North Coast Red Seal Ale

'Malt and hops are beautifully married in this full-bodied, copper-red Pale Ale. Red Seal is generously hopped for a long, spicy finish. An excellent accompaniment to grilled meats and rich sauces. '

- From Northcoastbrewing.com

Sorry about the picture, it was getting late in the evening and I should have used a flash. Please forgive me.

My buddy Ryan brought over a sixer of this stuff to watch Sox game (his cable wasn't installed yet, so I win a six pack of beer!). This is another gem from North Coast. Red Seal Ale is a sophisticated, flavorful beer with a nice malty/spicy finish to it that really made my night. I can see myself drinking a good amount of this stuff once the leaves start falling from the trees. The hops were right where you want them for a red or pale ale- you can definitely still enjoy a meal while having one or two of these and not having your taste buds overwhelmed. This is a good one, I highly recommend it.

Musical pairing: Suede- Suede

North Coast Old Rasputin

'Produced in the tradition of 18th Century English brewers who supplied the court of Russia's Catherine the Great, Old Rasputin seems to develop a cult following wherever it goes. It's a rich, intense brew with big complex flavors and a warming finish.'

Well I was very excited to announce the 100th post of Beers Of My Life, but Andy beat me to it! So... Happy 101st!

I am quite interested in Rasputin (the man that is) and that is what prompted me to pick put this beer quite some time ago. I have read numerous biographies on the man and DVR everything that might have to do with him on the history channel. I am a Grigory Rasputin fan.

I think the beer itself channels the mans spirits quite a bit. It is dark, slightly oily and very bitter like the mad monk himself. I know that makes Old Rasputin sound akin to drinking gasoline but believe me, this is some good shit. This beer won't be for everyone though- a high alcohol content, although masked wonderfully by the bitter hops, is intense at ABV 9%. It is rather hoppy for an Imperial Stout, or any stout. Flavors that are commonly the first thing you taste when drinking a stout come rolling at you in the aftertaste. Chocolate. Coffee. Toasted malts.

This is a fierce, full bodied beer. After a few Old Rasputins you are ready to move on to something a little lighter but it is a hell of a way to start the night (or afternoon, in my case). Any fan of stouts should at least give this a try, you will thank me for it.