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All styles

BJCP 2021 / 20C

Imperial Stout

A massive roasty stout that combines intensity with smoothness.

  • Ages well
  • very high strength
  • dark color
  • top fermented
  • british isles

Serve: 50 to 58F, Snifter

OG1.120
1.075 to 1.115
FG1.030
1.018 to 1.030
IBU120
50 to 90
SRM40
30 to 40
ABV14%
8.0 to 12.0%

Taste it in order

Aroma

12 pts
  • Intense roast, dark chocolate, coffee
  • Dark fruit, molasses and alcohol warmth
  • Hop is present but subdued
Vague
Boozy
Better
Roast, chocolate and dark fruit
Best
Intense dark chocolate, coffee and roast with plum, raisin and molasses, strong warming alcohol, low hop

Appearance

3 pts
  • Black
  • Opaque
  • Tan to dark brown head, may be small
Vague
Black
Better
Opaque black, tan head
Best
Black, opaque, tan to brown head that may be thin

Flavor

20 pts
  • Rich roast, bittersweet chocolate and coffee
  • Dark fruit and molasses
  • Firm bitterness and a long warm finish
Vague
Rich
Better
Roast, chocolate and dark fruit
Best
Intense roast, bittersweet chocolate and coffee with plum and molasses, moderate-high bitterness, long warming finish

Mouthfeel

5 pts
  • Full body
  • Low to medium carbonation
  • Thick, creamy, strong warmth
Vague
Thick
Better
Full body, warm
Best
Full body, thick and velvety, strong alcohol warmth, low to medium carbonation

Overall Impression

10 pts

Lifts it

  • Integrated alcohol
  • Layered roast and fruit

Drops it

  • Hot alcohol
  • Burnt notes
  • Cloying sweetness

Writing tip

Judge integration of strength. Example: 'Bittersweet chocolate and dark fruit with warming alcohol that stays smooth. Big and balanced.'

Pour these

  • Old RasputinNorth Coast BrewingDark roast and bitter chocolate
  • YetiGreat Divide BrewingHoppy imperial stout with strong roast
  • Imperial StoutSamuel Smith'sRich, smooth and sweet

Often confused with

Fine here

  • Alcoholic: Strong warmth is expected
  • Oxidized: A sherry note is tolerated in aged bottles

Ruinous here

  • Solvent: Nail polish and acetone
  • Astringent: Harsh tannic roast

Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.