Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout

I first had this beer at Ashley's in Ann Arbor on tap.  It used the 'nitro tap' which gave it an incredibly creamy taste, similar to Guinness.  I had to have it again, so I picked up a few bottles while I was out to see how it would compare.

12 fl.oz bottle, poured in glass

Appearance

It pours like well used motor oil...thick and BLACK.  It's completel opaque with a huge, caramel colored head.  No carbonation to be seen and it looks like a rare, yet to be discovered ancient sea creature might actually live in it.  Lacey head that lingers on the glass while drinking.

Smell

Strong, almost burnt caramel aroma with a hint of coffee and lots of malt.  Just a hints of flower makes it out as well.

Taste

Coffee, molasses, dark chocolate and a well done dulce de leche taste are present.  Like it had been cooked on too high of heat and had burnt just a tad.  I can taste the alcohol (it DOES have 9% ABV...) but there's enough going on that it's not out of balance.  A LOT of malt flavours to balance out the high alcohol content.

Mouth

Very thick with a little carbonation.  Just tickles my tongue a bit as it goes down.  Nice, smooth feel that is reminiscent of what I had on tap, just not quite as creamy.  It's like someone poured heavy cream in my beer...it's that smooth and creamy.

Overall

This is the best Russian Imperial I've had ever.  It's so much better on tap, but the bottled stuff really does it well, too.  It's one of those beers that I want to have more then one or two, but just can't because of the high ABV.  I give it a 3.8/4.0

Wells Banana Bread Beer

I'll start this one off with a few facts...1) I LOVE bananas and banana bread, and 2) I HATE fruit beers, especially when they have fruit in the name...just an FYI.

1pt 0.9 fl.oz bottle, poured in glass

Appearance
It pured a nice, medium gold color. Very little effervescence and a two finger thick head that dissappeared somewhat quickly. Very clear, I really liked the color.

Smell
It smelled like banana bread! And not like bananas...but like fresh cooked homemade banana bread. Not very strong, but just enough there to know what you're smelling. No hop semll at all and a slight 'other' sweetness that I couldn't place...the banana bread smell kept me occupied.

Taste
Doesn't taste like banana bread at all. The fruit flavor isn't overwhelming, but it's defenitely there and in your face. Definitely taste the banana, and a little citrus as well, mostly grapefruit. Aftertaste is a little bitter...hops finally make a scene there. No real hop taste otherwise. A little acidic and not much alcohol taste...reasonably balanced and it goes down OK. Nice malt background. I could drink a few of these no problem.

Mouth
Pretty light...not Bud or Miller Lite light...but it's down on the scale. Feels thin and well carbonated. Not too carbonated...but enough for the style. A little dry and moderately sweet, it's something that goes down easy.

Overall
I feel this is OK. Like I said, I don't like fruit beers. I probably won't buy this again, but put it in front of me and I'll probably drink one or three. I give it a 2.4(out of 4.0) overall.