Skip to main content

What is an Imperial Stout

Imperial Stout is a robust and intense style of beer that originated in England but gained popularity in Russia in the 18th century, earning it the "imperial" moniker. This style is characterised by its rich and complex flavour profile, high alcohol content, and dark, almost opaque appearance. It's a wonderful style that I do like to sample, especially in the colder months. Here are some key features of Imperial Stout: 

1. Appearance:

  • Imperial Stouts are known for their deep, dark colour, often resembling black or very dark brown.
  • They usually have a thick, tan to brown head that lingers. 

 2. Aroma:

  • Aromas in Imperial Stouts can include roasted malt, chocolate, coffee, toffee, caramel, and sometimes dark fruits.
  • The alcohol content is often noticeable in the aroma, contributing to the overall complexity. 

 3. Flavour:

  • The flavour profile is characterised by a strong malt presence, often with roasted and chocolate notes.
  • Imperial Stouts can have a moderate to high sweetness, balanced by a noticeable bitterness from roasted malt or hops.
  • Some variants may include additional flavours like vanilla, oak, spices, or even bourbon if the beer has been barrel-aged. 

4. Alcohol Content:

  • Imperial Stouts are known for their high alcohol content, typically ranging from 8% to 12% ABV (alcohol by volume).
  • The warming sensation of alcohol is often part of the overall experience. 

5. Mouthfeel:

  • The mouthfeel is usually full-bodied and smooth, with a creamy texture. 
  • Carbonation levels can vary, but they are often moderate to low. 

 6. Food Pairings:

  • Imperial Stouts pair well with rich and hearty foods, such as chocolate desserts, strong cheeses, and grilled meats.
  • The beer's robust flavours can complement and enhance the flavours of these dishes. 

7. Variations:

  • There are various substyles and variations of Imperial Stout, including barrel-aged versions, flavoured variants (e.g., coffee, vanilla, or spices), and imperial stouts with added adjuncts like chili peppers or fruit. 

 8. Occasions:

  • Imperial Stouts are often enjoyed as sipping beers due to their high alcohol content and complex flavour profile.
  • They are suitable for colder seasons or special occasions. 

Imperial Stout is a beloved style among craft beer enthusiasts (and one of my personal faves) for its bold and rich characteristics, making it a favorite for those who appreciate strong and flavourful brews.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

My Three Top Posts

Vatted Black Beer - What!

On a recent trip to Eastbourne, I had the great pleasure of bumping into this 'style' with the Monolith Vatted Black Beer from Burning Sky Brewery. Wow, what a beer, I scored it 10/10 . I've never come across this beer style before, so I was interested in learning a little more about it. What is Vatted Black Beer? Vatted black beer is a dark ale aged in wooden vats, Burning Sky Monolith was aged in Chianti barrels for three years. Like all similar beers, this leaved a rich, complex flavour that’s really is amazing and hard to beat. Sometimes these beers might have wild yeasts introduced or other micro-flora. The efforts that brewers go throught to produce these beers cannot be over-exaggerated, they are time consuming to produce and there are financial risks of cellaring beers, but the results can be stunning.  A VERY Brief History Lesson This beer style dates back to the 18th century. Back then, brewers used wooden vats to store their beer. Over time, they noti...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Pale Ale Appreciation Society

After a recent review that I have put together for a fruity and hoppy pale ale, I was shocked to discover that there isn’t a Pale Ale Appreciation Society, and I think there should be. Before some clever brewer realised that there were some lovely flavours to be got from an India Pale Ale (IPA), pale ales were bees knees; drinkers admired their drinkability, there balance of mild sweetness against the mild hoppy bitterness, but it just seems that today, as they don’t have the alcohol punch or the intense hop bitterness that characterises some modern day IPAs, pale ales seem to have proper fallen out of favour amongst drinkers. For one like think that there is still a place in the glass for a pale ale, and that they have much to offer, especially for those who enjoy a subtler, more refined beer experience (like I do sometimes). A Very Quick History Lesson Pale ales were first brewed in the early 1700’s as an alternative to the darker, richer and more robust ales that were around at the ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Timothy Taylor's Knowle Spring - better than Landlord?

Welcome to what could be a controversial blog post, and let me get straight to the point ..  I prefer Knowle Spring over Landlord; I know, probably not something you hear often, but let me explain. I think that Timothy Taylor's Knowle Spring, has a fairly unique character and delightful flavours. As we explore this blonde beer, we'll also draw some comparisons with its beter known sibling, Landlord, to help you understand why I think Knowle Spring is probably the best beer in the Timothy Taylor family (but only just!).   Introducing Knowle Spring to You All I first had this wonder beer about five years ago in a country pub in Yorkshire (the name escapes me), but I instantly fell for this beer.  This 4.2% ABV Knowle Spring is a relatively recent addition to Timothy Taylor's lineup, having been introduced in 2017. This Golden Ale was created to offer a lighter, more refreshing option compared to some of the brewery's other offerings. The name actually comes from the sprin...
Post a Comment
Read more