De Molen Rasputin

This one came recommended (it generally would need to, with the $35 price tag..).

Initially a bit browner than expected out of the bottle, though it doesn't show too well in the shot above. What you do see is the mysteriously solid head, which came out looking more like a meringue than a typical stout hat. Still, after letting things settle, it generates a pretty complex aroma, covering darkfruit, caramel, coffee.

On first bite my initial reaction was the mouthfeel was too highly aerated but it resolves within an instant to produce a velvety progression that actually suits the style very well. Taste delivers a massive burst of christmas cake, big brandy notes, quite fruity round character. It's heavy but not turpentine hot, no real problem here. There's a lingering burnt brown sugar taste that carries you through to the end with dark candied fruit.

This beer can be cellared for up to 25 years so it may improve with time. We can only rate what's in front of us though (2011 bottle by the way) and at this stage it doesn't do a great deal more than other (cheaper) beers accomplish in this style. There's just not much "wow", and on that thought it's difficult to wholeheartedly recommend. 7.5