Old Rasputin XV

All their barrel aged stuff is like that. I've seen it for $24 and $27 around San Diego. It's dumb.

 

It's 500ml. Not sure that qualifies as a bomber.

 

it is 18.99 plus tax in los angeles area at this store by my house
still pretty pricey although last years was amazing and it cost more 21.99 so price came down a little
i still have one bottle of the XIV but have notice or maybe it just is me that is not aging all that well
i drank one couple months ago and it was good but didnt seem any better than it was right away
think if I purchase any bottle of this year will drink it fresh
last year the fresh was so good

 

This year's version is not that great, unfortunately (though this actually a fortunate thing for my wallet).

The coffee, chocolate and vanilla tones that have made previous vintages so tasty are absent. This reminded me a lot of Dark Intrigue, which is not a favorable comparison. It basically tastes like a decent stout with bourbon undertones, which is not what you expect at this price point.

 

Welcome to North Coast's pricing structure for barrel aged beverages for the past couple years. To save you the sticker shock next year when they release barrel Rasputin I'll leave you with this forecast: the price will not be any lower.

 

After I picked up a few bottles of Eclipse yesterday at the Best Damned Beer Store (and while I was there, lice emporium), this seems value priced. Not tempted to get it in bottles(because I'm really not a big Old Raspy fan), but if I would see it on tap somewhere I'd probably be game to try.

 

Believe that this might still be on at Good Karma in San Jose, for those interested. Try calling ahead.

 

From experience, I can also attest that this beer does not age well. Drink this soon if at all.

 

Putting it on the shelf along with Eclipse does make it look like a bargain.

 

after drinking Old Fitz from this year I can assure you that what I paid for my futures and what they were charging for it post production at a retail location it's worth every penny. I'll let you know if I feel the same way about EC-20 and the Grand Cru from this year.

 

Those two were easily my favorites at the release party. Haven't had them out of the bottles yet though.

 

Drinking a XV right now. Enjoying it more than i did XIV, but for the price one for now and one for the cellar is enough for me.

 

Probably will continue to pass on this unless I see it for less than $15 like last year.

 

i like their pricing scheme - it keeps beers on the shelf for some time, and it ensures i can go in and pick up a bottle a few times a year. of course, if the quality has slipped, then "a few times a year" is a moot point.

 

It's $13.99 where I live. Still pricey for a 500ml though.

 

Now see, I'd buy it at that price. Prices in SD are just stupid for this beer

 

Agreed, you'll note that the 12s and 14s (as well as most of the BA Old Stock) did eventually sell out, so it's not like they were unreasonably high-priced.

 

I'd buy half a case at that price.