North Coast "Old Rasputin" Imperial Stout

As I start to drink this, the first thing I am struck with is the fact that - as this is written - Russia has invaded Ukraine. Just because this says it is a Russian Imperial Stout does not mean that comes from Russia. This comes from California. However, I list this with North Coast as the brewery, but it should be noted that a brewery I've never heard of called Gordon Biersch appears to have been responsible for actually canning these. Makes me wonder if maybe I missed that on previous beverages from North Coast. Either way, it's time to kill Old Rasputin.

The dark black beverage has just a tinge of ruby around the edges and a very significant head that is medium-tan and filled with lots of different sized bubbles. The bubbles descend to a complete but uneven layer across the top of the beer with a thick ring around the sides and copious amounts of lacing. The aroma is smoky molasses, dark fruit, and earth. The malt is imposing and dour, much like the character of the Russian people and the attitude of Rasputin himself.

First sip is smoky molasses (an excellent jazz player name) riding on light coffee, dark chocolate, and bitterness. I have grown accustomed to the relatively unapproachable nature of an Imperial Stout, but I can't say that learning about it has really endeared the style to me. It has a sort of pumpernickel and nuts flavor about it that doesn't really jive with my palate particularly well, but I can understand why some people would be drawn to this. I, however, do not find myself liking it very much.

Tip-in is sweet brown sugar with smoky malt and light carbonation tingle. The middle becomes a solid hit of pumpernickel nut log with molasses and coffee grounds integrated into it. The finish melds into slight sweetness before turning bitter before dark fruits and earth are allowed to emerge to complement the middle of the beer.

Bottom Line: Just a bit too stodgy.

1.75/5