Old Rasputin XV Anniversary Barrel Aged Stout | North Coast Brewing Co.
Brewed by:
North Coast Brewing Co.
California, United States | website
Style: Russian Imperial Stout
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 11.90%
Availability: Limited (brewed once)
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by Philousa on 12-05-2012
This beer is retired; no longer brewed.
Reviews: 102 | Ratings: 965
4.71/5 rDev +9.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Pours like black syrup, head very interesting with circular yeast floaters. Smell: very reminiscent of the rye oak barrels. Taste: nose is the ORS you are used to, but the finish has a bit of a spicy bite that gives the original beer a complexity it never had. I love the original ORS but it always felt a little short. The barrel aged steps it up and gives you the rye bite at the end to mix things up. At $24! a bottle its steep but I'm glad I got to try it. Love North Coast and hope they keep experimenting in this way. Experimentation transformed the smooth ORS to a complex and world class beer.
★ 601 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Pours like black syrup, head very interesting with circular yeast floaters. Smell: very reminiscent of the rye oak barrels. Taste: nose is the ORS you are used to, but the finish has a bit of a spicy bite that gives the original beer a complexity it never had. I love the original ORS but it always felt a little short. The barrel aged steps it up and gives you the rye bite at the end to mix things up. At $24! a bottle its steep but I'm glad I got to try it. Love North Coast and hope they keep experimenting in this way. Experimentation transformed the smooth ORS to a complex and world class beer.
★ 601 characters
4.19/5 rDev -2.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Catch up rating from Saturday's RS bottle share. Sample rated was XV. Smooth, silky, oily, just enough burn on top of this already exemplary stout. Nice sipper.
★ 160 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Catch up rating from Saturday's RS bottle share. Sample rated was XV. Smooth, silky, oily, just enough burn on top of this already exemplary stout. Nice sipper.
★ 160 characters
4.47/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Serving Type: Bottle
Consumed: 3.20.16
A: 4.5 Pours pitch black with a one-inch tan head. Not much in the way of retention or lacing, but there are a few large bubbles clinging to the side of the glass.
S: 4.25 Fairly mild nose with bourbon, vanilla, cocoa powder, and light oxidation bringing a little cardboard on the finish. There’s also a slight cheesiness there too; the cheese and cardboard are a little weird, but not off-putting at all.
T: 4.5 Flavors are much stronger than the nose. Lots of brownies, cocoa powder, molasses, vanilla, and relatively mild bourbon. Roast kicks in next with a pleasant bitterness and tobacco flavor. Licorice, more vanilla, and molasses linger on the slightly bitter finish.
M: 4.75 The feel is really terrific. Creamy, rich, and good carbonation without feeling heavy.
O: 4.5 This is definitely a great BA stout that stays true to the base beer. Maybe not up to the level of others in the style, but worth checking out at least once.
★ 981 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Serving Type: Bottle
Consumed: 3.20.16
A: 4.5 Pours pitch black with a one-inch tan head. Not much in the way of retention or lacing, but there are a few large bubbles clinging to the side of the glass.
S: 4.25 Fairly mild nose with bourbon, vanilla, cocoa powder, and light oxidation bringing a little cardboard on the finish. There’s also a slight cheesiness there too; the cheese and cardboard are a little weird, but not off-putting at all.
T: 4.5 Flavors are much stronger than the nose. Lots of brownies, cocoa powder, molasses, vanilla, and relatively mild bourbon. Roast kicks in next with a pleasant bitterness and tobacco flavor. Licorice, more vanilla, and molasses linger on the slightly bitter finish.
M: 4.75 The feel is really terrific. Creamy, rich, and good carbonation without feeling heavy.
O: 4.5 This is definitely a great BA stout that stays true to the base beer. Maybe not up to the level of others in the style, but worth checking out at least once.
★ 981 characters
3.76/5 rDev -12.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
9oz on tap
L - pitch black. Started out with a large light mocha head which dissipated to a small amount of foam laying on top of the liquid
S - honestly, this beer smells awful. Smells like an old leather couch that was left outside on a rainy night.
T - the taste is similar to the smell when it first hits the tongue but after swallowing, a fucking chocolate milk shake shows up. Serious leather belt notes fade to the creamiest, chocolatey-est beer I have ever had. Unfortunately after about half the glass, the old leather took over the good stuff and I'm now getting second hand loafers all the way through
F - nothing special. Kind of thin for a +10%
O - confusing. Would never drink this again but happy I had it once
★ 731 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
9oz on tap
L - pitch black. Started out with a large light mocha head which dissipated to a small amount of foam laying on top of the liquid
S - honestly, this beer smells awful. Smells like an old leather couch that was left outside on a rainy night.
T - the taste is similar to the smell when it first hits the tongue but after swallowing, a fucking chocolate milk shake shows up. Serious leather belt notes fade to the creamiest, chocolatey-est beer I have ever had. Unfortunately after about half the glass, the old leather took over the good stuff and I'm now getting second hand loafers all the way through
F - nothing special. Kind of thin for a +10%
O - confusing. Would never drink this again but happy I had it once
★ 731 characters
3.46/5 rDev -19.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Cola pour that darkens to an abyss. Healthy taupe head that soon ebbs. Initial aromas of oak and raw vanilla. Bitter licorice root and unsulphured molasses. Malty and moderate hopness but there's a one-off happening here that is not appealing. There's an astringent bitterness. Maybe overcharred oak, burnt caramel, overripe prunes but whatever it just plain old and funky. Taste begins with a mellow sourness morphing into cocoa nibs and malty. Definite barrel influence with oak and vanilla. Black coffee with bourbon tinged marshmallow. Charred oak barrel too much on the finish. Mild hop pop. Vanilla extract in the back of the throat. Medium body with just nuff carbonation to get you cleared and ready for the next nip. Overall, there is always, IMO, a difference with stouts according to temperature and I took that into account when rating. As I let this sit out it becomes bourbon sweeter and quite actually to my liking. Aroma funk has not gone away and my cork was solid; so no air influence that I can gather. Regardless I am still underwhelmed especially with the price tag. I love and would rather drink the standard unbarrelled Rasputin. Would not buy again unless an acquaintance can convince me otherwise.
★ 1,239 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Cola pour that darkens to an abyss. Healthy taupe head that soon ebbs. Initial aromas of oak and raw vanilla. Bitter licorice root and unsulphured molasses. Malty and moderate hopness but there's a one-off happening here that is not appealing. There's an astringent bitterness. Maybe overcharred oak, burnt caramel, overripe prunes but whatever it just plain old and funky. Taste begins with a mellow sourness morphing into cocoa nibs and malty. Definite barrel influence with oak and vanilla. Black coffee with bourbon tinged marshmallow. Charred oak barrel too much on the finish. Mild hop pop. Vanilla extract in the back of the throat. Medium body with just nuff carbonation to get you cleared and ready for the next nip. Overall, there is always, IMO, a difference with stouts according to temperature and I took that into account when rating. As I let this sit out it becomes bourbon sweeter and quite actually to my liking. Aroma funk has not gone away and my cork was solid; so no air influence that I can gather. Regardless I am still underwhelmed especially with the price tag. I love and would rather drink the standard unbarrelled Rasputin. Would not buy again unless an acquaintance can convince me otherwise.
★ 1,239 characters
4.24/5 rDev -1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
500ml bottle poured into a snifter.
A: Potch black with a sandy-colored head. The head settles down quickly, which is hardly a surprise given the barrel potency. Spotty lacing.
S: Even after three years of aging, the barrel still romps all over the place. Strong smell of bourbon and a big pull of wood. Woody vanillins and barrel-induced caramel as well. Once the nose acclimates to the shock and awe that the barrel brings, the underlying beer pulls through. Chocolate truffles, heavily roasted malts, char. Minty alcohols. Some earthy and piney hop notes still remain too.
T: Bourbon right off the bat. Lots of wood too. Woody vanilla. Chewy caramel and bourbon balls. The barrel kicks just as much as it did on the nose, if not more. As the base beer finally starts to pull through it brings lovely notes of chocolate truffles, bitter dark chocolate, French roast coffee, char, heavy roast, and so e earthy and piney hops. Roasted malts, French roast, and bourbon on the finish.
M: Thick body. Chewy with a thin creamy texture. Carbonation has a stiff scrub to it. Plenty warming.
O: The barrel is left in the driver's seat here, so be forewarned: it's a barrel bomb. You will need to enjoy an assertive bourbon character to really appreciate this beer. Even after three years of aging it remains front and center. A word on aging this beer while we're at it- three years tops is what I would give it. I opened a XIV recently that was very clearly over the hill. This one was still tasting great, though I have to say the extra time really didn't do much for it. It did calm down a little bit, but not a lot given the extended time. You're probably better off drinking it on the fresher side. Just let this beer be the big and bold booze bomb that it is. You need to love it for what it is and not what you want it to be.
★ 1,831 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
500ml bottle poured into a snifter.
A: Potch black with a sandy-colored head. The head settles down quickly, which is hardly a surprise given the barrel potency. Spotty lacing.
S: Even after three years of aging, the barrel still romps all over the place. Strong smell of bourbon and a big pull of wood. Woody vanillins and barrel-induced caramel as well. Once the nose acclimates to the shock and awe that the barrel brings, the underlying beer pulls through. Chocolate truffles, heavily roasted malts, char. Minty alcohols. Some earthy and piney hop notes still remain too.
T: Bourbon right off the bat. Lots of wood too. Woody vanilla. Chewy caramel and bourbon balls. The barrel kicks just as much as it did on the nose, if not more. As the base beer finally starts to pull through it brings lovely notes of chocolate truffles, bitter dark chocolate, French roast coffee, char, heavy roast, and so e earthy and piney hops. Roasted malts, French roast, and bourbon on the finish.
M: Thick body. Chewy with a thin creamy texture. Carbonation has a stiff scrub to it. Plenty warming.
O: The barrel is left in the driver's seat here, so be forewarned: it's a barrel bomb. You will need to enjoy an assertive bourbon character to really appreciate this beer. Even after three years of aging it remains front and center. A word on aging this beer while we're at it- three years tops is what I would give it. I opened a XIV recently that was very clearly over the hill. This one was still tasting great, though I have to say the extra time really didn't do much for it. It did calm down a little bit, but not a lot given the extended time. You're probably better off drinking it on the fresher side. Just let this beer be the big and bold booze bomb that it is. You need to love it for what it is and not what you want it to be.
★ 1,831 characters
4.2/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Very dark brew, topped by a mocha head of good size and very nice retention for the style.
Big, boozy aroma; this beer pulls no punches. From a distance, it smells like chocolate liquor; up close, strong notes of bourbon and roasted barley duke it out. Slightly sour overripe fruit; char; cane sugar; chocolate; burnt coffee; oak.
Flavor is far smoother than the big aroma indicates. It's almost creamy. Big bourbon notes up front, mostly drowning out the stout base. Bourbon notes rise, crest, and fall, yielding to a sweet, thick, roasted malt base. Toffee and chocolate, and a touch of fruit.
Huge roasty, chocolaty finish, just bordering on ashy; like chewing on an extra dark chocolate bar with coffee grains stuck in your teeth. Long aftertaste leaves a woody, vanilla-and-coconut bourbon finish with lingering chocolate and alcohol heat.
Fairly bitter brew, albeit not overmuch for a modern stout. Big, full flavor, but a little thin for my stout preference; not unexpected, as barrel aged stouts often run a little thinner than their counterpoints.
Subtle: this is not a brew that is subtle, in any way whatsoever. Huge bourbon notes; huge beer.
★ 1,158 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Very dark brew, topped by a mocha head of good size and very nice retention for the style.
Big, boozy aroma; this beer pulls no punches. From a distance, it smells like chocolate liquor; up close, strong notes of bourbon and roasted barley duke it out. Slightly sour overripe fruit; char; cane sugar; chocolate; burnt coffee; oak.
Flavor is far smoother than the big aroma indicates. It's almost creamy. Big bourbon notes up front, mostly drowning out the stout base. Bourbon notes rise, crest, and fall, yielding to a sweet, thick, roasted malt base. Toffee and chocolate, and a touch of fruit.
Huge roasty, chocolaty finish, just bordering on ashy; like chewing on an extra dark chocolate bar with coffee grains stuck in your teeth. Long aftertaste leaves a woody, vanilla-and-coconut bourbon finish with lingering chocolate and alcohol heat.
Fairly bitter brew, albeit not overmuch for a modern stout. Big, full flavor, but a little thin for my stout preference; not unexpected, as barrel aged stouts often run a little thinner than their counterpoints.
Subtle: this is not a brew that is subtle, in any way whatsoever. Huge bourbon notes; huge beer.
★ 1,158 characters
4.2/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Consumed on October 28th, 2015 from a corked, caged 500 ml bottle. Poured into a Teku glass.
Moderate pour results in a clear, abyssal deep brown liquid with a three finger (!) biege head. The head eventually becomes a thick skin, providing excellent sheeting all the way to the end.
Aroma's a bit off, with overripe bananas and a metallic edge nestled in the vanilla and malted chocolate.
Flavor is better than aroma. Roasty malts start off the flavor parade, followed by a salty, rich milk chocolate. A dash of vanilla marches alongside. Wood is noted. Not too sweet and bitterness is mild. Strangely missing is any trace of bourbon.
Mouthfeel is a little thinner than the benchmarks but is nicely creamy. Alcohol heat is still present and insistent despite 3 years on this bottle.
A very good effort, but when Parabola is better and cheaper...
★ 858 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Consumed on October 28th, 2015 from a corked, caged 500 ml bottle. Poured into a Teku glass.
Moderate pour results in a clear, abyssal deep brown liquid with a three finger (!) biege head. The head eventually becomes a thick skin, providing excellent sheeting all the way to the end.
Aroma's a bit off, with overripe bananas and a metallic edge nestled in the vanilla and malted chocolate.
Flavor is better than aroma. Roasty malts start off the flavor parade, followed by a salty, rich milk chocolate. A dash of vanilla marches alongside. Wood is noted. Not too sweet and bitterness is mild. Strangely missing is any trace of bourbon.
Mouthfeel is a little thinner than the benchmarks but is nicely creamy. Alcohol heat is still present and insistent despite 3 years on this bottle.
A very good effort, but when Parabola is better and cheaper...
★ 858 characters
3.98/5 rDev -7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Had this with a couple years on it (in 2015). The beer is dark black with cream lacing. The nose is rather muted w/ not much bourbon on the nose. The taste is stout & heat, desipite the age. Bourbon is not very strong. Finish is alcohol heat, a little too much despite a couple years. Overall a solid beer but was hoping for more with the age.
★ 349 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Had this with a couple years on it (in 2015). The beer is dark black with cream lacing. The nose is rather muted w/ not much bourbon on the nose. The taste is stout & heat, desipite the age. Bourbon is not very strong. Finish is alcohol heat, a little too much despite a couple years. Overall a solid beer but was hoping for more with the age.
★ 349 characters
4.53/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
L - Pitch black with a half a finger of tan head.
S - Overpowering (in a good way) bourbon with a slight alcohol smell. Oak, char, minuscule chocolate
T - A nice dark fruit and dark cherry are here first. Sweet, sticky bourbon, roasted malt, and dark roast coffee. A tiny bit of alcohol, but it's not distracting from other flavors.
F - I just admit that it's not as thick as other BA stouts, but it's by no means too think or watered down. A small alcohol presence, but not anything you can't overlook. Some lingering bourbon and roasted coffee. Drinkability is actually absurdly high as I slug down my bottle with disregard to the abv.
O - A very solid BA stout. Big roasted notes and coffee with subtle chocolate and an in-your-face bourbon taste. with some age this has NO alcohol presence and ridiculously high drinkability. It's a winner.
★ 850 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
L - Pitch black with a half a finger of tan head.
S - Overpowering (in a good way) bourbon with a slight alcohol smell. Oak, char, minuscule chocolate
T - A nice dark fruit and dark cherry are here first. Sweet, sticky bourbon, roasted malt, and dark roast coffee. A tiny bit of alcohol, but it's not distracting from other flavors.
F - I just admit that it's not as thick as other BA stouts, but it's by no means too think or watered down. A small alcohol presence, but not anything you can't overlook. Some lingering bourbon and roasted coffee. Drinkability is actually absurdly high as I slug down my bottle with disregard to the abv.
O - A very solid BA stout. Big roasted notes and coffee with subtle chocolate and an in-your-face bourbon taste. with some age this has NO alcohol presence and ridiculously high drinkability. It's a winner.
★ 850 characters
4.27/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
From 08/06/15 notes, shared by BeerLawyer85; thanks Ross.
Pours a pitch black with no real head or carbonation evident. Nice coffee in the nose actually, nice bourbon in the taste. A little thin, no heat.
Overall a very good BA stout, but I have found after 1.5-2 years, these BA Old Rasputin's really get oxidized and fades a bit. The XII was MUCH better side by side. Still a good beer, but best with 1-2 years on it IMO.
★ 425 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
From 08/06/15 notes, shared by BeerLawyer85; thanks Ross.
Pours a pitch black with no real head or carbonation evident. Nice coffee in the nose actually, nice bourbon in the taste. A little thin, no heat.
Overall a very good BA stout, but I have found after 1.5-2 years, these BA Old Rasputin's really get oxidized and fades a bit. The XII was MUCH better side by side. Still a good beer, but best with 1-2 years on it IMO.
★ 425 characters
4.63/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
look: Deep dark, nearly opaque brown. Some cola highlights barely peek around the edges when held to light. Fairly full mocha head on the pour that mostly recedes, but lingers around the rim.
smell: cocoa, vanilla, and subtle roasty char. Delicate oak and bourbon. Added all up a damn fine and decadent nose.
taste: All the flavors of the nose. Blooms into a rich full taste and the finish is a slightly spicy bitterness.
overall: A work of art.
★ 446 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
look: Deep dark, nearly opaque brown. Some cola highlights barely peek around the edges when held to light. Fairly full mocha head on the pour that mostly recedes, but lingers around the rim.
smell: cocoa, vanilla, and subtle roasty char. Delicate oak and bourbon. Added all up a damn fine and decadent nose.
taste: All the flavors of the nose. Blooms into a rich full taste and the finish is a slightly spicy bitterness.
overall: A work of art.
★ 446 characters
4.91/5 rDev +14.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
from notes. L: Brilliant deep coffee brown under a 3” tan foam collar with a very fine bead. Persistent and lacy.
S: bourbon, vanilla, fruity, sweet chocolate
T: Chocolate, coffee, dark dried fruit, vanilla and bourbon. Slightly tart finish. Nothing burnt or harsh.
F: Chewy, medium low carbonation.
O: Rich, alcoholic, decadent, drink it instead of desert or savor with a Partagas.
★ 388 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
from notes. L: Brilliant deep coffee brown under a 3” tan foam collar with a very fine bead. Persistent and lacy.
S: bourbon, vanilla, fruity, sweet chocolate
T: Chocolate, coffee, dark dried fruit, vanilla and bourbon. Slightly tart finish. Nothing burnt or harsh.
F: Chewy, medium low carbonation.
O: Rich, alcoholic, decadent, drink it instead of desert or savor with a Partagas.
★ 388 characters
4.41/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
500mL into a tulip. Pours a deep brownish black w/ a 1-finger tan head.
Aroma is bitter roasted malt, strong bourbon, vanilla, toasted coconut, wood smoke, dark stone fruit.
Taste is rich dark bitter chocolate, bourbon, charred oak, vanilla, caramel. Great balance, nice complexity.
Mouthfeel is velvety smooth, medium to full bodied.
Overall a really nice barrel-aged imperial stout. Quality of the barrel is evident, which isn't always the case with this kind of beer.
★ 474 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
500mL into a tulip. Pours a deep brownish black w/ a 1-finger tan head.
Aroma is bitter roasted malt, strong bourbon, vanilla, toasted coconut, wood smoke, dark stone fruit.
Taste is rich dark bitter chocolate, bourbon, charred oak, vanilla, caramel. Great balance, nice complexity.
Mouthfeel is velvety smooth, medium to full bodied.
Overall a really nice barrel-aged imperial stout. Quality of the barrel is evident, which isn't always the case with this kind of beer.
★ 474 characters
4.09/5 rDev -4.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Thanks big time Steve.
A- Split four ways from the 500ml with a pitch black body and a small light mocha cap. The head ends up as a foamy belt and lacing is mostly spotty with a few sheets.
S- A bit more tame than the other variants I have had out of this series; at least at this juncture. Mostly what I get is a chocolatey roast malt profile and a smoothed out, semi-oxidized Bourbon barrel profile. Time seems to have smoothed this out.
T- Large Bourbon barrel similar to what I find in the other variants with a wet and smoothed out woody oak flavor, peppery spicy whiskey and plenty of vanilla. Chocolate truffles, cocoa nibs and charred grains from the classic base brew. Somewhat sweet.
MF- Thick and slick oily body with a certain lack of carbonation but nowhere near flat. Texture is slightly foamy and creamy. Slightly hot finish.
Just seems to lack some of the complexity I find in the other ones. Not directly comparable but its unavoidable. Thick chocolate and a bold barrel.
★ 993 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Thanks big time Steve.
A- Split four ways from the 500ml with a pitch black body and a small light mocha cap. The head ends up as a foamy belt and lacing is mostly spotty with a few sheets.
S- A bit more tame than the other variants I have had out of this series; at least at this juncture. Mostly what I get is a chocolatey roast malt profile and a smoothed out, semi-oxidized Bourbon barrel profile. Time seems to have smoothed this out.
T- Large Bourbon barrel similar to what I find in the other variants with a wet and smoothed out woody oak flavor, peppery spicy whiskey and plenty of vanilla. Chocolate truffles, cocoa nibs and charred grains from the classic base brew. Somewhat sweet.
MF- Thick and slick oily body with a certain lack of carbonation but nowhere near flat. Texture is slightly foamy and creamy. Slightly hot finish.
Just seems to lack some of the complexity I find in the other ones. Not directly comparable but its unavoidable. Thick chocolate and a bold barrel.
★ 993 characters
4.39/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Big pillowy head that dissipates well leaving nice lacing.smell is amazing with great bourbon notes of oak and vanilla. Smooth. Taste is not as bourbon, with almost no heat. Notes of vanilla and light, creamy chocolate milkshake. Mouthfeel is a little light overall, with a little bit of a disappointing finish. Not sweet and not dry. 12% ABV is really well hid, with an amazingly smooth finish. Rather uninteresting for the price. Great beer, but won't spend $21 for this again.
★ 479 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Big pillowy head that dissipates well leaving nice lacing.smell is amazing with great bourbon notes of oak and vanilla. Smooth. Taste is not as bourbon, with almost no heat. Notes of vanilla and light, creamy chocolate milkshake. Mouthfeel is a little light overall, with a little bit of a disappointing finish. Not sweet and not dry. 12% ABV is really well hid, with an amazingly smooth finish. Rather uninteresting for the price. Great beer, but won't spend $21 for this again.
★ 479 characters
4.55/5 rDev +6.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75
Had it on tap.
Look: Dark, black, even holding it up to the light could not see through it. Poured a nice thick head which settled in about 5 minutes.
Smell: Hints of Vanilla and chocolate.
Taste: Bourbon flavor present. Malty backbone. Coffee aftertaste. Alcohol present but not overpowering.
Feel: Thick but not syrupy. Lingers a few seconds. Light carbonation.
Overall: a delicious imperial stout with great flavor that does not overpower your senses.
★ 468 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75
Had it on tap.
Look: Dark, black, even holding it up to the light could not see through it. Poured a nice thick head which settled in about 5 minutes.
Smell: Hints of Vanilla and chocolate.
Taste: Bourbon flavor present. Malty backbone. Coffee aftertaste. Alcohol present but not overpowering.
Feel: Thick but not syrupy. Lingers a few seconds. Light carbonation.
Overall: a delicious imperial stout with great flavor that does not overpower your senses.
★ 468 characters
3.33/5 rDev -22.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.25
Looked the part of a big stout and smelled hints of bourbon slight chocolate.
Tasted normal big stout flavors, nothing unusual and very agreeable.
The body was way to light for what I was expecting.
★ 198 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.25
Looked the part of a big stout and smelled hints of bourbon slight chocolate.
Tasted normal big stout flavors, nothing unusual and very agreeable.
The body was way to light for what I was expecting.
★ 198 characters
4.15/5 rDev -3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Deepest black color with a thin light caramel head with short retention.
Aroma with notes of licorice, dark fruits, caramels, cocoa powder and coffee.
Elegant flavor with notes of licorice, lots of red and black fruits, milder Bourbon, guaraná, vanilla, coconut, oak, raisins, cocoa powder and dark chocolate, mild anise and light charcoal.
Quite dry aftertaste with a long lasting roasted note.
Full body with appropriate carbonation. Alcohol of 11.9% is felt, but in harmony with the overall beer.
Well balanced and complex Imperial Stout, though the bourbon and hops were more on the undertone. Very chocolaty, nutty and coconutty. Great beer.
★ 647 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Deepest black color with a thin light caramel head with short retention.
Aroma with notes of licorice, dark fruits, caramels, cocoa powder and coffee.
Elegant flavor with notes of licorice, lots of red and black fruits, milder Bourbon, guaraná, vanilla, coconut, oak, raisins, cocoa powder and dark chocolate, mild anise and light charcoal.
Quite dry aftertaste with a long lasting roasted note.
Full body with appropriate carbonation. Alcohol of 11.9% is felt, but in harmony with the overall beer.
Well balanced and complex Imperial Stout, though the bourbon and hops were more on the undertone. Very chocolaty, nutty and coconutty. Great beer.
★ 647 characters
4.44/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
On-tap 11/9/2014 at Doherty’s East Ave Irish Pub, in Pawtucket, RI served in a snifter glass.
A: The beer is a deep dark brown color, with a large foamy brown head that fades very slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.
S: The aroma contains bourbon, roasted malts and chocolate.
T: The taste starts out sweet with flavors of chocolate and bourbon that are quickly followed by a hearty roasted malt character. The hops presence is very mild as it should be in this type of beer and provides a very good balance. The after-taste is slightly sweet.
M: Crisp and extremely smooth, medium-to-heavy body, medium carbonation, finish is slightly sticky.
O: Very tasty, goes down dangerously easily, slightly filling, well-disguised strong kick, excellent representation of style, this is a very nice big aged stout to sip on for a very long time.
★ 851 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
On-tap 11/9/2014 at Doherty’s East Ave Irish Pub, in Pawtucket, RI served in a snifter glass.
A: The beer is a deep dark brown color, with a large foamy brown head that fades very slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.
S: The aroma contains bourbon, roasted malts and chocolate.
T: The taste starts out sweet with flavors of chocolate and bourbon that are quickly followed by a hearty roasted malt character. The hops presence is very mild as it should be in this type of beer and provides a very good balance. The after-taste is slightly sweet.
M: Crisp and extremely smooth, medium-to-heavy body, medium carbonation, finish is slightly sticky.
O: Very tasty, goes down dangerously easily, slightly filling, well-disguised strong kick, excellent representation of style, this is a very nice big aged stout to sip on for a very long time.
★ 851 characters
4/5 rDev -6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Got this one from Rutager in a box this summer. Thanks again for all the goodness man!
From a 500ml cork and caged bottle into a snifter
Drank this beside the XIV for comparative purposes
APPEARANCE: Clear brown/black pour yields a two finger, medium looking, foamy, light tan head with very good retention. Black body with no carbonation at all. Head slowly fades to a splotchy wisp. A faint wisp remains the whole way leaving some splotchy dots of lacing down the glass. Less carbo and less lacing than the XIV.
SMELL: Bourbon, oak, vanilla, coconut, pure chocolate and lightly roasted coffee on the nose. Lots of barrel and sweet cream aromas. Nice stuff. Very aromatic and barrel heavy. Same as XIV.
TASTE: Bourbon, oak, with sweet cream notes up front. More bourbon and oak at the swallow with a big and lingering finish of oak, vanilla, coconut, bourbon, some bitter pure chocolate and roasted coffee notes. Mostly barrel and alcohol with lots of sweet vanilla and coconut flavors, but some nice roasted and bitter flavors from the base beer under it all. Really nice. Same as XIV as well.
PALATE: Slightly lighter body with higher levels of carbonation. Creamy enough, goes down okay with a slight scratch at the swallow and finishes rather sticky. Some heat lingers. Perhaps a touch heavier than the XIV.
OVERALL: This stuff is really good. The feel could be beefed up perhaps, which would give it a stronger foundation, but this is a minor complaint in this case. Definitely barrel heavy, but the flavors are decadent and the base beer is still strong enough to punch some bitter flavors through the barrel. I will say that this beer is basically identical to the XIV, so I’m not sure why there is a separate entry to this every year. Nevertheless, it’s quality, and it’s nice that North Coast does it annually. Thanks again Rutager. Recommended.
★ 1,873 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Got this one from Rutager in a box this summer. Thanks again for all the goodness man!
From a 500ml cork and caged bottle into a snifter
Drank this beside the XIV for comparative purposes
APPEARANCE: Clear brown/black pour yields a two finger, medium looking, foamy, light tan head with very good retention. Black body with no carbonation at all. Head slowly fades to a splotchy wisp. A faint wisp remains the whole way leaving some splotchy dots of lacing down the glass. Less carbo and less lacing than the XIV.
SMELL: Bourbon, oak, vanilla, coconut, pure chocolate and lightly roasted coffee on the nose. Lots of barrel and sweet cream aromas. Nice stuff. Very aromatic and barrel heavy. Same as XIV.
TASTE: Bourbon, oak, with sweet cream notes up front. More bourbon and oak at the swallow with a big and lingering finish of oak, vanilla, coconut, bourbon, some bitter pure chocolate and roasted coffee notes. Mostly barrel and alcohol with lots of sweet vanilla and coconut flavors, but some nice roasted and bitter flavors from the base beer under it all. Really nice. Same as XIV as well.
PALATE: Slightly lighter body with higher levels of carbonation. Creamy enough, goes down okay with a slight scratch at the swallow and finishes rather sticky. Some heat lingers. Perhaps a touch heavier than the XIV.
OVERALL: This stuff is really good. The feel could be beefed up perhaps, which would give it a stronger foundation, but this is a minor complaint in this case. Definitely barrel heavy, but the flavors are decadent and the base beer is still strong enough to punch some bitter flavors through the barrel. I will say that this beer is basically identical to the XIV, so I’m not sure why there is a separate entry to this every year. Nevertheless, it’s quality, and it’s nice that North Coast does it annually. Thanks again Rutager. Recommended.
★ 1,873 characters
4/5 rDev -6.8%
Pours dark brown with a white head. The aroma is big on Bourbon and oak. The taste is big on alcohol, some bourbon and small vanilla. In the finish a bit of anise almost pokes through. Hot, bourbon, stout, faint ghost bitterness. Overall, a big full bodied stout but a bit more age would help it!
★ 301 characters
Pours dark brown with a white head. The aroma is big on Bourbon and oak. The taste is big on alcohol, some bourbon and small vanilla. In the finish a bit of anise almost pokes through. Hot, bourbon, stout, faint ghost bitterness. Overall, a big full bodied stout but a bit more age would help it!
★ 301 characters
4.27/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
500ml bottle into Duvel tulip.
A: Pours an extremely dark woody brown color, near black, with two fingers of dense, soft-looking, light brown head. Head took its time fading into a faint collar which left spotty lacing down the glass.
S: Rich notes of bourbon, spice, chocolate, and roast come through. I get scents of toasted marshmallows, wood and vanilla as well. Bourbon is strong yet mellow and smooth smelling.
T: Extremely potent and rich flavors bourbon, chocolate fudge, chocolate ice-cream, caramel, candied dates, roasted and toasted malts, and vanilla. The finish is full of sweet bourbon and vanilla, and the aftertaste is roasted, chocolaty, and lingering.
M: Full body, smooth and decadent mouthfeel. No trace of alcohol heat whatsoever, but the bourbon lends some great flavor. There a solid bitterness to the brew as well, not unlike the original version. Rich over, with soft and even carbonation.
O: One of the most underrated bbl aged stouts is back again and it does not disappoint. Potent and rich, this is a great sipping beer.
★ 1,054 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
500ml bottle into Duvel tulip.
A: Pours an extremely dark woody brown color, near black, with two fingers of dense, soft-looking, light brown head. Head took its time fading into a faint collar which left spotty lacing down the glass.
S: Rich notes of bourbon, spice, chocolate, and roast come through. I get scents of toasted marshmallows, wood and vanilla as well. Bourbon is strong yet mellow and smooth smelling.
T: Extremely potent and rich flavors bourbon, chocolate fudge, chocolate ice-cream, caramel, candied dates, roasted and toasted malts, and vanilla. The finish is full of sweet bourbon and vanilla, and the aftertaste is roasted, chocolaty, and lingering.
M: Full body, smooth and decadent mouthfeel. No trace of alcohol heat whatsoever, but the bourbon lends some great flavor. There a solid bitterness to the brew as well, not unlike the original version. Rich over, with soft and even carbonation.
O: One of the most underrated bbl aged stouts is back again and it does not disappoint. Potent and rich, this is a great sipping beer.
★ 1,054 characters
3.68/5 rDev -14.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Appearance - The brew was jet black with an off-white head that left significant lacing on the sides of the glass.
Smell - The booze seems to be present in the aroma, but it lacks the sweetness of bourbon. In comes across like the aroma of a soured stout.
Taste - On the initial taste, I detect notes of black licorice, mild bourbon, and soured dark chocolate. The taste seems to fade rather quickly, almost seeming watery. DId I age this one too long? The aftertaste has the sour mash of bourbon, but lacks the burn. Eventually it just faces into sourness.
Mouthfeel - The beer has the thickness of a stout, despite failing to meet expectations on the taste front. The tongue is well coated with the sourness.
Overall - I understand why I see a lot of these on shelves still. It is a barrel aged stout in name, but missed the mark on most of the high points of the style.
★ 876 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Appearance - The brew was jet black with an off-white head that left significant lacing on the sides of the glass.
Smell - The booze seems to be present in the aroma, but it lacks the sweetness of bourbon. In comes across like the aroma of a soured stout.
Taste - On the initial taste, I detect notes of black licorice, mild bourbon, and soured dark chocolate. The taste seems to fade rather quickly, almost seeming watery. DId I age this one too long? The aftertaste has the sour mash of bourbon, but lacks the burn. Eventually it just faces into sourness.
Mouthfeel - The beer has the thickness of a stout, despite failing to meet expectations on the taste front. The tongue is well coated with the sourness.
Overall - I understand why I see a lot of these on shelves still. It is a barrel aged stout in name, but missed the mark on most of the high points of the style.
★ 876 characters
Old Rasputin XV Anniversary Barrel Aged Stout from North Coast Brewing Co.
4.29
out of 5
based on 965 ratings.
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Points a rich dark chocolate color. Aroma is mellow booze with deep roasted malts. Flavor is mellow bourbon with a rich chocolaty finish. Has a rich smooth finish. Overall a really delicious beer.
★ 196 characters