This week’s beer is Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout. It was one of the first stouts we tried, and it’s pretty darn good. It comes from North Coast Brewing in California, which is slightly disappointing, since I was expecting it to be made from a recipe crafted by the crazy dead Russian himself. Even though it isn’t, it’s good enough to have won a bunch of awards.

The taste is full and dark, with a hidden sweetness. It’s bitter around the edges, with a brightness to the taste that stays with you a long time. The bitterness hits you pretty quickly. As Kay mentioned in her comment, this one’s a bit of a teeth-whapper.

M: 8.5

N: 8.5