Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout - North Coast Brewing Co.

Bartian

Oregon

4.33/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Upon opening the Old Rasputin, I was immediately struck by the wonderfully dark, full pour - like a stream of black gold flowing into the glass.

At first, second and third glance, the beer is black as midnight with tight seems of carbonation flowing throughout. The head set at about an inch with a color of dark tan and very strong lacing.

The smell was prototypical Russian Stout but with a bit extra in the dark chocolate and licorice arena - a real treat . . . so much so that I actually had to remember to drink it.

The first drink was pleasent with no indication of the greatness that I've heard for years. But as the glass emptied the score improved. Whether it is the abundance of alcohol or the overriding complexity of the drink, it improves like the finest of coffees and cigars.

The mouthfeel is striking, the syrup that is called a beer surrounds the tongue like an impenetrable forecfield; drifting away only after several seconds of bliss.

As for drinkability, the balance is surprising given the complexity of the beer. Without any overly biting flavors like molasses, anice, chocolate or otherwise, the drink flows as smooth as silk. But the high alcohol content means drinker beware . . too much of a good thing can make Rassy a dull boy!

Serving type: bottle

03-08-2009 05:23:28 | More by Bartian

Callmecoon

California

4/5  rDev -7.2%

05-23-2013 02:20:15 | More by Callmecoon

linnymtu

Michigan

4.5/5  rDev +4.4%

05-23-2013 02:06:59 | More by linnymtu

golfchance

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev -7.2%

05-23-2013 02:05:51 | More by golfchance

firecrack0r

California

4.25/5  rDev -1.4%

05-22-2013 22:58:24 | More by firecrack0r

TomPF18superhornet

Ohio

4.25/5  rDev -1.4%

05-22-2013 21:47:13 | More by TomPF18superhornet

Rdc67

Kentucky

4.25/5  rDev -1.4%

05-22-2013 20:30:04 | More by Rdc67

bob_d_j

Michigan

4.5/5  rDev +4.4%

05-22-2013 19:43:22 | More by bob_d_j

DeekNayvuz

Montana

5/5  rDev +16%

05-22-2013 19:28:53 | More by DeekNayvuz

bf7

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -7.2%

05-22-2013 16:49:48 | More by bf7

BigbROB

Illinois

4/5  rDev -7.2%

05-22-2013 15:52:56 | More by BigbROB

Hopinista

Nevada

3.25/5  rDev -24.6%

05-22-2013 07:10:17 | More by Hopinista

SmellsofMahagony

Texas

4.25/5  rDev -1.4%

05-22-2013 03:17:32 | More by SmellsofMahagony

drrone

Arizona

4.6/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a goblet

A - Pours a sexy completely black liquid, which liberates a 2 finger light brown head that slowly faded and left light lacing.

S- great nose of chocolate, mocha, light vanilla and light malt. great nose

T - Awesome wave of mostly the same as the taste. Chocolate, coffee and malt. Very nice.

M - Full bodied and lightly chewy. Drinks well.

O - After trying many very good RIS, this still satisfies and impresses. It is worth finding and drinking on a regular basis.

Serving type: bottle

05-22-2013 01:33:40 | More by drrone

jtladner

District of Columbia

4/5  rDev -7.2%

05-22-2013 00:30:17 | More by jtladner

VirginiaJeff1

Virginia

4/5  rDev -7.2%

05-21-2013 19:27:50 | More by VirginiaJeff1

Busker

Connecticut

4.75/5  rDev +10.2%

05-21-2013 18:03:20 | More by Busker

PlinyBeMiney

California

4/5  rDev -7.2%

05-21-2013 07:57:07 | More by PlinyBeMiney

CosmoHopHead

Kansas

4/5  rDev -7.2%

05-21-2013 04:48:41 | More by CosmoHopHead

mxchap

California

4/5  rDev -7.2%

05-21-2013 03:55:19 | More by mxchap

BraveGator

Georgia

4/5  rDev -7.2%

05-21-2013 02:19:00 | More by BraveGator

pottergator

New York

3.75/5  rDev -13%

05-20-2013 23:52:53 | More by pottergator

ericwa1154

Texas

4.5/5  rDev +4.4%

05-20-2013 21:56:12 | More by ericwa1154

tipfortap

New York

4.25/5  rDev -1.4%

05-20-2013 17:15:01 | More by tipfortap

Kmat10

Alberta (Canada)

4.25/5  rDev -1.4%

05-20-2013 03:56:44 | More by Kmat10