Old Rasputin XIV Anniversary - North Coast Brewing Co.

Greywulfken

New York

4.53/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Russian Imperial stout perfection: pitch black and so viscous you can see it; half-glass of stiff mocha-colored head with the density of shaving cream; drapes of lace decorate the glass as you drink

S: ethereal bourbon and oak notes hover over a sweet-smelling malt base - hints of treacle/molasses, anise, vanilla

T: follows the nose and satisfies the appearance: the sweet espresso of the roasted chocolate malts is the foundation for the flavors of bourbon barrels, vanilla, and oak. Very smooth

M: syrupy tastes intact, this beer is nonetheless rather crisp (for a RIS) on the palate, owning no doubt to the barrel aging. A leaner drinking beer than some RIS's I've had, but it serves to add a sophistication to the beer.

O: Owing to my beer taste evolution or the bottle-aging, or both, I can say that this is a better drink than I first thought when I first had it. A very refined take on an already impressive beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-14-2012 22:36:31 | More by Greywulfken

alamode

Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +4.2%

05-21-2013 01:02:17 | More by alamode

seplo

Connecticut

4.25/5  rDev -1.6%

05-20-2013 23:47:28 | More by seplo

beernads

Florida

4/5  rDev -7.4%

05-18-2013 07:15:58 | More by beernads

Slatetank

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -7.4%

05-15-2013 11:28:30 | More by Slatetank

chinchill

South Carolina

4.33/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

XIV version poured near black with a durable, dark tan head.

Full bodied; light ABV heat; slightly syrupy (in a good way); (from memory) smooth than the original Old Rasputin.

Very fine smell and flavor even though the bourbon barrels partially over-power the original's RIS characteristics. Indeed, my main criticism is that there is a bit too much bourbon barrel flavoring in this stout.

O: This aging treatment has transformed this ale into something quite different but nearly as appealing.

Serving type: bottle

05-10-2013 23:38:05 | More by chinchill

marshmeli

New York

4.75/5  rDev +10%

05-10-2013 20:52:24 | More by marshmeli

FUwolfpacker

South Carolina

4.5/5  rDev +4.2%

05-10-2013 12:16:23 | More by FUwolfpacker

leftoverburrito

Oregon

2.5/5  rDev -42.1%

05-08-2013 03:12:01 | More by leftoverburrito

jrpapajcik

Illinois

4.75/5  rDev +10%

05-01-2013 05:15:57 | More by jrpapajcik

Buckeye982

Ohio

4.5/5  rDev +4.2%

04-24-2013 01:17:38 | More by Buckeye982

drgonzo2k2

California

4.5/5  rDev +4.2%

04-21-2013 14:58:30 | More by drgonzo2k2

egrace84

Illinois

4.25/5  rDev -1.6%

04-12-2013 13:05:06 | More by egrace84

ystazi

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +4.2%

04-12-2013 13:00:24 | More by ystazi

Atomicskis5

Connecticut

3/5  rDev -30.6%

04-11-2013 02:02:00 | More by Atomicskis5

tut2528

Illinois

4.24/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

thanks again to a badass BA MatttYCE for this one!

Bruery snifter, Lousiville Cardinals heading to the NCAAB Championship Game!

A: typical RIS appearance, black as night with dark tan colored head formation that was about a 1 fingers worth. very nice lacing

S: just an absolute massive blast of oak, bourbon and sweet cocoa nibs. subtle aroma of liquorice and smoke.

T: interesting....the nose was very aggressive, but everything is dialed back and sits in nice balance. oak, bourbon, alcohol heat, sweet chocolate. vanilla and even a touch of coconut in the finish. quite nice. dark fruits also come out here as opposed to the nose. every once in a while, just a hint of smoke is noticed

M: solid full bodied brew here, slight carbonation, leaves a nice alcohol heat on the palate along with a chocolatey, bourbon flavor.

O: I have mixed feelings about this brew. the bourbon is aggressive in the nose but it also has enough cocoa presence to create just enough balance. taste had a nice balance and just enough alcohol heat to make this one enjoyable. Problem is this sucker is 500 ml and $20-$25...quite steep in my honest opinion

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2013 02:53:32 | More by tut2528

bpk59

Massachusetts

4.25/5  rDev -1.6%

04-06-2013 23:44:21 | More by bpk59

madnismo

Florida

4.75/5  rDev +10%

04-03-2013 02:56:00 | More by madnismo

rolltide8425

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +4.2%

04-02-2013 02:47:03 | More by rolltide8425

timmybaggins

Illinois

4.25/5  rDev -1.6%

04-01-2013 19:35:42 | More by timmybaggins

bcostner1

Tennessee

4.75/5  rDev +10%

03-24-2013 21:16:56 | More by bcostner1

orangesol

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -7.4%

03-24-2013 16:31:11 | More by orangesol

Sparky44

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +4.2%

03-24-2013 02:33:25 | More by Sparky44

Mike

New Hampshire

4/5  rDev -7.4%

03-22-2013 13:59:49 | More by Mike

spicelab

Australia

4.25/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

500mL bottle with thanks to MrKennedy. Shared with that questionable character and danieelol. Reviewed form notes.

Motor oil with a persistent mocha head that eventually recedes to a nice raised ring.

Liqourice, toasted coconut, sharp oaky wood and mild plastic notes.

Flavours are about big and beautifully refined barrel notes. Coconut, vanilla, raisins and muscovado sugar.

Velvety and smooth, with carbonation that is surprisingly high for the style, but thankfully more dusty than prickly.

Great BA RIS. The barell character certainly strong-arms the base beer, but it's so good you don't care.

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2013 00:56:52 | More by spicelab