Founded in 1988 as a Fort Bragg brewpub, North Coast Brewing Co. predates the Internet and the craft beer explosion alike, but it’s managed to continue innovating all the while. Under the leadership of president and co-founder Mark Ruedrich, the California Mendocino Coast brewery is a certified B Company using solar energy, has relationships with local farmers and gives back to the community. Oh, and North Coast brews tasty craft beers, winning more than 110 awards in national and international competitions. In addition to Old Stock ale, Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout, Scrimshaw Pilsner and other fine North Coast brands, the brewery has resurrected the old Acme label with a heritage dating back to the San Francisco of the 1860s. We’ll save Acme for another day. Today, we present Craft Beer Crosscut 4.4.17: A Flight of North Coast, a five-beer sample from Ruedrich’s handiwork.
North Coast Scrimshaw Pilsner
4.7% ABV, 22 IBU
North Coast’s Scrimshaw pours a honey gold with a frothy, white head. Grains and soft hop notes abound in the aroma. The swallow is closer to a pale ale, starting with ample two-row malt sweetness, followed by lemony, zesty hop tastes. The perfect carbonation and light body create a smooth, creamy mouthfeel with a crisp, dry finish and mild fruity aftertaste. It’s not trying to do anything fancy — it’s just a very well-balanced pilsner. It’s not a hop bomb, or a malt showcase. It’s just clean, thirst-quenching lager.
North Coast Tart Cherry Berliner Weisse
3.4% ABV
The name of the style, Berliner Weisse, is protected by German law, which states that a beer should only be called by that name if it is brewed in Berlin, just as a Kölsch must be brewed in Köln. At the height of its popularity during the late 19th century, Berliner Weisse was the most favored alcoholic drink in Berlin, and nearly 50 breweries were producing it. However, it fell by the wayside, as pale lagers became the beers of choice worldwide. Currently in Berlin there are only about three makers. North Coast Brewing Co. has embraced the centuries old Berliner Weisse style, debuting a new, special release brew this week. Just in time for the season, Tart Cherry Berliner Weisse is with the juice of Montmorency cherries sourced from orchards in central Michigan. It tastes like cherry pie.
North Coast PranQster
7.6% ABV, 20 IBU
The double-award winning PranQster Belgian-style golden ale follows the tradition of sophisticated brewing techniques elevating the status of Belgian beers to that of fine wine, using a mixed culture of antique yeast strains producing light pear and banana scents with brighten soft white pepper spice as big, gorgeous bubbles pop in the glass. PranQster feels almost pilsner-like on the tongue and provides a fruity finish. Carbonation and warming alcohol gently dry the mouth as a placid warmth grows deep in the chest. Lovely.
North Coast Old Stock Ale
11.9% ABV, 34 IBU
With a big sherry-like aroma, including hints of vanilla and peppery spice, we’re forewarned North Coast Old Stock Ale is stocky. Sure enough, our first taste highlights big brown sugar sweetness up front, with Champange-grape and honey notes along for the ride. In the cocktail world this beer would be an Old Fashioned. It’s hot with alcohol, lip tingling and obviously young, with an assertive bitterness that belies the 34 IBUs. As good as it is today, it will significantly improve with time.
North Coast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
9% ABV, 75 IBU
According to legend, it took copious amounts of poison, three gunshots, a beating and a drowning to take down Grigori Rasputin. Fortunately, Old Rasputin is more refined than its namesake and easier to drink than most of the imperials we’ve come across. Black as night and tasting of dark roasted malts and bitter chocolate, this is a complex, strong beer, both in flavor and alcohol content. Though slightly astringent, Old Rasputin finishes clean and refreshing.
