Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout - North Coast Brewing Co.

COBeerBuff

Kansas

4.28/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured into an 8 oz. snifter at Barley's in Shawnee, KS.

Appearance: When I first laid eyes upon the glass, it looked strikingly like a dry stout, whether this is due to a nitro tap or what, I don't know at this point. There was a solid finger and a half of tan colored head that looked soft and billowy. And the beer itself is black as night. No light is getting through today, and it's a pretty sunny day here on the plains.

Smell: This beer smells heavily of roasted chocolates and toasted grain malts. There is a lot of sweet vanilla and some cream as well. Subtle hops are present, but this beer is certainly all about the malts, which is exactly what an impy stout should be about.

Taste: Much like the nose, this beer is a heavy chocolate, grain malt bomb. The chocolates are mostly dark and heavy with a bit of spiciness as well. The grains on the other hand represent everything that is good with using toasted and burnt grain malts in a beer. I love it.

Mouthfeel: Amazingly enough, the nose didn't display anything overt, but the first sip had some stinging alcoholic esters, which was very surprising. As the beer warmed and settled, these phenolic overtones mellowed considerably, but it was a bit harsh to start. This brew was definitely served too cold for my tastes.

Drinkability: As I find myself staring at my final third, I can't help but remark about the drinkability of this brew. Many RIS tend to be heavy, thick, viscous sipping beers. This is not like those. It definitely has a pronounced mouthfeel. It's not too light, but it doesn't sit heavily in your stomach either. North Coast created a winner with this RIS, and it is one that I will continue to drink happily here in Kansas.

Serving type: nitro-tap

06-23-2010 23:14:29 | More by COBeerBuff

boothbeer

Illinois

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

Nitro-tap at the Map Room in Chicago

A: Pours a viscous dark black with 2 fingers of this dark mocha colored head. Lacing is beautiful and covers the snifter as this beers is consumed.

S: Dark chocolate and lightly roasted malts. Almost a sweetness to the aroma.

T: Lightly roasted malts and chocolate up front. Touch of vanilla. A little bit of hops comes through before the malts leave a roasty finish.

M: Having this on nitro made this amazing. Just super creamy and smooth. Very viscous and chewy. Probably one of the best mouthfeels on any beer I've had.

D: This beer was so smooth it went down with ease. I've always liked this beer out of the bottle, but nitro made it so much better. If I see this again, I will be ordering it.

Serving type: nitro-tap

06-07-2010 04:33:13 | More by boothbeer

glid02

Georgia

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

Nitro-tap at the Brick Store.

Pours black with a large and cascading brown head. The head slowly recedes into a thin layer on top leaving thick lacing.

Smells of roasted malts, smooth dark chocolate, and very light leafy hops. As the beer warms the aroma sweetens a bit.

Tastes similar to how it smells, although a bit more complex. Lightly roasted malt flavors kick things off and are joined quickly by semi-sweet chocolate flavors. Midway through the sip the chocolate flavors sweeten a bit and are joined by very mild amounts of vanilla. Finally, hints of leafy hops come into play right before a mildly bitter ending.

Mouthfeel is great. It's got a very viscous thickness with grainy carbonation.

Drinkability is very good. I finished my glass quickly and could easily have another.

Overall I was surprised at how much the nitro-tap changed this beer and even more surprised at how it positively affected it. Well worth a shot.

Serving type: nitro-tap

05-31-2010 23:49:49 | More by glid02

djbreezy

Washington

4.3/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Had on nitro-tap at Apex bar in Portland, OR. Poured into a stemmed glass.

appearance - pours a thick and viscous black with a nice tan, head, lacing spans the entire length of the glass

smell - chocolate brownie, lightly roasted malts

taste - chocolate, coffee, earthy hops

mouthfeel - chewy, medium bodied, incredibly smooth

drinkability - very complex, amazing mouthfeel on nitro, really smooths out the flavors

Serving type: nitro-tap

05-07-2010 04:47:58 | More by djbreezy

blackc5

Washington

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

On nitro tap in a pint glass.

A - Amazingly black with a perfect 2-finger tan head that is just densely creamy thanks to the nitro tap. High retention, and great lacing as well. Exceptional no doubt.

S - Dark chocolate at the forefront, with some coffee, roasted caramel malts, and all very nicely balanced. Smells like dessert.

T - Outstanding, this one lives up to the hype. It is a chocolate milkshake minus the sweetness, and still all of the great beer characteristics of a quality stout. The dark chocolate is dominant, but does not overwhelm the other characteristics of the beer like many chocolate-additive stouts do. Top notch, and I should have had another rather than trying something else... Will be buying a four-pack next time I am at the store and see this.

M - Again, milkshake-like in it's creaminess. The nitro really works here, and lends such a rich mouthfeel.

D - Surely no session beer, but it accels for the style, and is quite wonderful. I will seek this out in the future, and surely never pass when given a chanc to have it on nitro.

Serving type: nitro-tap

04-16-2010 03:32:44 | More by blackc5

ChrisPro

Illinois

3.7/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On nitro tap at North Coast brewpub on 6/28/09. Pours solid black, creamy mocha head. Hints of chocolate, but dominated by coffee aroma. Mild sweetness with bitter coffee finish and a little slick on the tongue. Solid, well above average, imperial stout.

Note: factoring in the bottle price, this beer is exceptional!

Serving type: nitro-tap

03-29-2010 02:09:02 | More by ChrisPro

Lolli1315

Illinois

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

A- Opaque black with a three finger head that looks as if cream were poured in the beer because of the nitrogen used on tap. If people think that Guiness looks good, they should take a gander at this.

S- Large amounts of roasted malts present with a coffee background and somewhat of a bitter chocolate finish. Alcohol is present, but not overpowering as I find usual with good Russian Imperial Stout.

T- Wow, this beer takes the ordinary Old Rasputin and puts it on steroids for me. Would rather give this somewhere between a 4.5 and a 5 as I feel the need to show what I think is a better beer. Roasted malts and a coffee taste dominate with dark, smooth chocolate finishing out the rear. Just enough kick from the hops to make this an excellent beer.

M- Cannot get much better than this. Full bodied and chewy mouthfeel with a much more fluid and smooth body provided from the nitrogen. Cannot emphasize how smooth this beer is and the degree it adds to every sip.

D- Before I knew it, I looked down to see this beer already gone, and wanting much more. My wallet could take a beating if this was on tap regularly.

Serving type: nitro-tap

03-20-2010 23:11:25 | More by Lolli1315

ThreeWiseMen

California

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

Sampled at Creekside Brewing Co. in San Luis Obispo last night.

Served in an Old Rasputin nonic.

Appearance: Pitch black body with a tall, dense, pile of brown foam on top. Head retention is a m a z i n g. While I've always loved the look of Old Rasputin, I've never seen one quite like this. The nitro does some pretty incredible things for it. Great lacing. Fantastic colors. Perfect!

Smell: Tons of roasted malt and dark chocolate with milder suggestions of coffee, pine, lactose, floral hops, and fruity esters.

Taste: Roasted malt, dark chocolate, black coffee, dulled pine, and mild burnt notes. Very roasty and robust with solid, long-lasting bitterness. Pretty intense. The nitro seems to make it roastier than normal. I like.

Mouthfeel: I think I might like this on plain CO2 better. This version is softer and creamier, but I actually miss the bite. Full, rich, and robust with a long-lasting bitter-roasty aftertaste.

Drinkability: Pretty rough, but really flavorful. This took awhile to get through, but I'll definitely be ordering it again.

Serving type: nitro-tap

02-14-2010 18:22:12 | More by ThreeWiseMen

hops1337

Mississippi

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

I'm reviewing the nitro version although i have had way more of it bottles and regular draft. Had this at the green frog in the 'ham. First thing i noticed was how smooth it was. Damn i could drink a lot of this stuff! Way smoother than the bottles. Still had all the taste and complexity of the bottle version, just way easier to drink. I just love the tobacco flavor of old ras, i don't know why. One of my favorites of all time, hands down...

Serving type: nitro-tap

02-02-2010 08:36:12 | More by hops1337

jampics2

Ohio

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

A modern day classic. Perhaps the epitome of the style!

A jet-black glass of gold sits infront of me. A huge frothy head never goes away.

Smells amazing. Chocolate, roasted malts, creamy goodness.

Taste is just the bees knees. Sweet chocolate, bitter dark chocolate, roasted malts all mixed in immaculate proportions. Bitterness only accentuates the sweetness. Holy cow, this is so smooth! Rasputin was one of the first RIS's I ever had and, on nitro tap, it's hands down the purest example of perfect RIS flavor and balance I've ever had.

Mouthfeel is milkshake thick, carb (nitro) is perfect. Drinkability is unheard of for this kind of business.

Serving type: nitro-tap

01-01-2010 17:16:20 | More by jampics2

augustgarage

California

4.03/5  rDev -6.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I normally steer clear of nitro taps, but curiosity got the better of me last night at the Library Ale House. Served in an Old Rasputin nonic, which was a nice touch.

Thoroughly opaque black hole of a body crowned by two fat fingers of light tan, thick mocha fizz. Perpetual retention, cake-batter-like lacing, though no real legs to speak of.

Almost sour roast malt, lightly burnt bread, subtle esters from the alcohol, and a touch of weeds and citrus from the hops.

Over-roasted coffee, bread crusts, and a pungent mineral note that seems to be emphasized with this serving type. Unsweetened baker's chocolate and scalded milk lead into the surprisingly dry, almost dusty finish (vaguely brings to mind river stones, cheap hotel ice, old carpets, and other assorted phantoms). While strongly bitter, the hops don't jump out at you - a very carefully balanced beer.

Thick, soft, uniform body though a bit "artificial" in its presentation especially considering the purity of ingredients and skill in craftsmanship - I'd much prefer to see this on-cask. If I'm going to abandon my (perhaps idealized) notions of product integrity, why not go all the way and head down to The Golden State for one of their Old Rasputin beer floats?

A clean, rich, strong, yet subtle brew - highly drinkable especially considering the robust ABV and IBU.

Serving type: nitro-tap

12-23-2009 16:08:20 | More by augustgarage

rtepiak

Poland

4.18/5  rDev -3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

pour was not as voluminous as expected but still had a head on it that wasn't as dark as in bottle form. off white mocha. nose was quite interesting blend of coffee and chocolate... as well as some interesting herbal traits. anise and a grain earthy quality. much more subtle. much more complex. palate was roasted chocolate and a coffee bitter that also blended with a acidic tobacco earth quality. nice mix. acidic quality blended also with the stale fruit that i would expect from a nice english porter. grape apple like. very nicely blended but surprisingly disappointing body coming from a nitro...

i don't know if the beer is to blame. the keg seemed a bit older.

Serving type: nitro-tap

11-25-2009 14:18:27 | More by rtepiak

erosier

Connecticut

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

L: Pours a dark black with a very thick, medium sized, tan colored head that laces the glass all the way down. Really thick and creamy looking.
S: Smells of deep roasted malts, hints of chocolate, coffee, caramel. Really well balanced aroma.
T: Like the smell it has a very well mixed malt base of deep roasted malts, not too bitter and not too sweet, then chocolate, coffee, and caramel flavors with a very clean tasting aftertaste.
M: Very creamy, very rich, warming, perfect amount of carbonation.
D: Very drinkable beer even with the high abv as all the flavors and aromas blended very well for a really good beer. Adding the nitro-tap to it doesn't hurt either.

Serving type: nitro-tap

11-09-2009 11:32:42 | More by erosier

Aenema

Maryland

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

Appearance - Pours pitch black with a tan head and minimal lacing.
Smell - Roasted malts, coffee and alcohol.
Taste - Roasted malts, chocolate, coffee, vanilla. Deep and rich.
Mouthfeel - Full-bodied with a smooth, creamy feel and light to moderate carbonation. Fine bubbles.
Drinkability - Very rich, filling.
Overall - Delicious, intensely flavored beer with an incredibly smooth mouthfeel.

Serving type: nitro-tap

11-06-2009 04:31:35 | More by Aenema

GrittyMug345

Maine

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

Had this on nitro at Novare Res in Portland, ME, poured into a 16oz shaker pint. A very tight one finger head the color of coffee ice cream on top of a pitch black body, the head dies verry slowly down to a half finger and remains, the lacing left behind throughout is more like sheeting. The nose is of sweet toffee, roasty malt, and cocoa powder. The flavor is more fo the same, with a nice touch of espresso, a raisiny sweetness, followed by a bitter cocoa/espresso finish, there is also a hint of earth in there somewhere. The mouthfeel is superb, very creamy, nice and thick but not syrupy, very smooth. Drinkability is great for what this is, by no means a session beer but it is not intended to be, a perfect dessert beer.

Serving type: nitro-tap

10-30-2009 17:36:05 | More by GrittyMug345

squaremile

Oregon

3.8/5  rDev -11.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This is a standby for a lot of folks including myself. When I want an RIS and want to spend $2, Old Raspy is there, like a non-pretentious gradeschool friend. Black pour, small/medium head, some lacing, and the nose is roasted malts and coffee. The flavor is much more of the same with espresso dominating. On nitro tap the punch is relaxed and the mouthfeel is foamy goodness.

Serving type: nitro-tap

10-18-2009 07:35:31 | More by squaremile

nectar14

California

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

From nitro at Toronado SD.

A: Pours black with a nice tan head, settling with a creamy foam and cascading bubbles, like I've seen Guinness do. Looks like a textbook stout.
S: Dark, malty, toasty, a bit nutty and chocolately. Everything in the right place.
T: More complete and complex than I've had this from bottle. Roasted grain, touch of coffee, chocolate, and walnut.
M: Carries some bitterness to contrast the malty, roasted flavors. Finishes with some bite. Full in body. Again, textbook.
D: Satisfying, solid, great stout. Doesn't blow me away, but when you're looking for a good stout, this is a great go-to beer.
Thumbs up.

Serving type: nitro-tap

09-12-2009 00:35:40 | More by nectar14

donniecuffs

New Jersey

4.43/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured into an American pint glass.

A: Thick dark brown/black, with a tan head that lasted and laced fairly well.

S: Coffee, chocolate, woodiness, vanilla, and caramel. Very sweet overall.

T: The flavor was more balanced than the nose, with all of the aforementioned flavors evident, with a hint of alcoholic presence on the finish, but not overpowering. Very well done.

M: Like drinking thick chocolate milk; very velvety smooth on the palate.

D: With such intense flavor, it might be a little too much for sessioning, but I'd still give it a try ;-)

Serving type: nitro-tap

09-10-2009 21:49:29 | More by donniecuffs

LittleDon

Texas

4.8/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Jet black with a thick tan head that last all the way to the bottom of the glass. Hints of coffee and carmelized malts in the aroma. The flavor is much of the same, with a toffee upper pallate middle. The alcohol is noticeable, but well balanced. On the sweet side, but not as much as, say Lefthand Milk Stout. There's a big mouthfeel to this one. Toasty, coffee and dark chocolate finish in the back and upper palatte. Of the 70 beers I've review thus far, this is the closest I've had to perfect.

Serving type: nitro-tap

09-01-2009 04:28:31 | More by LittleDon

Slatetank

Pennsylvania

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

I had this at Teresa's Next door on Nitro at the Beer Geek brunch, Served chilled in a large snifter

A - Deep black, opaque like a black hole w/ 2 fingers of whipped chocolate mousse for a head.

S- Slight port aroma, deep plum, tobacco, cocoa, vanilla, coffee and caaramel

M - Lots of creaminess in the feel w/ smooth vanilla and spice. Lots of charred malt textures w/ mild sweetness in the finish and mild alcohol accent

T - Bitter cocoa, dark toffee, french pressed french roast coffee, caramel and high amounts of vanilla flavor-earthy bean like elements. A dark brown sugar, molasses and cocoa mix w/ mild caramel, dark plum fruit notes and hints of roasted barley. There is the taste of dark rum as the alchohol is present in the finish, with mild sweetness at around room temp.

D - Well brewed RIS w/ nitro usage I actually enjoyed. I am not normally a fan of the Nitro, but in this stout it is fantastic, Old Rasputin is a top -notch ale any way you cut it.

Serving type: nitro-tap

08-25-2009 17:08:00 | More by Slatetank

ffejherb

Pennsylvania

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

On nitro-tap at North Coast on 7/16/09.

A - Black onyx body with a hint of deep ruby around the bottom and a perfect finger's width of dense, creamy tan froth that just retained amazingly and deposited a thick web of psychedelic lace all around the glass. A beautiful nitro pour indeed!

S - Chocolate and roasted malt with hints of hazlenuts and licorice. Subtle coffee notes and dark fruit emerge in the background. An earthy hop presence is also apparent, albeit quite restrained.

T - Luscious sweet and semi-sweet chocolate and cocoa up front with lots of roasted goodness and a prominent nutty character suggesting hazlenuts. Earthy, leafy hops impart an herbal aspect, which extends into the finish and, along with a coffee character, provides ample bitterness.

M - Medium to full bodied with a super creamy, smooth texture and soft carbonation akin to a cask pour. Moderately dry, bitter finish with some residual sweetness on the palate. Minimal alcohol warmth, especially for a 9% RIS.

D - Fantastic RIS indeed, and especially smooth and drinkable on nitro. Yum! Subtle yet complex in all of its delicious, velvety smooth glory.

Serving type: nitro-tap

08-12-2009 21:39:11 | More by ffejherb

ShogoKawada

Rhode Island

4.58/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Poured into 14.5oz tulip at Deep Ellum in Allston, MA. Enjoyed with a pretzel and beer chese, along with whole-seed spicy mustard. If you go there, get the pretzel. moving on...

A- Motor-oil black, a nice, thick, creamy head (thanks to the nitro)

S- Expresso, coffee essence, deep roasted barley, cocoa sugars.. lots of goodness.

T- Fantastic. Follows the nose... this stuff is pretty damn near perfect.

M- Outstanding, the Nitro-Tap takes this beer to beyond the stratosphere. 5 of 5.

D- Moderate to moderately high, filling, but oh so good. One of my more memorable beers. Nitro and Old Raspy are like peanut butter and jelly.

Serving type: nitro-tap

08-04-2009 00:18:00 | More by ShogoKawada

beertunes

Washington

4.72/5  rDev +9.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served in straight pint glass. Poured a beautiful black, with a lovely cascade ascending into 3/4 inch of dark tan head that had excellent retention and left a moderate amount of lacing.

Rich roasted malt aromas greet the nose, without the annoying coffee notes so often found in brews of this type. Those deep scents translate into a glorious flavor on the tongue. Nothing exotic, edgy, radical or extreme, just the exact stout experience you're looking for.

The body is wonderfully full, smooth, textured and coats the tongue like a well-worn jacket. Easily drinkable, this is one of the big stouts I have several of in a row. Truly a world-class brew, if this is not available locally it's certainly worth much effort to obtain it by whatever means at your disposal.

Serving type: nitro-tap

08-01-2009 21:30:37 | More by beertunes

flannelman808

California

4.3/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

had this on a Nitro tap... yum...

Look: This beer pours very dark and has a deep tan head. Extra creamy coming off the nitro.

Smell: Smells like toffee and coffee and coco. Chocolate malts. I smell soy sauce as well and a little tangyness... very complex.

Mouthfeel: Very creamy and warming. This beer coats the tongue and throat.

Taste: Toffee and sweet malts. I get a very Dark chocolate flavor as well. This beer starts sweet but is very balanced...The hop presence bites the tongue as the beer finishes. Very good stuff!

Drinkability: I love this beer but its best had as a dessert perhaps with chocolate or ice cream.

Serving type: nitro-tap

07-14-2009 23:55:47 | More by flannelman808

Liverpool08

Massachusetts

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

Color is a beautiful midnight black with a nice mocha colored head. Sweet smells of coffee and a hint of the alchohol. Super taste. Has the elements of coffee, chocolate, and English toffee. Nice creamy malt flavors that coat the mouth. What a great beer to end the evening with.
Very very easy to drink. A top-notch RIS!!

Serving type: nitro-tap

07-02-2009 01:57:06 | More by Liverpool08