Robust, strong, malty beer brewed for export to Russia. Rich, sweet, complex, velvety character in an intense dark all. Roast flavor, fruity, alcoholic and well aged.
Profile
Full bodied with velvety, chewy burnt, smoky, malty, fruity, complex flavors. Some coffee or roast cocoa evident. May have dark fruit character. Moderate to high hop flavor and aroma. Black color. High ester and fruitiness.
Ingredients
Lots of pale malt with plenty of roasted malt. English hops. American variations have more bitterness. English or American yeast. Slightly alkaline water.
Examples
Courage Imperial Stout, Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout, Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, Rogue Imperial Stout, Thursty Dog Siberian Night, Great Lakes Blackout Stout