North Coast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout

Brewed by North Coast Brewing Company
Style: Imperial Stout
Fort Bragg, California USA

I’ve had several Imperial Stouts, this has got to be by far the best I’ve ever had. Smooth and flavorful on the palate with just the right amount of bitterness and hopiness, I can see why it was on the top 10 for so long.

This is one incredible stout. Intense flavor, luscious mouthfeel. I was seriously knocked out. (The high alcohol level doesn’t hurt. Wow!) Now, a funny story: I had the heavenly draft version of this beer at the J.T. Collins Pub at Lincoln and Roscoe in Chicago, which has an excellent ’Microbrew Tuesday’ -- 20 varieties on tap at $2.50 a pint. (Worth checking out if you’re in town!) And there were 25-something ex-frat boys drinking *bottles of Bud*. I kid you not. Some folks are just beyond redemption.

like a six course meal

One of my all time favorite beers. At times it is so good, it brings tears to my eyes.

9-18-06 re-rate: I’m not going to change my rating, but the bottle I’m having right now doesn’t seem deserving of a perfect score. It is more one-dimensionally dark chocolate without the flowery hop bouquet and finish. Could be the age of the bottle, which of which I can’t comment because North Coast doesn’t do any freshness dating. I’ve probably had it in my fridge for 4 months or so. Ar 8, Ap 4, Fl 8, Pal 5, Ov 17 (4.2). 7-6-05: Before I even looked at the description, I was thinking "fruity nose". Truly a wonderful bouquet, complete with hops and super ropes. Fully opaque body. Large brown head, which was especially pronounced after I transfered the beer from a shaker glass to a tulip in keeping with the appropriate glassware for the style. Lasting head; very impressive. Excellent, tree ring lace. The first time I had this was when I offered it at one of my early beer tastings. I thought it was overrated at the time, but I know now that I simply didn’t understand it. 9% ABV is hidden well. It really is the perfect ABV. Interestingly, when I was in Beverages and More in Redwood City, I saw a scruffy, vagrant looking guy scuffle in and walk out with a 4-pack of Old Rasputin. That blew me away. All I ever see in Minnesota is those guys picking up Bud, Mich Golden Draft or MGD. Flavor is near to actual perfection; some alcohol burn, some hop, some chocolate and even a touch of those super ropes I like so much! This stuff is really awesome! I really can’t imagine a better imperial stout. It is clearly deserving of only my 4th ever perfect score. A little suprising it took me so long to procure the 2nd most accesible beer in the Ratebeer Top 50.

An old, old favorite that I’ve been loyal to since my very first sip. Huge, cocoa-colored head, properly boisterous and fizzy. Phenomenally aromatic: all the regulars for this style and more are here in attendance--cocoa, coffee, toffee, nuts. Very mellow, despite the flavor and strength. Perfectly black in color, fantastic texture: thick and chewy, but not overly so. This is a great accompaniament for any meal, particularly rich and spicy food. I’d compliment the finish, but it never stops! The flavor sticks in your mouth forever, it seems. One of the finest stouts in all the universe.

A really good discussion about the greatest imperial stout should include this brew from the North Coast Brewery. Rich and warming, delicious with chocolate cake or doughnuts, excellent....well made, aromas of chocolate and espresso!