My goal is to drink this beer slowly. I personally tend to enjoy stouts at a warmer temperature. However, for some reason Guinness may be an exception. I enjoy the warming quality of Russian imperial stouts. I believe that the warming quality comes from the higher ABV but is enhanced when the liquid itself is warmer.
The aroma is milk chocolately and has a faint coffee smell. It is inviting to say the least.
Taste is utterly smooth. Perhaps on the lower side of the ABV range for an imperial stout and perhaps contributes to the fact that this beer is smooth on the palate. It is sweet, but not overly so. It has all the classic roasted barley flavors that stouts tend to have and no rude or offensive tones.
I have been fortunate enough to have this beer on a nitro tap before. It is exquisite and a North Coast favorite of mine. If I am ever in its presence it is hard to pass up. Like many of their beers it deserves an A rating. It is true to style, very flavorful, and there is nothing off about it. Really, I suppose it could get an A+ from me but I am leaving room for another Russian imperial stout out there to completely and utterly blow my mind. It very well may not happen but I am leaving my options open. Regardless, I tip my hat to North Coast and will continue to be a fan and frequent patron of theirs.
And there goes the last sip….
ABV: 9.0%
Grade: A
LOVE IT!!! Such a good beer and great with a cigar. Have you had a chance to try the annivsary barrel aged Raspu?
This and Founder’s Breakfast Stout are first on my list of must-try stouts. In all honesty, it’s kind of a shame I haven’t tried either…multiple times. I may just run to Binny’s right now…
+1 to Old Rasp.
haven’t dropped the 22 bucks for the barrel aged Rasputin, Tom. But it does look good. Hoping to possibly sample it when I am up at the brewery later this month.
Dang…22 bucks. I think I got mine for less. In any case, I’m sure the sampling at the brewery is going be awesome. Jealous!
I just saw this one at the store and it looked interesting. I passed it up but after reading this review I will make sure I grab it next time.
Grabbed it at TJ’s. A new fav.
Finally grabbed one of these … wow. I don’t know if I enjoyed it as much as the rest, but it was without a doubt a strong, bold brew. Roasted in the fires of Mt. Doom.
Picked up a 12th Anniversary today. Literally cannot wait…
Who says summer is no time for an old raspy? After my love for 12 has continued, I figured it was time to try the original. We’ll see!