Virginia Distillery Co. Old Rasputin Stout Cask American Single Malt

Before the whisky, these barrels held a Russian imperial stout.

Old Rasputin is a beer: a 9% Russian imperial stout from North Coast Brewing Co. in Fort Bragg, California. Virginia Distillery Co. took barrels that had held it and used them to finish its single malt.

It's part of The Brewer's Coalition, a series the distillery started in 2024. Each release takes Virginia Distillery's American single malt, 100% malted barley distilled in copper pot stills in Lovingston, Virginia, ages it over five years in ex-bourbon barrels, then finishes it in barrels from one brewery. Virginia Distillery says just six Old Rasputin barrels went into this one.

The label borrows the beer's medallion: Rasputin's portrait ringed by a Russian proverb. North Coast translates it as "a sincere friend is not born instantly."

It's bottled at 100 proof. Pour it neat, or next to a glass of the stout it came from.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: almond kringle, honeycomb
• Then: bright citrus zest
• Palate: dark chocolate, malty hops

Bottle Specifications

• Category: American single malt whisky
• Age: No age statement (the producer says over five years in ex-bourbon barrels)
• Finish: North Coast Brewing Co. Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout barrels
• Series: The Brewer's Coalition
• Proof / ABV: 100 proof / 50%
• Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co., Lovingston, Virginia
• Bottle size: 700ml

FAQ

Does it taste like beer?
Virginia Distillery's notes list almond pastry, honeycomb and citrus zest on the nose, then dark chocolate and malty hops on the palate.

Why is the bottle 700ml?
Virginia Distillery bottles its Brewer's Coalition releases in 700ml, a size US rules have allowed since December 2020.

What is The Brewer's Coalition?
Virginia Distillery's series of single malts finished in barrels from craft breweries, starting with Goose Island and Hardywood in 2024.