It’s been a long time coming to have my good friend Tim on camera at The Hopry. So I pulled out the stops this night and went directly for a beer I’ve wanted to try for a very long time. This AMAZING bourbon barrel anniversary edition of the North Coast Old Rasputin is one of the best I’ve had this year. I think Tim and I both agree, too, that this is one of the most subtle imperial stouts out there, even though it brings in a whopping 11.2% ABV. There is tons of vanilla coming out of the barrel aging (think Southern Tier Creme Brulee), and the alcohol burn typically associated with this type of beer is virtually non-existent. But I think what makes this beer the most magical is how very well-balanced it is all around. Not one component outshines the other. Upon every sip, you almost seem to sink deeper into the couch while just marveling over how they could make such a big beer go down this easily. Well…the good news is that I have seen plenty of these on the shelves around town, so I think I may have to add another one or two to the collection to let them hang out for a little while. Though I will tell you right now, these bottles do not need age to be greatly appreciated by just about anyone. And that my friends is the sign of a 98 point beer for me.
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This beer can be found in these states.
On the iPod: Ariel Pink and the Haunted Graffiti
Brewery: North Coast
Beer: Old Rasputin XII Anniversary
Style: Imperial Stout
Location: Fort Bragg, California
ABV: 11.2%
Rating: 98/100
Posted by Barleywhiner on February 12, 2010 at 8:17 AM
For some reason, I just can’t get past the price on this one. They still have a few cases at the State Line Royal. I’d second the recommendation of the Dragon’s Milk. I really liked that one. It was like drinking a Heath Bar, lots of toffee.
Posted by thehopry on February 12, 2010 at 8:22 AM
It is definitely a chunk of change for a beer. Unfortunately I still haven’t learned self-control when it comes to buying this sort of thing. I’m sure it will catch up with me soon, though. Re: Dragon’s Milk, my friend Andy and I reviewed it a little ways back if you missed it. Here’s the link:
http://thehopry.com/2009/11/10/new-holland-dragons-milk/
Thanks,
Mark Starr
Posted by Big Mike on February 12, 2010 at 9:47 AM
Great review guys!
That sounds like a beer that would be right up my alley. I have had Old Rasputin lots of times but never the anniversary version. I actually visited the North Coast Brewery when i was a young lad of about 21 years old. Thats going back about 12 years and i remember sitting there drinking an Old #38 Stout thinking how cool it was to be 21 and drinking in a bar. Wow, the good old days.
Posted by Barry on February 12, 2010 at 12:14 PM
I had this on tap a few weeks ago and loved it. Great review!
Posted by thehopry on February 12, 2010 at 1:04 PM
Thank you sir. And thank you for commenting here. Appreciate it…
Posted by theReaper16 on February 14, 2010 at 8:43 PM
NO! My name is Barry; you’re going to confuse things.
Seriously though, this sounds like it would be superb on-tap. ‘Grats.
Posted by thehopry on February 16, 2010 at 11:47 AM
And I hate to call this out but you both have “ass” in your last names, too. Just sayin…
Posted by Big Mike on February 16, 2010 at 12:33 PM
I went to a new bottle shop today and saw this. They wanted $26.99 for it. I went ahead and bought a RR Consecration instead.
Posted by thehopry on February 16, 2010 at 1:13 PM
Dang…I guess I didn’t realize that you have access to RR there. That’s awesome.
Posted by Big Mike on February 16, 2010 at 2:02 PM
Yea, Consecration is usually floating around somewhere. Damnation is pretty much in every store. Pliny The Elder is on tap at at least 1 or 2 places in the area at any given time. Occasionally Temptation and Supplication Bottles can be found. Not often though. Younger is coming to 3 or 4 bars in the next few weeks. It’s not worth waiting in line for 2 or 3 hours for one glass though to me. And today i just had some Blind Pig on tap for the first time. Tastes like a baby version of PTE and probably the top IPA i have ever had.
Posted by Michael on February 16, 2010 at 10:04 PM
One thing you’ve got to love about Philly is the variety. Rediculously high prices, but amazing selection. Seems like we get most things the rest of the east cost never sees.
Posted by Bell’s Two Hearted Ale « THE HOPRY on July 17, 2010 at 9:06 AM
[...] just want something good to drink that’s not overly hard to get?” My first response is usually North Coast’s Old Rasputin or Boulevard’s Tank 7, but I also find myself picking up a six-pack of Bell’s Two Hearted Ale on [...]