2008 Woodie Awards
Beer of the Week
Old Rasputin
Jonathan Thompson
Issue date: 2/19/08 Section: Entertainment
North Coast Brewing Company brews Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout in Mendocino Country, California. The brewery began in 1988 in Fort Bragg, California. The brewery holds an assortment of 70 national and international beer oriented medals.
The stout boasts a bragging 9% alcohol by volume, almost double the ABV average of regular beers. Russian Imperial Stouts were originally brewed in 18th Century England for exportation to Russia. Russian Imperial Stouts often contained higher ABVs to help Russians cope with extremely cold climates.
"Never say die" referring to the controversial Grigori Rasputin, crowns the cardboard container holding four, 12-fluid oz. dark brown glass bottles. The four pack of stout retails for $7.49. Gold and black accents adorn the packaging with a portrait of Rasputin. The bottles contain the same designs. The contents in the bottle are sealed off with a glossy black bottle cap printed with the brewery's logo and name in flashy gold trim.
The seven gold medal stout pours rich and creamy creating a three fourths inch thick head. Although the head gradually shrinks it remains for the entire duration. The stout darkens the glass with a near black eerie texture. Shockingly, the stout enters smooth and passes smooth. The climax occurs between sip and swallow with a slight tingle on the tongue. The tingle although meek in power, lingers in the mouth for several moments. Ultimately, an oak residue coats the tongue after the encounter.
The week's stout offers a high ABV without offending the taste buds. The thick stout pairs well with heavy dinner entrees e.g. steak and potatoes. For a unique and antique adventure discover Old Rasputin.
The stout boasts a bragging 9% alcohol by volume, almost double the ABV average of regular beers. Russian Imperial Stouts were originally brewed in 18th Century England for exportation to Russia. Russian Imperial Stouts often contained higher ABVs to help Russians cope with extremely cold climates.
"Never say die" referring to the controversial Grigori Rasputin, crowns the cardboard container holding four, 12-fluid oz. dark brown glass bottles. The four pack of stout retails for $7.49. Gold and black accents adorn the packaging with a portrait of Rasputin. The bottles contain the same designs. The contents in the bottle are sealed off with a glossy black bottle cap printed with the brewery's logo and name in flashy gold trim.
The seven gold medal stout pours rich and creamy creating a three fourths inch thick head. Although the head gradually shrinks it remains for the entire duration. The stout darkens the glass with a near black eerie texture. Shockingly, the stout enters smooth and passes smooth. The climax occurs between sip and swallow with a slight tingle on the tongue. The tingle although meek in power, lingers in the mouth for several moments. Ultimately, an oak residue coats the tongue after the encounter.
The week's stout offers a high ABV without offending the taste buds. The thick stout pairs well with heavy dinner entrees e.g. steak and potatoes. For a unique and antique adventure discover Old Rasputin.
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