The History of Imperial Stout

Russian imperial stout was originally brewed in Great Britain to satisfy the Czarist courts, who were great connoisseurs of Champagne, caviar and the art of the table. Because it was transported across the freezing Baltic, Russian imperial stout was brewed with a high level of alcohol.

Taste

Deep black color; rich, deep flavors of chocolate, roasted barley, and ale fruitiness with hop bitterness in balance: a big yet still elegant ale. Beautiful, long finish - a complex blend of malt, hops, alcohol and yeast.

Serving Suggestion

Espresso, Stilton and walnuts, New York cheesecake, steak au poivre, caviar, Oysters Rockefeller, chocolate Baked Alaska. Easily hold its own in the company of cigars. Serve in a brandy snifter at 60 °F.

Accolades

94 points, Wine Enthusiast, Best of Year 2016

5/5 Stars, Highest Recommendation, Spirit Journal, December 2016

Gold Medal - World Beer Championships 2012, 2010, 2009; notes here.

Ratebeer.com: 99 points (January 2017)

93 pts., "Classic," Wine Enthusiast magazine, Dec. 31, 2011

"1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die," selection, A. Tierney-Jones, 2010

Product Sizes and Quantities

• 18.7 ounce (550 ml) "Victorian Pint" bottles / 12 per case
• 12 ounce (355 ml) bottles / 6 - 4 packs per case

Stats

ABV: 7.0% - OG: 1.070 - IBU: 35
Ingredients: Water, barley malt, roasted barley, hops, cane sugar, yeast.

Nutritional info: Serving Size - 12 oz. (355 ml). Calories: 257; Total Fat 0 g (0% Daily Value); Sodium 45 mg (2% DV); Total Carbohydrates 21 g (7% DV); Sugars 1 g; Protein 2.5 g (5% DV). (Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie daily diet.)