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Imperial Stout

By K. Florian Klemp Published March 2005, Volume 26, Number 1
Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout
North Coast Brewing Old Rasputin
Victory Brewing Storm King Stout
Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout
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New World Imperialism

Nowhere is the imperial stout style more prevalent, revered and consumed than the United States. Of course, American brewers have put their own slant on the style, but they have retained the core, sublime qualities that make big beer lovers drool. Anyone who has had regular stout of American origin can vouch for the depth that they provide, but imperial versions are a quantum leap beyond. The legions of standard stout devotees may not sidle up easily to the extra complexity, but this is what American craft brewing has become–a little more of everything. Perhaps this owes to a spirit of individuality, a chance to call something one’s own.

This is ever so apparent in imperial stouts—an adherence to historical guidelines out of respect and an appreciation for tradition, coupled with a flair that doesn’t compromise, yet is slightly aberrant. The most common way to describe the phenomena is “envelope-pushing,” a healthy trend among brewers even in more traditional brewing centers worldwide. Such trendsetters mean no disrespect to heritage, simply a broadening of it, with a bit of invention thrown in.

Imperial stouts are just as likely to be a year round offering as they are a seasonal. It matters little either way, because of their strength and aging qualities, imperial stouts can be enjoyed anytime. Imperial stout labels often evoke images of impending trouble or dubious characters, a warning to the drinker of the respect he or she should reserve for the beer.

K. Florian Klemp is an award-winning homebrewer and general hobbyist who thinks there is no more sublime marriage than that of art and science.
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Tasting Notes

  • Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout

    From Yorkshire’s oldest surviving brewery, Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout was first brewed in the 1980s for the American market to honor England’s tradition of strong export ales. It pours deep brown-black with a sustained brown head. The aroma is a mixture of malted milk, dark chocolate and molasses. The mouthfeel is not overwhelming, but it is still rich and creamy, and the flavor is of roasted malt and molasses with little notice of hops. Yet another masterpiece from a world class brewery. Few beers at 7.0 percent ABV are this enthralling.

    ABV: 7.0%

  • North Coast Brewing Old Rasputin

    Brewed in Fort Bragg, CA, and named for arguably Russia’s most notorious rapscallion, Old Rasputin Imperial Stout is equally noteworthy. It is also one of the best and most respected beers available. Black as midnight, it smells of toffee and dark roast coffee. Semisweet chocolate and rich malty flavors accompany a thick, dextrinous palate. Some dark fruit in the flavor. Deceptively drinkable. Rasputin himself would grin mischievously if he could get his hands on one of these.

    ABV: 8.9%

  • Victory Brewing Storm King Stout

    From Downingtown, PA, Storm King is one of many excellent beers that Victory brews. It might be the best. Espresso, chocolate and alcohol emanate from this opaque elixir. Some hop character adds to the complex aroma. The flavor is dominated by the roasty notes, but hints of chocolate and raisins are quite noticeable, and the hops come through as well. There is no doubt that this is a strong beer upon tasting. It would be hard to find a better example of the style.

    ABV: 9.1%

  • Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout

    Produced by renowned brew master and culinary expert Garrett Oliver, this seasonal imperial offering is one of the most well-rounded and complex strong beers, period. Inky black, with aromas of burnt chocolate and fruit in the nose. Creamy and smooth in the mouth. The flavor is reminiscent of malted milk, chocolate, coffee and dark fruit. This is the perfect after-dinner drink and, specifically, a dessert beer. I have no doubt that Garret was thinking about chocolate treats and/or fine cigars when he crafted this outstanding beer.

    ABV: 8.5%

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