Old Rasputin Imperial Stout

Pours a dark ruby black with a huge two inch tan head. Retention is high, leaving a nice thick foamy lacing. Aroma is awesome. I am getting chocolate, dark fruits, and dark roasted malt. Taste is amazing! I get a nice roasted malt that works into dry bitter chocolate. I am getting a hint of molasses on the backend. A very warming beer. Reminds me of the warm burn after a shot of whisky, maybe not that strong, but similar. Mouth feel is smooth and creamy with a dryness on the palate. Big body with medium carbonation. Overall I really enjoyed this beer. The aroma and taste are right up my alley. I love the warmth I am getting off the beer. Would make a great beer on a cold winterâ??s night.

From a bottle from 2009. Pours opaque with a three-quarter glass of thick, brown foam. Retention is way above average, becoming even thicker and frothier as it dissipates. Lacing Aroma is foremost chocolate for me. Roasted malt, molasses, and some dark fruits follow in shortly after. The chocolate seems more cocoa like. Taste is sweet up front with a huge blast of roasted malt in the middle that transitions quickly to burnt, bitter chocolate and coffee notes in the end. The chocolate flavors hang around a bit. Licorice can be found in there also. Big body here but not huge with about average carbonation, that could be toned down for my tastes. Creamy up front, especially. Dries the palate a touch. I have heard great things about this beer. Although I wouldn't say it is great it is darn good. The burnt, bitter ending to the beer becomes an annoyance for me after a while as it is a bit too unbalanced. Otherwise this is spot on. I have another bottle awaiting my taste buds. Enjoy!