This week’s beer review choice is fitting, given the recent less-than-sunny weather here. This beer is guaranteed to warm you up on a cold wintry day. Old Rasputin is a ubiquitous RIS (Russian Imperial Stout) brewed by North Coast Brewing in Fort Bragg, CA. It is a prefect example if the RIS style, and fortunately it can be found year-round anywhere in Florida.
Old Rasputin pours black with a khaki head. The aroma is overwhelmingly malty- chocolate, coffee, and a hint of licorice hit the nose. The flavor matches the aroma perfectly, but a solid hop presence makes itself known. Carbonation is solid. Mouthfeel is creamy. During the finish, fudge and roasted malts are the primary flavors. There is a warming alcohol presence that rounds out the finish perfectly.
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Jonathan Quick is a Certified Cicerone and nationally recognized expert in the beer industry. His career spans every facet of the beer and hospitality industries, from commercial brewing and brewery operations management to international bar development and luxury hotel management. Jonathan is dedicated to the education and enjoyment of beer across all spectrums. He is currently the director of retail for Burial Beer Company in Asheville, NC, which was rated the #1 small craft brewery in the world by Craft Beer and Brewing magazine.