North Coast Brewing Company Old Rasputin
What the brewers say
“Produced in the tradition of eighteenth century English brewers who supplied the court of Russia’s Catherine the Great, Old Rasputin seems to develop a cult following wherever it goes. It’s a rich, intense brew with big complex flavors and a warming finish.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Cacao nibs, toffee, and light cherry esters with a touch of lemon. Mild roast and hints of fresh coffee with a moderate alcohol nose.”
Flavor: “Roast and chocolate dominate with low level dark fruit esters to complement them, specifically cherry. Hops bitterness throughout balances the malt sweetness. Finishes fairly dry and slightly bitter, but this makes you want another sip. Slight heat on the finish as well reminding you that this is imperial. A bit light on body relative to other contemporary examples. The addition of some caramelized sugars or other dark fruit flavors would help the complexity.”
Overall: “This beer does everything right but doesn’t quite reach its full potential. A good example of the style that could benefit from a bit more body and complexity, but a great beer overall.”
