Review – North Coast Old Rasputin XII Anniversary

From North Coast Brewing: For the past few years, barrel-aged Old Rasputin has been released in such limited quantities that it has been available only at the brewery retail shop. However, we have received so many requests for this beer that for the 12th anniversary, NCBC produced enough Old Rasputin XII to put into broader distribution. There’s certainly not a flood of it, but it is available in select areas.

North Coast Brewing – Old Rasputin XII – Twelfth Anniversary Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout – 22. oz corked bottle poured into a goblet. 11.2% abv.

Appearance: Pours a midnight brown with a mere pinstripe of brown bubbles.

Aroma: A strong whiff of bourbon, featuring aromas of vanilla, caramel, graham cracker.

Taste: Vanilla, chocolate pudding, caramel, toffee, bourbon and a touch of oak mixed with spicy hop bitterness.

Mouthfeel: Silky smooth. Warmth from the bourbon characteristics.

Overall: Just amazing, bold and perfectly balanced.  Not as woody as I imagined it to be, but showcases the bourbon flavors from the barrel aging.