North Coast Brewing Co.

The North Coast Brewing Co., a pioneer in the craft beer movement, opened in 1988 as a local brewpub in the historic town of Fort Bragg on California's Mendocino coast. Under the leadership of brewmaster, Mark Ruedrich, the brewery has developed a strong reputation for quality having won more than 70 awards in national and international competitions and has been named "One of the 10 Best Breweries in the World" by the Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago.

In addition to Red Seal Ale, Scrimshaw Pilsner, Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout and the other fine North Coast brands, the brewery has resurrected the old Acme label with a heritage dating back to the San Francisco of the 1860's.

These exceptional beers are available in 36 states now and also are exported to Europe and the Pacific rim.

North Coast beers available at Westside Liquor:

Old No. 38 Stout: Named for a retired steam engine on the Ft.Bragg-Willits Skunk run through the California Redwoods, Old No.38 Stout is a smooth, firm-bodied stout with the toasted character and coffee notes of dark malts and roasted barley.

85 Points, Rated "Highly-Recommended", Beverage Tasting Institute, Chicago

Vital Statitics
Style: Dublin Dry Stout
Color: Onyx
Bitterness: 46 IBU's
ABV: 5.6%

Red Seal Ale: Malt and hops are beautifully married in this full-bodied, copper-red pale ale. Red Seal Ale is generously hopped in the traditional manner for a long, spicy finish.

90 Points, Rated "Exceptional" Beverage Testing Institute, Chicago.

Vital Statistics
Style: Pale Ale
Color: Amber
Bitterness: 45 IBU's
ABV: 5.5%

Scrimshaw: Named for the delicate engravings popularized by 19th century seafarers, Scrimshaw is a fresh tasting Pilsner brewed in the finest European tradition from Munich and Klages malts, Hallertauer and Tettnang hops. Scrimshaw has a subtle hop character, a crisp, clean palate, and a dry finish.

89 Points, Rated "Highly-Recommended", Beverage Testing Institute, Chicago

Vital Statistics
Style: Pilsner
Color: Pale Straw
Bitterness: 22 IBU's
ABV: 4.4%

Blue Star: Malted wheat and the choicest American barley are combined with a blend of noble hops to create this light, fruity, refreshing beer. Brewed in the style of the American beer renaissance, Blue Star is unfiltered, the yeast adding a complex note to the flavor profile. It's especially good with a slice of lemon!

92 Points, Rated "Exceptional", Beverage Testing Institute, Chicago

Vital Statistics
Style: American Wheat Beer
Color: Translucent Straw
Bitterness: 17 IBU's
ABV: 4.5%

Old Rasputin: Contrary to the geography suggested by the name, Russian Imperial Stout was originally brewed in 18th Century England. The name evolved as the Russian Imperial Court developed an early appreciation for this big, intense brew and provided a ready and eager export market.

It's been speculated that no one had a greater appreciation for this rich, roasty elixir than Rasputin, the mystic wag (and favorite of the ladies of the court), who contributed to the ultimate downfall of Czar Nicholas II.

Rasputin is probably best remembered for his dramatic exit. Having been deemed politically expendable, he was fed poisoned wine and tea cakes by his rivals. Surviving that, he was shot several times - whereupon he attacked his assailants. He finally succumbed when bound and stuffed through a hole in the ice to drown in the River Neva. Legends that attribute his tenacity to his appetite for Russian Imperial Stout are unproven.

A rich, intense brew with a robust palate, a fruity nose and a warming finish. Very complex.

91 Points, Rated "Exceptional" , Beverage Testing Institute, Chicago

Vital Statistics
Style: Russian Imperial Stout
Color: Black
Bitterness: 75 IBU's
ABV: 8.9%

PranQster Ale: Belgian Ales represent the height of the brewers' art. Sophisticated brewing techniques, yeast blends and unique flavoring elements have elevated the beers of Belgium to the status enjoyed by wine in other countries.
PranQster follows in this tradition using a mixed culture of antique yeast strains that results in a floral nose, a full fruity flavor and a clean finish. It's a deceptive 7.6% alcohol and should be enjoyed with a full head.
"We're excited about the techniques we've developed to bring this fruity, complicated ale to the American market," says North Coast Brewing Co. Brewmaster Mark Ruedrich. "Belgium produces the most diverse group of beers in the world. We've always been impressed with them, and it's really gratifying to be able to create something in that style."
PranQster is available in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles. The label is adapted from a classic Belgian engraving by De Loose. It depicts Old World Brewmasters -- Ruedrich among them -- gathered around a festive table enjoying the fruits of their labors.

92 Points, Rated "Exceptional", Beverage Tasting Institute, Chicago

Vital Statistics
Style: Belgian Style Golden Ale
Color: Soft Gold
Bitterness: 20 IBU's
ABV: 7.6%