Back during the early days of Passion Beer, I reviewed the Old Rasputin from North Coast Brewing Company, giving it a 9.5/10 (on our old rating scale). I love that beer, and it has always been one of my go-to stouts for almost any situation. How do you make a great beer like the Old Rasputin hopefully better? Easy, age it in some bourbon barrels. That is what North Coast did when creating the Old Rasputin XIV Anniversary beer.
Philadelphia Brewing Company, one of my local favorites, released their newest beer in their “Select Ale Series.” Kilty Pleasure, a Scotch Ale, reads in at 8% ABV, respectable for the style. After recently having their winter seasonal Shackamaximum, an Imperial Stout, I’m excited to see yet another intriguing addition to their line-up of stellar beers.
Middle Ages Brewing Company, out of my birthplace Syracuse, New York is one brewery with a Barleywine on their year-round rotation. Druid Fluid, an American Barleywine at 9.5% ABV, is made in a traditionalist fashion at the brewery. They still do not have any computerized systems pre-measuring their beers, instead they do the measuring and mixing by hand.
