.
