Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout - North Coast Brewing Co.

cyraxx

Pennsylvania

3.88/5  rDev -10%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pitch black with a light brown creamy head that is very inviting. I have to be a little lenient on the aroma because some is lost when a beer is served via nitrogen. All I can discern is roasted malts with a slight licorice edge. The flavor is somewhat muted with burnt malt, chocolate, and a slight metallic flavor. The nitrogen thins out what would normally be a substantial body. I usually feel that what is lost in putting a beer on nitro is made up for with the creaminess that is imparted. In the case of Old Rasputin, I really would stick to drinking it with normal CO2. While tasty, not as good as the original.

Serving type: nitro-tap

03-04-2011 19:03:52 | More by cyraxx

shoduke

California

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

A- Nitro tap can make any beer look extremely enticing. Great dark color with a carmel colored head.

S- A little fruity for a stout but still exceptional.

T- Bold flavor, some chocolate and fruit notes.

M- Absolutely perfect- very smooth and creamy.

D- Usually stouts are filling after 1 or 2, but I had 3 and could have enjoyed more if I had more time.

Serving type: nitro-tap

02-13-2011 04:09:24 | More by shoduke

Avagadro

New Jersey

5/5  rDev +16%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A: Pours with the usual Nitro flare, with khaki froth falling to the bottom of the glass. Head retention is top notch, lasting over 20min. The body is jet black, and opaque, no matter the lighting.

S: Bouquet is well presented, with notes of chocolate, coffee, and demerara sugar.

T: Ol' Raspy is semi-sweet with notes of dark chocolate, cream, and demerara.

M: Full bodied and creamy without being sticky or sloppy. Rich, yet delicate.

D: I have always loved the Old Rasputin, but the nitro offering is a great improvement. The bottled version is slightly hoppier than it should be, and the nitro both mutes this, and enhances the mouthfeel. Overall, this is a must have if you ever see it at your local pub.

Serving type: nitro-tap

02-01-2011 21:55:59 | More by Avagadro

sweemzander

Illinois

4.68/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Nitro tap pour at Barleyhouse poured into a snifter.

(A)- Poured fairly thick and cascaded beautifully into a pitch black color with a milky - white foamy head that stuck around for quite some time. Tons of lacing left behind as it was consumed.

(S)- Rich aromas of roasted malts, coffee, molasses, and mocha. Smooth and sweet smelling.

(T)- A combination of a creamy smooth maltiness and a dry roasted background. Molasses, cocoa, and raisin all over the place.

(M)- A great carbonation level and balance. So smooth and creamy going down. The Nitro-tapping really created a nice smooth creamy feel to go along with the rich and roasted maltiness of the beer.

(D)- Dangerously drinkable for the style in this form. I could have had this all day during the game. Rich and malty with a creamy smooth center. I love this beer out of the bottle, but Nitro tap might be even better.

Serving type: nitro-tap

01-24-2011 13:05:41 | More by sweemzander

Dominicvampire

Mexico

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

EXCELENTE CERVEZA
COLOR: Obscuro (Característico de el estilo Stout) una cabeza café que desaparease de inmediato
AROMA: Chocolate, Toffe. Excelente y marcado aroma
SABOR:Es muy marcado el sabor a caramelo y chocolate, el LARGO se persive una sensación muy peculiar a caffe la cual también es muy típico del estilo Stout, la malta tostado chocolate le da un sabor muy agradable y el Lupulo y la fermentación un excelente amargor y cuerpo

Serving type: nitro-tap

01-22-2011 06:51:20 | More by Dominicvampire

cjacobsen

Illinois

4.65/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a black color with a creamy tan head. Lots of lacing and coat the glass well.

Smells of chocolate and coffee. Nicely sweet and malty. Smells great.

Taste is of cocoa and hints of coffee and vanilla. Roasted malt and even light malt comes through brilliantly.

Super creamy and delicious. Very amazing and smooth.

This is a great beer. Great after a nice meal. Really awesome flavor and feel. Truly a wonderful brew

Serving type: nitro-tap

01-21-2011 02:07:26 | More by cjacobsen

csiewert

Oregon

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

This beer pours a black color with a 2 finger tan thick and sticky head. The aroma contains some burnt malt characteristics with a flowery hoppy smell as well. The aromas with burnt malty characteristics including coffee and chocolate and then moves to a hoppy bitterness which is stronger than I expected. The mouthfeel leaves a little harshness on the top of your mouth, but nothing bad. Overall a great beer!

Serving type: nitro-tap

01-10-2011 23:38:06 | More by csiewert

bierguru

Florida

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

A -
black body cant see through thick tan head stays real well

S -
highly roasted malt aromas and alcoholic to the nose

T -
deep roasted malts bittersweet chocolate

M -
thick creamy and smooth its the way all stouts should feel

D -
this beer is awesome one of my favorite stouts now i have also had this beer out of a bottle and i prefer it that way
out of a nitro tap flavors are kind of mellowed out of the bottle they are much bolder which is awesome

Serving type: nitro-tap

01-06-2011 18:29:32 | More by bierguru

yeahnatenelson

Illinois

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

Imbibed at Finnegan's in Plainfield, IL on 12/03/2010.

Appearance -- Pours a deep dark brown with two fingers of delightfully creamy tan head. Retention and lacing are both phenomenal.

Smell -- The nose is bursting with bitter chocolate, along with ground coffee, vanilla, and licorice.

Taste -- Again, LOTS of dark chocolate, licorice, black coffee, anise, vanilla, and an abundance of leafy hop bitterness.

Mouthfeel -- Medium-full in body with gentle carbonation.

Drinkability -- Having this on nitro-tap deserves a second review. Beyond the smooth and creamy body, the chocolate notes are pushed far into the forefront. Great stuff. This beer makes me sad that Guinness and Murphy's are the only stouts that use nitro widgets. Just ain't fair, I tell you...

Serving type: nitro-tap

01-04-2011 03:25:29 | More by yeahnatenelson

orangesol

Pennsylvania

4.08/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Served on nitro-tap at Al's of Hampden into a nonic pint.

A - Pours used motor oil black with a thin, almost non-existent, head leaving thin rings of lacing down the glass.

S - Plenty of dark roasted malt blends well with the coffee, chocolate, and a faint hint of dark fruits. Some vanilla and cream sweetness helps keep things balanced as much as possible. Very nice nose.

T - Flavors are very similar to the nose. Rich coffee and cocoa dominate this one with some vanilla sweetness offering a bit of balance. Very rich, dark malted texture in the finish lingers for some time. If anything it was a bit thin, and given the nitro serving I can't see how that can happen..maybe too cold? Either way I have had this before, it is one of my favorites, and I will have it again. Hopefully those will be better than this one...

M - Heavy body and flavor with moderately low carbonation for being on nitro. Not the thick, creamy, stout I was expecting to receive when I ordered it to say the least.

D - Still very high. Even with the carb issues this is still one of my go to stouts. I was more disappointed in the pour than I was in the beer. I will have to re-review this one at a later time...

Serving type: nitro-tap

12-31-2010 04:00:42 | More by orangesol

mattgreger

Pennsylvania

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

Had this brew at Capone's on Nitro

This brew poured as black as it gets. There is absolutely no light coming through on this brew. This brew had a huge mocha color head that mushroomed over the top of the glass. Throughout the drink, the lacing walled the sides of the glass, even remaining when the brew was gone.

Wow, malts. The aroma hits you at the start. It has a nice sweet flavor with a nice hearty alcohol backbone. There is a caramel, chocolate and coffee malts present, maybe more. There is also a touch of some dark fruits as well, especially prunes.

As expected, the malt character shined through in the taste, as they did in the aroma. The chocolate malts dominate the brew. There is a bit of the dark fruits present in the taste, but the malts push them to teh back of the brew. This brew is very sweet for a stout, especially with one with such a high ABV. There is not really alcohol burn. So this brew has a nice bold flavor.

The mouthful on this one is very creamy. It coats very well, and goes done very easily. The chocolate taste stays for quite a while. It has a nice bold brew, with a nice sweet/chocolate finish.

This brew is a pretty good drink, especially for the ABV. Its not overly think, but creamy and goes down super easy. Its not a chugger by any means, but a great brew to take a gulps of. An amazing stout.

Serving type: nitro-tap

12-11-2010 04:12:05 | More by mattgreger

hoppyFreshness

Washington

4.6/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 3

This is my favorite russian imperial stout. It tastes incredible and goes down easy (especially on nitro). A little too easy. This beer tends to put the demon in me and the spirit of old Grigori Rasputin comes out in full effect. Dire consequences rapidly ensue.

Serving type: nitro-tap

11-10-2010 04:40:19 | More by hoppyFreshness

atsprings

North Carolina

4.25/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On nitro at Flying Saucer served in a standard pint glass a deep opaque black with a nice frothy khaki head that lasts and leaves nice lacing on the glass. Aroma is a bit of roasted malts, not much else. The taste is a nice amount of smooth roasted malts along with bitter cocoa, molasses and some mild espresso. The beer is medium bodied with smooth carbonation and just a bit of alcohol presence. This is a great nitro brew, one I wish was more readily available.

Serving type: nitro-tap

11-01-2010 20:29:13 | More by atsprings

Naugros

New Jersey

3.93/5  rDev -8.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Near black and served in a North Coast Brewery Old Rasputin nonic glass. One of the weirdest heads I've seen on a stout. It was light brown and not particularly thick, but there were spots of tan making differently sized splotches...sort of like a rash. Odd. The lace was thin and spotty without much coverage. Maybe it was their tap lines or the tap itself.

The only difference between the smell of this RIP is that I didn't detect a ton of coffee or chocolate. It was mostly roasty toasty. Not a bad thing, but not all that complex.

The taste was nearly identical to the nose in taste. A little spice in the bitterness entered into the equation, but not strongly, even when colder than it should have been. It didn't back off as it warmed, but stayed at a nice level.

This was a bit thin for a RIP. I don't want to say watery, because it wasn't. It had the body of an Irish stout, even being incredibly smooth.

With the light body and toned down bitterness this is one of the easiest drinking RIPs I've ever had, which is dangerous...check out that abv and you'll know why. You really don't sense much of the alcohol in this.

Serving type: nitro-tap

10-02-2010 03:28:22 | More by Naugros

perrymarcus

Massachusetts

4.15/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

[review from notes taken 09/17/10]

on tap @ deep ellum, allston (boston) MA.

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. tasty brew, easily an upper tier RIS, though IMO doesn't quite distinguish itself enough to rival the best of the best.

smooth, velvety moutfeel; moderately carbed. decent drinkability, as far as russian imperial stouts go. you won't find a better beer for your money.

Serving type: nitro-tap

09-27-2010 15:20:03 | More by perrymarcus

AdamBear

Pennsylvania

3.6/5  rDev -16.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A-beautiful black, nice light tan head

S-chocolate and cocoa beans

T-wow its like rich but creamy chocolate. there's not much of a big after-taste. abv is noticeably high

M-very very smooth, almost no carbonation. surprisingly a dry finish though.

D-abv hits quickly. taste stays pretty well but gets a little bitterness to it, i enjoyed this all the way through, but more than one would be difficult to drink at a time.

Serving type: nitro-tap

09-27-2010 02:20:59 | More by AdamBear

jfdean

New York

4.65/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

I'm fortunate enough that my local bar has been keeping Old Ras on nitro-tap for some time now. Whenever the mood strikes for something rich, dark, creamy, and with enough alcohol in it to relax for the night, I head over.

The beer arrives with a body that is pitch black topped with a immaculate tan head. The smell is more roasty than anything with a subtle malty sweetness you can pick up. You are unlikly to make it through the head on the first sip, but don't let that dissuade you... The head itself is a treat being insanely smooth with a much lighter feel to it while keeping the notes of chocolate, roast and malt that await in the beer proper. Savor the sips of Old Ras because on tap it is candy. You will finish a glass without thinking about it, and with everybody else doing the same it might not be long before the keg kicks.

If you see Old Ras on tap, get it. No ifs ands or buts.

Serving type: nitro-tap

09-22-2010 05:14:44 | More by jfdean

soupyman10

District of Columbia

4.7/5  rDev +9%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Hard one to grade down, this. Had it on nitro-tap at Meridian Pint in DC when I recognized that it was probably the best thing available, and man was I right. Huge, delicious, creamy beer. Monster thick creamy white head on top of a near-black brew. Beer is huge chocolate, roasted malt, molasses, raisins, and a hint of coffee. Had this beer many a time, but nitro-tap might be the best available option. Will definitely be grabbing it again.

Serving type: nitro-tap

09-20-2010 22:12:35 | More by soupyman10

DoubleSimcoe

New York

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

Old Raspy coming out of a nitro-tap at Bodega in Columbus, Ohio.

Appearance: Creamy, shiny, very dark and opaque. A good-size head that remains. Incredible lacing that hugs and coats the glass.

Smell: Milk, roastiness, chicory.

Taste: More malts and some coffee followed by a gentle bitterness.

Mouthfeel: The nitro creaminess is present throughout. Full body despite the smoothness, though. A pleasant throat burn and a bitterness that lingers. A little filling.

Drinkability: Good but not great. I love this beer but I wouldn't have lots of it. The nitro presentation is my favorite- much better than a bottle (which is a little harsh) and regular draft.

Serving type: nitro-tap

09-17-2010 02:28:08 | More by DoubleSimcoe

BevMoAndrew

California

4.68/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Poured into a mug from a Nitro Tap at Hollingshead yesterday.

The North Coast Old Rasputin pours a pitch black in the mug with a very thick (almost like a chocolate milkshake) froth that cascades for almost 2 minutes! Needless to say, the beer had amazing head retention & beautiful lacing. The nose is pronounced, yet subtle & inviting with aromas of chocolate, mocha, vanilla, caramel, espresso, molasses, mild hop resin, & a mild alcohol sent that follows through on the palate. The beer has a full, yet extremely creamy body, smooth hop bitterness (more like a drying sensation), and long finish. In the past, I have thoroughly enjoyed this beer & must admit that this is one of my favorite beers. However, the beer gets even better from the nitro tap! Highest Recommendation!

Serving type: nitro-tap

09-11-2010 17:01:03 | More by BevMoAndrew

gregshead

California

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

A - Black color, 2 fingers of head. A thick layer of tan/chocolate ice cream colored foam remains behind.

S - Roasted grains and very faint chocolate smell. Not much smell but Stout aren't known for their smell.

T- Chocolate and roasted grains. A very rich stout. A tiny bit of bite at the end.

M - Thick & Smooth, very smooth and creamy. Could not ask for more.

D - Wow. For this type of beer, it might be one of the most drinkable imperial stout. I leave room for a contender but I would have a very hard time passing this beer up if I see it on a menu or bar list.

Serving type: nitro-tap

09-07-2010 06:12:24 | More by gregshead

oglmcdgl

Pennsylvania

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

A pint on the nitro at capones. Oh boy a fing pint.

A- comes to me with three huge fingers of super dense creamy tan head that takes forever to settles leaving big sticky ring of suds. Black as all get out and not a speck of light making its way through the brew.

S- malty and sweet. Nutty and roasty. Chocolate, oatmeal, coffee, a hint of molasses and dark brown sugar.

T- deep roasted malts, espresso, and slightly burnt oatmeal. Tons of bakers chocolate and molasses. Some dark fruits and brown sugar. Hints of anise and pumpernickle bread in the back.

M- thick, chewy, viscous and syrupy. Super creamy and full bodied with that smooth nitro that just works so well with this stellar brew.

D- this is a monster of a stout yet its always super drinkable, on nitro this is a revelation. One of the best brew I've ever had on nitro.

Serving type: nitro-tap

08-23-2010 23:38:35 | More by oglmcdgl

stakem

Pennsylvania

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

Review from notes taken 6/23/10.

On tap at Als served in a nonic. Appears black in color with a thick creamy tan head that retains very well and sticks in thick patches about the glass. Nose is full of dark grains smelling of coffee and dark chocolate with a blend of hops and dark skinned fruity sweetness. The alcohol becomes a bit more noticeable as it warms. Taste includes a mixture of alcohol, roasty grain and slightly citrusy hop bitterness upfront that blends through a medium creamy smooth body with more flavors of dark grainy sweetness. The roasted grains suggest black coffee, dark chocolate and dark skinned fruits much like the aroma indicated. There is a pleasant lingering bitterness from the darkly roasted grain coupled with the flavor and warmth of alcohol. This is a brew I enjoy regularly from a bottle and on nitro it is even more drinkable and creamy in the feel.

Serving type: nitro-tap

08-17-2010 19:19:50 | More by stakem

Axic10

Pennsylvania

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

On tap (nitro) at Capone's

Appearance: Dark black with creamy mocha colored foam of two fingers on top.

Smell: Roasted/burnt malt, alcohol and fresh roasted coffee. Just stellar.

Taste: Burnt malt, fresh brewed coffee, some dark chocolate notes.

Mouthfeel: Full bodied, creamy and smooth.

Drinkability: Wow. I haven't had this beer for years, but this definitely is a winner. I think it gets over looked for more hyped beers but this is a very smooth and enjoyable RIS that is dangerously smooth and drinkable.

Serving type: nitro-tap

06-28-2010 03:34:34 | More by Axic10

RomaniIteDomum

Florida

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

This looks quite different off nitro. The creamy tan head is beautiful on top of the black doom that is Rasputin.

The smell has quite a bit of fruit, coffee, and some cream.

Taste follows the nose fairly well. Lots of cream and stone fruit with a hint of creamed coffee in the finish.

Creamy as hell. I love nitro beers.

I never thought Raspy could be more drinkable, but off nitro it is.

Serving type: nitro-tap

06-25-2010 02:49:03 | More by RomaniIteDomum