Imperial Stout
What is Imperial Stout ale?
Stout is a British beer style that originated in the 19th century. As it grew in popularity English breweries began to export Stout to other countries. Stout that was higher in alcohol and more generously hopped could survive the long journey to distant markets such as Russia. A favorite of Catherine II, the Empress of Russia, this bolder type of Stout became known as Imperial Stout. Interest in Imperial Stout faded during the 20th century, but American craft breweries such as Bell’s revived interest in the style during the 1980s. Imperial Stout is now one of the most popular craft beer styles. Early American craft examples featured American grown hops from the Pacific Northwest and were hoppier than traditional English made Imperial Stouts. Modern American examples tend to be sweeter and often utilize brewing adjuncts for additional flavors and aromas. Imperial Stout tends to clock in around 8-12% ABV.
How is Imperial Stout brewed?
Deeply caramelized and roasted malts are key to the production of Imperial Stout. Imperial Stout is fermented at warm temperatures with ale yeast, with English strains imparting some additional fruity flavor and aroma. Originally a malt centric style, traditional Imperial Stout featured UK hop varieties for a touch of balancing bitterness. Classic American Imperial Stouts are often more heavily hopped, typically with American hop varietals, for more pronounced hop bitterness. Some craft brewers utilize brewing adjuncts such as vanilla, coffee, spices, peppers, etc. to add additional flavors and aromas to Imperial Stouts.
What does Imperial Stout look and taste like?
Imperial Stout is dark brown to black in color and sometimes displays ruby or garnet-colored highlights. The mixture of malt and unmalted roasted barley used to brew Imperial Stout delivers roasty and bittersweet flavors reminiscent of coffee and dark chocolate. Dark fruit flavors and a noticeable warming alcohol note are often present. American Imperial Stouts sometimes feature generous additions of American grown hops. As such, these Imperial Stouts offer citrusy and piney hop bitterness alongside dark chocolate and coffee-like flavors. Modern American Imperial Stouts often feature adjuncts such as coffee, cocoa nibs, spices, or vanilla. These Imperial Stouts are sometimes described as Pastry Stouts due to their dessert-like character. As such they tend to deliver a thick and heavy mouthfeel and are sweeter in character. Many breweries age Imperial Stout in wooden barrels that formerly held spirits, such as bourbon, rye, brandy, or rum.
What beer styles is Imperial Stout similar to?
Naturally Imperial Stout is similar to standard Stout, which delivers similar aromas and flavors but at a lower ABV. Porter also offers similar aromas and flavors, but often with less roasted flavor and more emphasis on caramel and chocolate malt character. Doppelbock is a rich lager style that delivers similar heft and complexity, but without the heavily roasted character of Imperial Stout.
What kind of foods does Imperial Stout pair well with?
Imperial Stout pairs well with a wide variety of foods, especially grilled or roasted meats. It also pairs well with BBQ, stew, and chili. Try serving Imperial Stout alongside strongly flavored cheeses such as blue and aged cheddar. Given the chocolate and coffee character of the dark malts used to make Imperial Stout, the sweeter examples often pair well with dessert, especially desserts featuring chocolate.
What are the best and most popular Imperial Stout ales?
We carry a wide variety of delicious Imperial Stouts - from classic British to American craft. Several breweries release Imperial Stout seasonally or as a special limited release, but we also offer several classic examples year-round.