Three recent wonderful experiences

I have tasted three wonderful beers recently: North Coast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout, Bell's Third Coast Old Ale, and Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barley Wine Style Ale.

Old Rasputin is what the name says, a big Imperial Stout. Nice chocolate and smoke flavors with a touch of charcoal. Thick and smooth. I purchased this bottle in November 2011 in Mathews; it had aged at least 1 year. Yummy. I discovered that I left an inch or so in the glass overnight and drank what was left in the morning. Still good. I liked the beer so much that I went out this week and bought 3 new 4-packs. I moved its rating from 5 to 6 glasses and thought about 7. Previous review.

Beer Advocate classifies Third Coast Old Ale is an American Barleywine. Bells bottled this 6-pack on 4 Dec 2008, making it about 4 years old. The taste was all brown sugar and malt. I want to buy and age more. Yummy. It continues to earn its 6-glass rating. Previous review.

Tonight I took a 2010 vintage Bigfoot out of my cellar. Malt and hops and wonderful. Still 7 glasses. Previous review.

J. W. Lees Harvest Ale Matured in Calvados Casks

The beer continues to earn 7 glasses.Sweet, thick with a dash on apple brandy melded to a fantastic English barley wine. The brewer brewed this bottle in 2005 and I purchased it in April 2008 from West Park Wine and Beer. I am sad that West Park closed.

I paired the beer with pecan pie for a late night treat.

Previous Review.