Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout - North Coast Brewing Co.

bambam2517

Arizona

4.45/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

From the nitro-tap to a 12oz. chalice at Whole Foods.

A - Dark coffee brown body with a chocolate milky waterfall pour settling into a creamy head on top.

S - Roasted malt, toffee, semi-sweet chocolate.

T - Delicious. Reminscent of a milk stout, some nuttiness, and that semi-sweet chocolate cuts in at the end.

M - Sweetness from the malt is balanced out by a lightly bitter aftertaste. Very creamy.

O - While not as roaring bold and complex as other RIS ive had, this brew has a nice clarity in development and i enjoy the way the flavors unfold as its consumed. Worth getting excited over.

Serving type: nitro-tap

04-11-2013 05:13:45 | More by bambam2517

Rhower

Pennsylvania

4.29/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

An overall fun & outstanding experience with a pint glass of this renowned RIS.

A: Enjoyed this for my first time on a nitro-tap (I know, don't be jealous) at the West
Reading Tavern. The thick, creamy head settled itself into a two-fingered, pillowy soft
foam that lingered for the entire session. Black, dense, motor-oil appearance with a
pleasant "drink me" syrup viscosity. 4

S: Smoke, caramel, and malt. Very rich in the nose with a nearly buttery warmth - much like
the appearance, the nose of this brew begs a hearty quaff. 4.5

T: A burnt caramel front, melding with a back-end tobacco hint that finishes with a malty
flare. The place where this beer veered for me - not into anything even remotely
unpleasant, but just a slight let down - was at it's close as it warmed. Where the first
half of the beer, experienced at a pleasant just beyond cold temperature soared. I found that the beer took on a sour finish as it warmed. Not bitter - not deeper in it's malt character - just ... sour. Surprisingly, I found I wouldn't nurse this beer toward warmth in future pints, but would rather enjoy the full glass before it struck that final chord. 4

M: A beautiful aspect of this beer; it's heavy, dense, buttery soft feel in the mouth. From
start to finish, each sip is very easy - never touching on a place where the alcohol draws
on the mouth. It is one of the smoothest drinking RIS I've ever had. 4.75

O: This is one of those "kid at Christmas" beers. If I walk into a bar and see this on the
draught list, my excitement soars and my knees start to jump ... from first sip to last
(albeit a little faster "last" than on this visit), an exceptional brew! 4.5

Serving type: nitro-tap

03-29-2013 17:51:31 | More by Rhower

StArnoldFan

Texas

4.53/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

I had this on Nitro about a month ago at Nobi Public House in Clear Lake, reviewing from notes. The pour on this was simply amazing. It had about an inch of head that was so thick I could sit a quarter on it without sinking and remained for the duration of my glass. Dark black in color with that awesome mocha head that lingered. Not much on the nose but the taste was of chocolate and mild coffee hints. Easily one of, if not the thickest stouts I'v ever had. Anytime I see this on Nitro, I will have a glass.

Serving type: nitro-tap

03-14-2013 23:40:40 | More by StArnoldFan

itlnstallion11

California

4.89/5  rDev +13.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A- I was lucky to first try this beer from a nitro tap. It poured a motor oil black with a thick tan head I could rest a penny on.

S- great smell, barley, milk chocholate, some oatmeal hints, black licorice, some dark fruits, with a nice roast finish

T- ton of Malts, some plum, molasses, chocolate, hints of coffee with a pleasant wood burn bitter ending.

M- full bodied thick milkshake

O- an awesome stout, one of my new favorites. Alcohol is masked well and the taste is not overbearing. The balance of sweetness an bitterness is one of almost perfection, I'm utterly in love with this beer. Get one.

Serving type: nitro-tap

03-03-2013 06:53:37 | More by itlnstallion11

JGuzzle

Arizona

4.69/5  rDev +8.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Poured from a nitro tap into a tulip glass which I understand is the ultimate way to enjoy this brew.

A - Deep black in color, completely opaque. Beautiful 3/4 inch of foamy caramel colored head sitting on top which persists throughout the consumption (it shrinks but was there to the last sip). Tiny caramel colored nitrogen bubbles persistently rise from the bottom of the glass every time it is picked up and put down. The appearance is truly a spectacle.

S - Roasted malts and hints of cocoa.

T - Some sweet maltiness in the front end. Very faint amount of hops tasted in the finish. The 9% alcohol is masked very well. I get some hints of cocoa as well.

M - Velvety smooth. If you manage to get some of the head on its own it can almost feel like a milkshake. Light carbonation, great full body.

O - This might be one of the greatest beer experiences I've ever had. Certainly the best stout. If you find this on a nitro tap somewhere, do not pass it up.

Serving type: nitro-tap

02-15-2013 14:24:58 | More by JGuzzle

brewtus

Ohio

4.35/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.25

Had it on nitro a few days ago. You can read all the other reviews about how solid this beer is but if you have a chane to drink this nitro, do it. To think that such a thick beer could be so velvety and smooth. This stout is a benchmark for stouts and fortunately available all the time but its really perfect for nitro.

Serving type: nitro-tap

02-12-2013 03:01:02 | More by brewtus

Lurkerson

Pennsylvania

4.21/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Nitro tap into a tulip.

A - she's a beauty! Almost pitch black, decent head, golden lacing

S - a bit more mellow than my eyes led me to think. Coffee, dark chocolate, sweet malts
T- deliciously bitter and chocolaty but well balanced with noticeable maltiness.

M - smooth and lingering, almost filmy

O - fantastic RIS. I'm very pleased with this beer and would definitely order again

Serving type: nitro-tap

02-06-2013 20:27:53 | More by Lurkerson

begforme4484

Connecticut

4.4/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On nitro-tap at Tyler's Taproom in Apex, NC.

The beer is black as can be with a really thick creamy head. The head clung to the glass all the way down like it was painted on. It had thicker rings showing where each sip was.

Smelled of cocoa/coffee/roasted goodness.

The taste was different than normal Old Raspy. It still had the cocoa, coffee, and deep roasted malt complexities, but it drank like a milkshake. A Russian Imperial Stout ice cream.

Great mouthfeel, creamy and very full bodied.

I originally only planned on having one of these but felt compelled to enjoy two.

Serving type: nitro-tap

10-26-2012 19:51:15 | More by begforme4484

Treebs

Illinois

4.1/5  rDev -4.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On on Nitro at Wild Monk. Served in a snifter.

A: Pours a jet black color with a perfectly smooth and creamy tan head. The head sticks around for the entire time and leaves huge sticky sheets of lace. Just a beautiful looking beer.

S: Nice and robust roasted malts. There is some bitter bakers chocolate in there with a little bit of fudge.

T: The taste follows the nose but is a tad more complex. Nice roasted malts and bitter bakers chocolate up front. Sweet dark fruits are more present in the taste, almost like a caramel glazed prune. As the beer warms it gets a little sweet with some milk chocolate presents itself in the finish.

M: Medium bodied with a little chew. Nice creamy mouthfeel with a medium carbonation level.

O: Very great balance of roast, chocolate and sweetness. Having it on nitro gives it a creamier mouthfeel and a must try for an Rasputin fan.

Serving type: nitro-tap

09-29-2012 13:45:16 | More by Treebs

DNICE555

Connecticut

4.5/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at the cask republic with The Larse. Norman brought us over the label from the keg. It said "30 percent nitro and 70 percent C02". Guiness is 40 percent nitro. Very interesting. I had never had the old rasputin on nitro before. It was very tasty. It was still delicious as usual and the nitro provided a little extra smoothness.

Serving type: nitro-tap

08-18-2012 21:29:04 | More by DNICE555

LiquidAmber

Washington

4.78/5  rDev +10.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Poured pure black with a nitro draft head. Mild dark fruit and malt aroma. Absolutely smooth with a slightly sweet flavor. Well integrated roasted malt, dark dried fruit, light coffee and chocolate. The nitro turns the usual well melded flavors of this stout into a super creamy delight. Very good in the bottle and exceptional on nitro-tap.

Serving type: nitro-tap

08-02-2012 23:00:56 | More by LiquidAmber

rangerred

Tennessee

3.68/5  rDev -14.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Had on nitro at mellow mushroom in Johnson City, TN

Arrived looking like a typical nitro pour with an off-white creamy head. Body was solid black.

Aroma had pleasant notes of coffee and dark chocolate. Also a slight hint of smoke in there.

The flavor had loads of cocoa and a slight bit of coffee. Lots of roasted malt and unfortunately, a decent amount of alcohol. I kind of feel like the nitro may have hindered the flavor somewhat because I didn't find this all that spectacular. I will have to pick up a bottle sometime to see if my opinion is any different.

Serving type: nitro-tap

07-21-2012 02:09:59 | More by rangerred

DrinkSlurm

Connecticut

4.13/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Poured from tap into pint at Yardhouse Hallandale Beach. Pours a pitch black with thick tan head. It looks fantastic. Smells of clean roasted marshmallow malts and grain. Taste is of roasted grainy malts. Slightly chocolatey but mostly bitter malts. Some sweet campfire roasted mallow notes.
This beer on nitro is soo smooth so I gave it a 5 for mouthfeel. Its smooth without being too airy. Overall, great brew and I probably gave it a bigger number due to the nitro tap.

Serving type: nitro-tap

06-18-2012 23:13:26 | More by DrinkSlurm

estlinska

Arkansas

4.58/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served on Nitro at The Pantry on 4/23/13. Poured into a standard shaker :(. Pours black as coal with nice big creamy khaki colored head. No light can escape this black hole of a beer. It leaves reams of thick creamy head on the glass with some light lacing as well. The nitro gives this beer a more evened out nose but also pulls away from some of the aromatics. It still smells great with a smoky coffee and fresh baked chocolate chip cookie. There is a hint of alcohol on the nose but not overwhelming. The taste is very nice. I love what a nitro does to a good stout. The beer is slightly sweet with some bitter malt flavor melding well with some well placed hop bitterness that takes a slightly woody taste. The mouthfeel is creamy and full bodied. Very slight alcohol burn. I really like this beer and I think the nitro is a different experience for an already world class beer.

Serving type: nitro-tap

05-22-2012 15:26:23 | More by estlinska

BostonHops

Massachusetts

4.23/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

on tap @ deep ellum, allston (boston) MA. [review from notes]

appearance is a dark, opaque brown/borderline black w/ a solid two-finger mocha-toned head. nice retention and lacing. great looking stout.

aroma is heavy with roasted malts; notes of coffee and chocolate as well, with the slightest suggestion of hops. nose is substantiated by the flavor profile with the roasted malts, chocolate, and coffee pulling through in that order. again, very faint but perceptible hop presence. smooth, velvety moutfeel; moderately carbed. decent drinkability as far as russian imperial stouts go.

tasty brew, easily an upper tier RIS, though IMO doesn't quite distinguish itself enough to rival the best of the best. still, you won't find a better beer for your money.

original review on: 09-27-2010

Serving type: nitro-tap

05-15-2012 22:28:23 | More by BostonHops

DCon

Missouri

4.55/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Enjoyed on-NITRO-tap @ the Royale - Food & Spirits in St. Louis, MO for $4.50. Tapped from the Black/Gold Tap handle w/ Mr Rasputin on it into a 12oz Stemmed Goblet Glass.

Aroma- Tons of cocoa and a nice, clean roasted aroma comes across in this one. You can even smell the creaminess here! Very nice and smooth to the nose.

Appearance- Pours a 1.5, creamy head that has long lasting retention. Has the most opaque brown colored body possible.

Flavor- Roast, deep chocolate, smooth coffee richness, and well balanced beer are all characteristics of this one. Malt made this one up. Medium bitterness finishes up this quite enjoyable brew.

Mouthfeel- Medium-Full Bodied due to unreal creaminess, Light Carbonation, SMOOTH, and has tons of malt that stay forever on the palate.

Overall Impression- Wow! While having enjoyed this one many times in bottle form, I never had nitro until the other night. Huge creaminess and enjoyed every sip. Definitely recommend finding this on nitro and enjoying one or two.

Serving type: nitro-tap

02-29-2012 01:24:37 | More by DCon

tripledbrew

Kentucky

4.18/5  rDev -3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I have drank a ton of this served from a bottle but had the chance to drink this on tap/nitro driven at winos in Bowling green Ky. Really tasty as always with the added smoothness from the nitro. Nice dark roasted malts, bitter chocolate/coffee and no real noticeable alcohol presence. Which is surprising given the fact that this beer is no slouch coming in at 9% ABV. Just a good solid RIS.

Serving type: nitro-tap

02-19-2012 04:51:53 | More by tripledbrew

VaterRoss

North Carolina

4.9/5  rDev +13.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

on-tap at Flying Saucer Raleigh

Pours a beautiful three layers: a black bottom, a black/brown middle where the nitro effect is on full display with large round bubbles cascading downwards, and a creamy tan head that leaves extremely strong speckled creamy lace. Wow. Smell is a good amount of roasted malt: some dark chocolate, cream, hints of coffee. Taste has lots of the RIS metallic sharpness and a big warming alcohol presence. Good amount of roast malt, coffee, in the taste with some nice liquorice. As it warms the liquorice really comes out and complements to beer nicely. Mouthfeel is uber creamy and quite low carb.

This is the prettiest beer I have ever seen and definitely the best RIS I have had a chance to drink. In the dark world I think I prefer Founder's Breakfast Stout, but when compared to Old Rasputin the coffee, oatmeal, and chocolate almost come off as gimmicky. Old Rasputin is a legend and must have.

Serving type: nitro-tap

02-18-2012 20:45:59 | More by VaterRoss

Mantooth

North Carolina

4.25/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a nitro-tap at Tyler's (Carrboro, NC) into a pint glass.

A: Massive mocha head, much lighter than it is from the bottle or on draft without the nitro infussion. Crazy thick lacing.

S: Roasted malt, a bit musty and not too dissimilar to Ron Burgundy's place: he has many leather-bound books and his apartment smells of rich mahogany.

T: Espresso, tofee, burnt malt & dark chocolate sweet in the finish.

M: Creamy (nitro) and sweet, fully coating the mouth upfront and ending with a thinner bitterness.

O: Potent beer milkshake.

Serving type: nitro-tap

02-13-2012 17:24:21 | More by Mantooth

Merkur

Tennessee

4.6/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Beer pours a nice pitch black, with about 2 fingers worth of tan, creamy head.

Beer does not have alot of strong smell. A bit of coffee and chocolate, but not much.

Beer tastes very strongly of dark chocolate and roasted malts.

Mouthfeel is extremely creamy and rich. Almost like drinking a milkshake.

A must try on nitro.

Serving type: nitro-tap

02-11-2012 04:22:00 | More by Merkur

Phelps

Arizona

4.18/5  rDev -3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Enjoyed in a snifter at Papago.

None more black. Atop is a one-finger head of sand colored form that I let air out for about 15 minutes without it receding as much as a millimeter. Thick, sticky walls of lace coat the glass as I drink.

Smells burnt. Overtoasted bread, medium roast coffee, dark chocolate, touches of tobacco. The aroma overall is good, but is also a little subdued. Hard to pick up much through the thick head.

In the flavor, smokiness is increased, like a campfire. Bitter dark chocolate, burnt coffee, toast. A touch of sweet chocolate at the swallow, culminating in a smooth blend of burnt and sweet flavors.

The full, smooth, creamy, soft body is damn near perfect. Like a fleece blanket, it’s so smooth on the tongue. A touch of tingly carbonation keeps things lively, and there’s just a hint of alcohol in the nose. Finishes clean, which is a pleasant surprise. You'd expect it to be heavy.

Nitro is the way Rasputin was meant to be served. So, so smooth. Great feel, awesome flavor.

Serving type: nitro-tap

12-20-2011 23:48:23 | More by Phelps

mingo1968

Pennsylvania

4.35/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This poured dark as midnight with a nice soft thick head that stuck to the sides of the glass. I tastes hints of chocolate and coffee. The feel was creamy and smooth this went down very easy and at 9% i didnt taste any alcohol in the finish. I drank this with a smoked pork chop sandwich that i thought went well together. If you see this on tap i recommend giving it a try.

Serving type: nitro-tap

12-19-2011 18:57:31 | More by mingo1968

BenHesk12

California

4.63/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Easily one of the best imperial stout's I've ever had. Enjoyed out of a nitro tap, Old Rasputin has perfectly balanced flavors of bitter dark chocolate and coffee, as well as a surprisingly high alcohol content of 9%. Pours deep black with a creamy brown head, the low carbonation allows for full enjoyment of this delectable stout. Gentle mouthfeel and strong flavors that leave little to be desired. Can't think of a RIS I'd rather sip on a cold winter night than old rasputin

Serving type: nitro-tap

11-27-2011 01:27:20 | More by BenHesk12

YumYumGumGum

Virginia

4.05/5  rDev -6%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Nitro tap served at crossroads coffee and icecream on southside richmond, va.

A: black with three finger superfine nitro head

S: booze! Barleyish caramel chocolate mix.

T: no caramel just imperial grain and some chocolate and black coffee

M: awesome, creamy texture and greating carbonation with a medium lacing for a substantial stout.

O: highly recommend on nitro. Average in bottle.

Serving type: nitro-tap

11-20-2011 05:45:23 | More by YumYumGumGum

cosmo4u

New York

4.08/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

on tap at the yardhouse in yonkers NY 11/12/11

Dark as night. Lower carbonation level due to the high alcohol content. Chocolate aroma with hints of licorice. Incredible flavour!! Coffee at first, with a smooth sweet chocolate middle, then a little warming with a gentle chocolate finish. The alcohol certaintly does not overpower. Mouthfeel is perfect, not too thin, but not too syrupy. Overall this is sweeter than other imperial stouts that I have tried, but with good balance. This truly is one of the world’s great beers! Thanks to Brian for serving me this remarkable beer.

Serving type: nitro-tap

11-14-2011 21:05:58 | More by cosmo4u