'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.
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5 comments:
I really enjoyed this beer. It's big and definitely hopped up. I'm going to age this beer and see how it tastes after the summer is over.
Hey Matt, your blog makes me thirsty. Love it. I plan to start finding some of these beers... I'm almost completely ignorant about beer... bourbon stout? What is that? I like bourbon! I like stout! Why didn't someone tell me about this!!?
Chipper- Let me know how you age your beer, just in the crisper? I have been aging some High Life by accident I think!
Carl- Your Palehose comic strips are great! And yeah some companies are buying old bourbon barrels to age their stout in! Goose Island gets theirs from Jim Beam I know. I have tried the Goose Island Bourbon County Grand Stout(good, but overpriced) The Schlafly Bourbon Aged Imperial Stout (excellend and much cheaper, but harder to get out here), America's Brewing Co Bourbon Barrel Stout (middle price range from Aurora IL).
Hope that helps!
Thanks for the kind words about Palehose.
I found your blog a few weeks ago, and you mentioned the Goose Island Bourbon County. I tried to go to Binny's in Orland Park to find it, but struck out. Someone tried to sell me some GI Oatmeal Stout. I said, "No, dude. Bourbon. I want to try a stout with bourbon in it." Then the Binny's guy looked at me like my forehead sprouted a beaver, and I gave up hope.
Do you find all of these beers that you review at the large stores (like Binny's), or do you end up special ordering them?
I've been aging a can of Hamm's for at least 4 years in my fridge.
Well I have been fairly spoiled living in the city. I have a Sam's Wine and Spirits and four random liquor stores in walking distance of my apartment.
I also have some great friends who bring me beer from all over. Feed the blogger! Feed the blogger!
Oh yeah the Goose Island Bourbon stout is $20 a FOUR PACK!
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