Autumn equals stout time (although I'd never say no to a stout at any point during the year) and Nicki had found several interesting ones at Whole Foods. I then went to Champane's where they were $1-2 cheaper. Score!
One of these was Old Rasputin, a Russian Imperial Stout (or RIS) from North Coast Brewing Co. With 9% ABV it's a sipper (then again, I sip all stouts, porters and RIS) and we took our time sampling and enjoying it last night. A shade shy of black, it's a beauty indeed. A leather-tan head sits on top of a nearly viscous-looking beer. The retention of the head was quite long as well.
The flavor is amazing: it starts off as a bitter, Belgian dark chocolate bar, which is quickly overturned into burned oak with some hints of a fantastic espresso, like the one I had in Rennes (France) all these years ago. And then it hits you: the hops just bloom in your mouth. This RIS definitely has a higher IBU, but thanks to the full body and mouthfeel I found it very pleasant. The hops also added a citrus flavor, one I've come to associate only with hops, to the mix.
Rasputin, you old scoundrel, you've won over our hearts. Fortunately we have another 2 bottles!
One of these was Old Rasputin, a Russian Imperial Stout (or RIS) from North Coast Brewing Co. With 9% ABV it's a sipper (then again, I sip all stouts, porters and RIS) and we took our time sampling and enjoying it last night. A shade shy of black, it's a beauty indeed. A leather-tan head sits on top of a nearly viscous-looking beer. The retention of the head was quite long as well.
The flavor is amazing: it starts off as a bitter, Belgian dark chocolate bar, which is quickly overturned into burned oak with some hints of a fantastic espresso, like the one I had in Rennes (France) all these years ago. And then it hits you: the hops just bloom in your mouth. This RIS definitely has a higher IBU, but thanks to the full body and mouthfeel I found it very pleasant. The hops also added a citrus flavor, one I've come to associate only with hops, to the mix.
Rasputin, you old scoundrel, you've won over our hearts. Fortunately we have another 2 bottles!