Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout - North Coast Brewing Co.

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.85/5  rDev -10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Black with blonde head. Roasty, salt and bitter and high acid. In sip: Cinammon, rye bread, bittersweet chocolate, fruit,licorice. Could be less hoppy. Medium plus texture.

Had 4.5 years later and certainly stands up over time. There are more "big" RIS but for a bitter coffee one, this is the classic.

Serving type: bottle

06-08-2004 05:00:50 | More by northyorksammy

BuckeyeNation

Iowa

4.38/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Deep, menacing mahogany with ruby highlights and a medium brown cascading head that would make a nitro pour proud. Initially four-fingers-and-a-thumb in size, the cap looks as if it'll last for a good, long while. Dark brown lace--some of the darkest I've ever seen--coats the glass, but doesn't last all that long.

The nose abounds with bittersweet chocolate. Yes, there's some coffee; yes, there's heavily roasted malt and hops; but chocolate is king as far as the aroma is concerned. On the palate, hops return with a vengeance. "Regicide or death!" they scream as they pound away at King Cocoa... sorry, I got carried away there for a moment. A huge quantity of heavily roasted black malt results in a constellation of flavors that includes bittersweet chocolate, espresso and anise. Each and every one fills the mouth with Godiva-like goodness.

Even with all that malt, the citric hoppiness is unrelenting and is at least as prominent as in a middle-aged Storm King. Strangely enough, I'd prefer to see the hops ratcheted back a few notches in this beer, something that I never thought I'd say.

The mouthfeel is akin to heavily silky melted chocolate and is some kind of chewy, as befits an Imperial stout. Those who don't believe this is a true Imperial stout have different standards than I do. Nearly unnoticed carbonation is a perfect capper on a nearly perfect mouthfeel.

Old Rasputin is a mega hoppy stout, perhaps a tad too hoppy. It's definitely not for the faint of heart or the faint of palate. Proceed only if you enjoy immensely flavorful, luxurious stouts that could fairly constitute a meal in and of themselves. Old Raspy is North Coast's best beer, I do believe.

Serving type: bottle

10-27-2004 21:19:06 | More by BuckeyeNation

mikesgroove

South Carolina

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

Thanks to bm0095 for the bottle.

Good lawd does this look nice. Absolute black as night with a huge cream colored head. Lace was so thick I could not see through the glass. Perfect look for an Imperial Stout,Perfect. Smell started with a hint of chocolate, some coffee, maybe even some dark fruity smells hidden in there, nice overal aroma.

As for the taste, hmmm.Big Flavors right off the bat. Roasted, caramel sweetness, The alcohol can definatly be tasted and this is warm going down, yummy. Coffee undertones as well as the tiniest hint of chocolate, I mean tiny but it is there. Very nicely carbonated, and thick. This is a definate sipper. The abv custs down on what you may be able to drink but not what you think you can! I could really drink this on every cold night. Big beer here folks, very nicely done!

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2007 02:16:20 | More by mikesgroove

womencantsail

California

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

I can't believe I've yet to write a few for Ol' Raspy. Here it goes...

A: I poured the bottle into my Cigar City snifter to reveal the beautiful and familiar jet black, viscous liquid that is Old Rasputin. A small mocha colored head sits atop the darkness.

S: Great aromas of chocolate, coffee, a roasted nuttiness, and hints of vanilla. A wonderful combination of sweet and bitter aromas.

T: The taste very much follows the nose, and I'm quite glad it does. Once again, a great balance between sweet coffee and vanilla flavors melds well with bitter coffee and a roasted, bordering on burnt, taste.

M: Now this is a full bodied beer. Very little in the way of carbonation, the way it should be, and this gives the beer that thick, creamy mouthfeel you are looking for in an RIS.

D: I personally find this to be one of the more drinkable beers in the RIS style, but that doesn't make it a beer you're going to drink 6 of. A great beer and I've decided to finally put some away to age, even though I love it fresh.

Serving type: bottle

10-22-2009 07:32:58 | More by womencantsail

Thorpe429

Illinois

4.28/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

The first RIS I had as a serious craft-beer drinker. I had thought they were a little too heavy and off-putting in the past, but this one really turned me to the light. A big thank you to the local Trader Joe's for offering singles of this one.

A: Black with a brown head and some good lacing.

S: Roasted dark malts and a little bit of alcohol.

T: Good espresso flavors meld with the roasted malt. Some hops make their way in and overall it's slightly sweet.

M: Fairly thick and well-carbonation. Nice and creamy.

D: Pretty drinkable. A very, very good introduction to the style, and one I plan on offering to many other beginners.

Serving type: bottle

05-01-2009 14:15:43 | More by Thorpe429

UCLABrewN84

California

4.47/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - Pours a pitch black color. I could not see any light through the beer. 1 inch chocolate milk colored head. Nice ring lacing.

S - Smells of bittersweet chocolate, roasted coffee/espresso beans, and surprisingly like soy sauce.

T - Bittersweet chocolate, bitter espresso, coffee aftertaste.

M - Good carbonation. Thick and creamy.

D - Very good. Tasty RIS that I will get again.

Serving type: bottle

07-05-2010 17:50:24 | More by UCLABrewN84

brentk56

North Carolina

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

Appearnace: Tar black with a bit of ruby peeking through when put in front of a light source; a modest head that webs the glass with lacing

Smell: Roasted malt, chocolate and espresso

Taste: The flavor explodes in your mouth - at first you get the coffee and chocolate and then, after the swallow, the bitter hops kick in along with the alcohol; after the warmth and the bitterness fades, the chocolate tones linger and comfort

Mouthfeel: Medium to full body with moderate carbonation

Drinkability: A lovely, warming stout for the cold weather months; a big beer and not for the faint-hearted

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2004 23:06:55 | More by brentk56

ChainGangGuy

Georgia

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

Appearance: Pours out black, with a thick tan head that slowly fades to a thin ring of lace.

Smell: The aroma is a rich, vibrant framework containing scents of licorice, espresso, sweet chocolate, and ripe, vinous fruits.

Taste: Flavors Ahoy! Bitterness and black roasted malts fight for attention. Hints of molasses, toffee, mocha, and spice help to round out the flavor.

Mouthfeel: Full-bodied; feels heavy on the tongue. Rich, smooth mouthfeel. The ABV provides for a warming, satisfying finish.

Drinkability: Very enjoyable. For anyone who's had this beer before, let me just say: Booyah!

If you haven't had this beer before... Try it: Today!

Serving type: bottle

03-18-2006 03:48:22 | More by ChainGangGuy

Phyl21ca

Quebec (Canada)

3.83/5  rDev -11.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Bottle: Poured a dark black colored beer with almost no head. Aroma is comprised of a strong chocolate and coffee mix. The chocolate and coffee also hits you right at the first sip along with some roastiness. A bit too much bitterness at the end for my liking though. Carbonation is bit weak and body is strong which was expected. Overall, this is a very good drink but maybe not as much as some make it out to be…

Serving type: bottle

08-04-2004 16:07:06 | More by Phyl21ca

BEERchitect

Kentucky

4.45/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This is THE staple of Russian Imperial Stouts that paved the way for unreal American stout brewers of this depth, boldness, and aggression.

The beer pours with a deep onyx black color, a 1" froathy tan head that rises to the top of the tulip and proves to be steadfast til the end. A fair amount of lacing, soft legging, and retention.

Strong aromas of roasted malts, burnt toast, deeply roasted coffee, and waves of burnt cocoa. Truely aggressive, attacking the nose.

Equally strong flavors favor the espresso character, while the burnt toast and cocoa provide complex flavor to the highly roasted grains. Milder fruity flavors of plumbs, dates, licorcie, and raisons round out the roughter grain-related tastes very well. Not to be outdone, the hops also provide a piney, light resin tone to the finsihing flavors. Lightly acidic flavors later remind me of bitter coffee once more.

Sweet, smooth, creamy textures conjure up a full and round body with a billowing and expansive initial mouthfeel. The beer settles and allows the hops, acid, and light sourness to cause a lightening in the body to allow for ease in drinking. Hop bitterness begins to gain dominance over the astringent coffee, toasty bite. The light warmth of 9% abv. kinda gets lost in the complex flavors and textures.

Very well attenuated and controlled yeast character made this beer a Godfather of Stouts and continues to outlast newer Stouts with its restraint and boldness. Always a pleasure to see this beer in my glass.

Serving type: bottle

08-07-2005 22:47:20 | More by BEERchitect

oberon

North Carolina

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

I have to say this is the best imperial stout I have had so far,pours a deep borwn but not quite black with a light almond colored head,aroma is burnt with some rasin notes.The taste is a bombshell very buttery and rum-like with some light earthy tones,love the butteriness of this beer along with the rum flavor.A real complex brew that is pretty easy to drink for the alcohol content,what a real nice beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2003 02:42:18 | More by oberon

NeroFiddled

Pennsylvania

4.43/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Old Rasputin is not as dark as many other Imperial stouts, with luminous dark mahogany highlights beneath its creamy yellowed-tan head. And it's head retention leaves a bit to be desired as well. It does leave some thin lace, however, which is nice. And what it lacks in appearance it makes up for in aroma. It's slightly vinous with some yeasty fruitiness coming through the maltiness, followed by a touch of dark chocolate, espresso, and a waft of hops. It's quite slick, and a touch creamy, across the palate with a full body and a restrained, natural carbonation. The yeasty fruitiness carries through into the flavor with notes of prunes, plums, and berries; all backed by a massive assult of malt that offers espresso, burnt black coffee, dark caramel, and the suggestion of molasses as well as a pinch of brown sugar. It finishes with some resinous hops and a drip of black licorice before fading into a long, very dry finish. Quite nice!

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2005 22:09:16 | More by NeroFiddled

TMoney2591

Illinois

4.15/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served in a GameWorks shaker pint glass.

Thanks to VDubb86 for another shot at this brew!

This bottle served as a coda to our Hallowe'en mini-tasting. It pours a nice onyx topped by a finger of light tan/dark ecru foam. The nose comprises roasted malts, toasted rye bread, pumpernickel, and a light flash of molasses. The taste is nearly identical, though heavier on the roasted malts. The body is a stolid medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a somewhat thick and chewy feel. Overall, a very nice bit o' stout, one that drinks way the hell too easily for its (and my) own good.

Serving type: bottle

11-02-2010 01:23:49 | More by TMoney2591

metter98

New York

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

A: The beer poured jet black with a two finger high creamy light brown head that took a long time to die down into lacy patterns of bubbles covering the surface. A light amount of carbonation is visible.
S: There are moderate aromas of dark roasted malts, chocolate and coffee in the nose.
T: The taste is very similar to the smell and has a significant amount of bitterness in it. Notes of coffee beans particularly stand out in the finish.
M: It feels medium- to full-bodied and rather rich on the palate. There is some dryness in the finish and warming from the alcohol.
D: The alcohol is noticeable but fairly well masked, which doesn't make it too difficult to drink. This is a great beer to sip during the winter months.

Serving type: bottle

09-05-2010 05:50:10 | More by metter98

feloniousmonk

Minnesota

4.85/5  rDev +12.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

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.

Serving type: bottle

12-07-2002 14:05:31 | More by feloniousmonk

WesWes

New York

4/5  rDev -7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The beer pours a deep black color with a thick dark brown head that fades to lacing. The aroma is good. It is full of black and chocolate malts; very aromatic. The taste is good. It's quite complex and full of dark and roasted malts. It has a nice black/chocolate flavor. The moutheel is fine. It is a full bodied beer with good carbonation. This is a good drinking beer; a fine imperial stout.

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2004 23:12:56 | More by WesWes

drabmuh

Maryland

4.2/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

"A dear friend is not to be found instantly."

OK, I'll finally review this beer. I've had this on draft, in the bottle, aged, fresh, on cask, under nitro, this particular incarnation is a relatively new bottle. Poured into a snifter.

Beer is black and forms a 1 finger head of brown medium bubbles. Head leaves lacing on the glass. Carbonation is a mystery. Looks good for an RIS. BTW, I love the label of this beer.

Aroma is slightly sweet with some roast, overall its a little weak.

Full bodied and really smooth. Nice roast character at the back some sweetness up front. Coffee and roast. Finishes cleanly but there is a lingering bitterness. Nice palate connectivity, carbonation adds body but not any sourness. Overall its a wonderful beer. As far as availability and price, its hard to miss out on Old Raspy.

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2010 03:48:21 | More by drabmuh

Mora2000

Texas

4.28/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pint served at the Fort Worth Gingerman.

The beer pours black with a tan head. The aroma is roasted malt with some chocolate and alcohol. The flavor is awesome. I get notes of chocolate. roasted malt, alcohol and some piney hops, which contribute a medium level of bitterness. Thick mouthfeel and medium carbonation.

Serving type: on-tap

07-08-2010 05:28:24 | More by Mora2000

zeff80

Missouri

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

A - Pours out black with a two-finger, mocha colored head. It left a little lacing.

S - It smelled very chocolaty and malty.

T - It tasted of raosted malts and chocolate. It also had a slight bitter coffee-like taste. An interesting contrast between the sweet chocolate flavors and the bitter coffee.

M - Very soft and smooth. It is a heavy beer.

D - It is a very good stout. It is very powerful in terms of ABV, which is a slight drawback. I wanted to have many more but two was my limit.

Serving type: bottle

08-13-2006 04:31:48 | More by zeff80

MasterSki

Illinois

4.05/5  rDev -6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I picked up a four-pack at Whole Foods recently. This is one of those Top 100 beers that I've had plenty of times but never took the time to review. Served in a Surly pint glass.

A - Pours with a finger of light mocha foam that dissipates to a thin haze. Body is black with the faintest glint of red-brown at the fringes of the glass. There are a few fingers of lace left behind as the beer slowly disappears from my glass.

S - Dark roasted malt, dark fruits, dark chocolate, light caramel, and maybe a bit of salty soy. There's actually a bit of light floral hoppiness to it as well - guessing this was a relatively fresh batch.

T - The taste has a lot of roast bitterness to it, accentuated by espresso and dark chocolate notes. There are some floral hop and licorice notes as well. Verges on burnt and acrid, as there isn't much balancing sweetness. Maybe a bit of alcohol here too. Bitterness lingers well into the aftertaste.

M - Too much harsh carbonation - I remember this being much better on nitro. The body is gritty, then chewy. Body is viscous and full, and finishes a little bit heavy.

D - I'm don't think I'd have more than one of these in a session. The first half of the beer went down pretty quick, but the carbonation bloat and burnt flavors got a little overwhelming after that. Think I'll stick to the nitro from now on.

Serving type: bottle

04-19-2010 21:40:15 | More by MasterSki

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

4.4/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 12oz. bottle into a US tumbler pint glass.

A: The beer is a deep dark black color, with a thin tan head that fades slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.

S: It has a very rich aroma of dark chocolate and roasted malt.

T: The taste is creamy & malty with flavors of roasted coffee, dark chocolate and caramelized malt. For a beer with 9.00% ABV you sure wouldn't know it. The dark chocolate flavor comes out a little more.

M: Very, very smooth, low-to-medium carbonation, medium-to-heavy body, finish is kind of sticky.

D: Very tasty, quite easy-to-drink, not as filling as other beers in the style, this is a beer that can be a sipper or a pounder, even if the ABV creeps up on you. I think this beer is an excellent representation of style and definitely one of the better RIS's that I've had.

Serving type: bottle

10-22-2006 05:39:04 | More by TheManiacalOne

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

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

Wow, I knew what this was going to look like after having it from the bottle a few times before. The Nitro just sets this brew off right from the start. It's got the deep black stout look to it. With a wonderfully thick creamy tan head that leaves a fantastic lacing down the glass. The smell has some pine on the nose with a deep roasted aroma following after. The taste is explosive, it's hoppy and has a masterful chocolate taste. The finish is dry and smoother than just about any beer I've ever had. The mouthfeel is creamy, heavy and silky smooth. Overall I never wanna have this from a bottle again. If you see this on Nitro it's a must have!

Serving type: nitro-tap

06-10-2011 22:30:33 | More by Knapp85

russpowell

Oklahoma

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

Bought a 4 pack today, decided to re-review to see how this compares to the dozens of RIS I've tried since 05:

I stand by original ratings with the following exceptions: Take a appearance down to 4.0 head retention & lacing are good not great. Taste 4.5; depth of flavor isn't quite as good as I remember... & Mouth feel seems much thinner than I recall. Still a benchmark for the style that delivers awesome value for $ taste-wise!!

Pours almost pitch black (when held to intense light goes mahogany to purple) with a whipped up tan bubbly head, Great head retention and insane lacing, a feast for the the dark beer lover's eyes.

Smell: Coffee, chocolate and licorice notes, with alcohol and roasted malts lurking in the background.

Taste: Some fruitiness, then bam! Burnt coffee taste, chocolate, molasses, hops/grainy bitterness &alcohol.

MF: Chunky, silky and just hits the marks.

Great winter-time beer that has been lapped by others in in hoppiness and abv, but not drinkability IMHO

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2005 06:06:58 | More by russpowell

Gueuzedude

Arizona

4.47/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Thick, oily and black, definite brown head, that is quite meringue like, tops this brew. A sweet roast malt aroma emanates from my glass, followed by a note of coffee. Quite thick, though not overly so. Strong malt presence, definite roast malt character as well. This beer is like chewing on a roast malt kernel, it has the same after taste and everything. Even though thick and malty the roast character lets this beer finish like it is quite dry. There is a bit of oiliness in this beer. The beer is very smooth, yet still carbonated. Almost a cola not to this as it first hits my mouth.

Serving type: bottle

10-26-2003 22:21:05 | More by Gueuzedude

Halcyondays

California

4.22/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

12 oz. bottle, #50 review.

A: Dark opaque black, with tan head, good retention. The bottle has a picture of that psychotic Russian mystic that helped put an end to Nicholas II's reign.

S: Robust, smells of heavily roasted malts/French roast coffee, dark chocolate, soy sauce, fig, raisin, a bit of citric hops, but it is faint.

T: Not as thick and robust as I would have thought. Tastes of roasted malts predominately, with good amounts of coffee and chocolate. A little to burnt for my tastes, but this is a minor technicality.

M: Smooth, rich, creamy, this is how an RIS should feel. Not overbearing, but the perfect balance of robustness and smooth dessert like feel.

D: A delicious tasty brew, worth its accolades. Not that expensive in this neck of the woods, and its even available at my local Vons. A classic brew, that is a good choice for RIS fans low on cash and looking for a thick warming dessert-type beer. Would think this would be the perfect complement to rich chocolate cake.

Serving type: bottle

07-10-2007 04:16:38 | More by Halcyondays