If you want to understand what a Russian imperial stout is, North Coast Old Rasputin is where to start. It is a big, dark, 9% beast brewed in Fort Bragg, California, in the old English style that was once shipped to the Russian court. Unlike a lot of imperial stouts it is not a rare, hyped release, it is widely available and reasonably priced, which is why it has such a loyal following. I treated it as a sipper for this guide, which is the only sensible way to drink it.
North Coast Old Rasputin at a glance
| Style | Russian imperial stout |
| ABV | 9.0% |
| Calories | Around 300 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | North Coast Brewing, Fort Bragg, California |
| Character | Roasted malt, dark chocolate, coffee, warming |
| Best served | Cool, not cold, in a small glass as a sipper |
How it tastes, by the numbers
This is a big, rich, roasty beer, high in everything: body, roast, sweetness and strength.
The full review
It pours pitch black with a dense tan head. The aroma is deep and roasty, dark chocolate and coffee with a little dark fruit and a warming boozy note underneath.
The flavour is huge and layered. There is a wall of roasted malt, bitter dark chocolate and espresso, a solid malt sweetness to balance it and a warming 9% finish that lingers. It is rich and chewy and coats the mouth in the best way.
It is not a beer to throw back. This is a slow, contemplative sipper, best drunk cool rather than cold and ideally over a long evening. Served too cold you miss half the flavour, so let it warm up in the glass.
What makes it special is that this level of quality is available year round at a sensible price. Most imperial stouts this good are limited, hyped releases. Old Rasputin just sits on the shelf being brilliant.
Most imperial stouts this good are rare, hyped releases. Old Rasputin just sits on the shelf being brilliant.
- A benchmark Russian imperial stout
- Rich, roasty and warming
- Widely available and great value
- Consistent year after year
- Too big to drink more than one
- Needs to warm up to show its best
Who it is for
If you want a superb, rich imperial stout to sip slowly without hunting down a limited release, Old Rasputin is the one. A must for any dark beer fan.
North Coast Old Rasputin FAQs
What is a Russian imperial stout?
It is the strongest, richest style of stout, originally a strong English stout brewed for export to the Russian imperial court in the 1700s and 1800s. It is dark, roasty, full bodied and high in alcohol, usually 8 to 12% ABV.
How strong is Old Rasputin?
It is 9.0% ABV, a proper imperial stout, so it is a sipping beer rather than a session one.
What does Old Rasputin taste like?
Deep roasted malt, bitter dark chocolate and espresso with a balancing malt sweetness and a warming finish. It is rich, chewy and full bodied.
Where to buy North Coast Old Rasputin
Old Rasputin is widely available across the US in four-packs and single bottles. Buy it using the button above and serve it cool, not cold.
The verdict
Old Rasputin is a benchmark imperial stout and one of the best value big beers you can buy. Rich, roasty and endlessly rewarding, it is essential drinking for stout fans.
FAQs
Who makes North Coast Old Rasputin?
North Coast Old Rasputin is brewed by North Coast Brewing (independently owned).
What kind of beer is North Coast Old Rasputin?
North Coast Old Rasputin is a Russian imperial stout, at 9.0% ABV.
How much alcohol is in North Coast Old Rasputin?
North Coast Old Rasputin has an ABV of 9.0%.
How many calories are in North Coast Old Rasputin?
North Coast Old Rasputin has Around 300 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is North Coast Old Rasputin gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, North Coast Old Rasputin is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make North Coast Old Rasputin taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is North Coast Old Rasputin made?
North Coast Old Rasputin is brewed by North Coast Brewing in Fort Bragg, California.
How do I open North Coast Old Rasputin without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for North Coast Old Rasputin?
Cool, not cold, in a small glass as a sipper. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
