Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout

I was excited to finally get a chance to try a Russian Imperial Stout,which some regard as the king,or czar, of beer styles. The beer was first made in Britain for export to the Russian royalty during the 18oo's. Thankfully the style didn't die with the Revolution. I have heard people rant and rave about Rasputin for awhile now. This was my chance to give it a shot.



Old Rasputin started of with a thick,tan head and so dark that only the smallest amount of light escaped(I say a blood red sliver at the bottom of the glass). Upon further inspection through taste, I was bitten with the bitterness of a hops monster on the first sip. I thought the bitterness might die down as the beer got warmer, but it didn't. I'm not afraid of bitter beer, they are just not my favorite. I also don't enjoy sucking on lemons, if you can believe that.

Aside from the bite, I enjoyed all the other aspects of the beer. The malty smell was nice and so were the sweet undertones. The best part was probably the 9% abv. That always makes my experience more pleasurable. I'll buy it again when Brooklyn's Black Chocolate is out of season or if I'm in an area where it is the best thing around. Until then,there will be other Imperials to try.