# Lower-ABV Craft Stouts North Coast Brewing Co. Adds A 4.5% ABV Stout To Its Old Rasputin Range By Ellen Smith | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-11-08 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lower-abv-craft-stouts References: [bevindustry](https://www.bevindustry.com/articles/98797-north-coast-brewing-co-chill-rasputin)  Old Rasputin is getting a lighter companion. North Coast Brewing Co. has added Chill Rasputin to its stout range, offering a [lower-strength option](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lowstrength-beer-range) for drinkers who enjoy the original but want something easier to enjoy over a longer sitting. At 4.5% ABV, Chill Rasputin keeps the dark character of a traditional stout, with notes of [roasted coffee and dark chocolate](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gingerbread-stout-latte). Its smoother, lighter body sets it apart from the stronger [imperial stout](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blackout-stout), while keeping the familiar Rasputin name and flavour profile. The beer is available in four-packs of 16-ounce cans at select retailers. It gives longtime Old Rasputin fans another option, while offering a more approachable introduction to the range for those who usually steer clear of stronger stouts. Image Credit: North Coast Brewing Co. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.3/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 41% | Freshness: 100% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Sessionable Dark Beers:** Lower-strength stouts create room for craft breweries to extend bold flavor categories into longer, more casual drinking occasions. - **Heritage Brand Extensions:** Established craft beer names can reduce trial barriers by introducing lighter variants that preserve recognizable taste cues and brand trust. - **Flavor-forward Moderation:** Moderate-alcohol beverages with roasted, chocolate, and coffee profiles signal growing demand for balance between sensory richness and responsible consumption. ### Who This Affects Most - **Craft Beer:** Breweries have opportunities to diversify flagship ranges with accessible ABV levels that attract both loyal fans and cautious new drinkers. - **Alcohol Retail:** Retailers can benefit from lower-ABV premium formats that support broader shelf appeal across moderation-minded and craft-focused shoppers. - **Beverage Packaging:** Four-pack large-can formats position sessionable craft releases as premium yet approachable products for at-home and social consumption. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Irish-Style Alcohol-Free Beers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athletic-brewing-nitro-emerald-cliffs.md) - [Low‑Alcohol Vodka Seltzers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kinda-light-vodka-seltzer.md) - [Gingerbread Canned Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gingerbread-canned-cocktails.md) - [Rich Nitrogen-Infused Stouts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caffreys-black-stout.md) - [Alcohol-Free Coffee Porter Beers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nirvana-mocha-porter.md) - [Hard Ice Cream-Inspired Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raspberry-ripple-four-loko-jackpot.md) - [Regional Stout Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Dank-Brewing.md) - [Rye Imperial Stouts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rye-imperial-stouts.md) - [Sessionable Low-ABV Lagers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harpoon-brewery-1.md)