Today is my birthday, and as is my tradition each year, the Advent beer pick is one that isn’t necessarily a Christmastime selection, but is one that I’d like to drink as a special birthday beer. This year I’ve chosen an old favorite, Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout from North Coast Brewing Company.

In this age of specialty beer releases that require waiting in line and pastry stouts and limited-edition rarities, Old Rasputin is remarkable not only for its year-round availability but also for its value. North Coast, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, was among the first craft brewers that I’m aware of to offer an imperial stout and Old Rasputin was one of the first commercial versions I experienced.

This beer is 9% alcohol by volume and 75 IBUs, but each year North Coast also offers a barrel-aged version; this year’s XXI vintage was aged in bourbon and rye whiskey barrels and is 12.2% ABV.

Find yourself a bottle of Old Rasputin and drink along with me today. Cheers!

Find North Coast Old Rasputin on:

• Untappd
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