The American-style imperial stout is the strongest in alcohol and body of the stouts. Black in color, these beers typically have an extremely rich malty flavor and aroma with full, sweet malt character. Bitterness can come from roasted malts or hop additions.
American Imperial Stout
Category: Stouts
Food Pairings
- Foie Gras
- Aged Cheeses
- Flour-less Chocolate Cake
Commercial Examples
- Expedition Stout, Bell's Brewery
- Old Rasputin Imperial Stout, North Coast Brewing Co.
- The Russian, 2SP Brewing Co.
Appearance
Color
Black
Clarity
Opaque
Carbonation (Visual)
Slow to Medium Rising Bubbles
Flavor/Aroma
Alcohol
Noticeable
Hop
Hop aroma and flavor are medium-high to high, with floral, citrus and/or herbal hop aromas. Hop bitterness is medium-high to very high and balanced with the malt character
Malt
Bittersweet Chocolate, Cocoa, Coffee
Esters
Fruity esters are generally high
Phenols
Not common to style
Sensations
Body
Mouth-Coating
Carbonation
Low to Medium
Finish Length
Long
Attenuation
Medium
Ingredients
Hops
Horizon, Kent Goldings
Malt
Pale, Black Roasted Barley, Special "B", CaraMunich, Chocolate, Pale Chocolate
Water
Varies
Yeast
Ale
