Imperial stouts are a beloved beer style among craft beer enthusiasts, renowned for their robust flavors, complex brewing techniques, and rich history. Whether you’re a seasoned stout lover or just beginning to explore bold beer styles, the world of imperial stouts offers a fascinating lineup of brews that pack a punch both in taste and alcohol content. In this article, we dive into what makes imperial stouts truly special and put together a curated list of the top 10 best imperial stout beers you absolutely must try.
Understanding Imperial Stout Beer Styles
Originating in the 18th century, imperial stouts were originally brewed in England and exported to the Russian imperial court, hence the name. These stouts are characterized by their high alcohol by volume (ABV), often ranging from 8% to upwards of 12%, and a deep, dark color that hints at the robust roasted malt flavors inside. Unlike regular stouts, imperial stouts are thicker, richer, and often feature notes of coffee, dark chocolate, molasses, and sometimes even hints of dark fruits like plum or raisin.
The complexity and potency of imperial stouts make them perfect for sipping, pairing with strong cheeses or dark desserts, and aging in bottles to develop new flavor depths over time. Their bold profile makes them a must-try style for anyone wanting to explore the darker corners of the beer spectrum.
How We Ranked the Top Imperial Stouts
Choosing the best imperial stouts is no easy task given the sheer variety available from small craft breweries to established icons. Our rankings are based on several important criteria to ensure a well-rounded and enjoyable selection:
- Flavor complexity: Balance of roasted malt, sweetness, bitterness, and additional flavor elements like vanilla, oak, or spices.
- Brewing reputation: Renowned breweries who consistently produce high-quality imperial stouts with attention to detail.
- Consumer and expert reviews: Feedback from both beer enthusiasts and professional critics.
- Availability: How accessible the beer is to enthusiasts around the world, including special releases and limited editions.
- Drinkability: While bold, the best imperial stouts maintain a smooth finish without overwhelming bitterness or harshness.
The Top 10 Imperial Stout Beers to Try
1. Russian River Brewing – Pliny the Elder Imperial Stout
A revered name in the craft beer community, Russian River’s Pliny the Elder Imperial Stout is an icon. Known for its deep roasted malt flavor with a hint of sweetness, this brew offers a balanced bitterness and complex notes of chocolate and espresso. A full-bodied favorite that has garnered cult status for its consistency and robust flavor profile.
2. Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout
This bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout from Goose Island is a must-try for those who enjoy rich, boozy flavor. The stout takes on vanilla, caramel, and smoky oak from the bourbon barrels, complementing the thick malt base. It’s a layered, warming drink perfect for sipping slowly on a cold evening.
3. Founders Brewing – KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout)
KBS is a favorite among imperial stout fans, brewed with coffee and chocolate and aged in bourbon barrels. It features a luscious sweetness balanced by roasted bitterness and booze warmth. With its creamy texture and dessert-like complexity, KBS represents the pinnacle of barrel-aged imperial stouts.
4. North Coast Brewing – Old Rasputin
A classic Russian Imperial Stout, Old Rasputin from North Coast Brewing packs rich flavors of dark chocolate, rich coffee, and subtle hints of licorice and roast. It’s powerful but well-balanced, often recommended for those trying imperial stouts for the first time and seasoned drinkers alike.
5. Bell’s Brewery – Expedition Stout
This seasonal offering from Bell’s Brewery delivers bold roasted malt flavor with layers of cocoa and dark fruit, wrapped up in a smooth, warming finish. It showcases excellent craftsmanship and a depth of flavor that rewards multiple tastings.
6. The Bruery – Black Tuesday
As one of the highest-rated imperial stouts, Black Tuesday is an extreme example of the style. This rich, intense stout boasts concentrated flavors of molasses, dark caramel, and roasted malts with a hint of bourbon from barrel aging. Its high ABV makes it more of a sipping experience than a casual drink.
7. Avery Brewing – The Beast Grand Cru
A dark, potent imperial stout with an ABV often above 13%, The Beast Grand Cru is a complex brew with notes of espresso, roasted nuts, and chocolate fudge. It’s unapologetically strong but surprisingly smooth, making it an excellent addition to the list.
8. Deschutes Brewery – The Abyss
Each year, Deschutes releases a limited batch of The Abyss, a bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout known for deep flavors of plum, roasted coffee, and smoky bourbon. It’s a complex and elegant stout that can age beautifully over several years.
9. Evil Twin Brewing – Even More Jesus
A decadent imperial stout that’s rich, malty, and viscous, Even More Jesus lives up to its name with intense sweet flavors of chocolate, caramel, and molasses. The beer’s high viscosity and pronounced profile make it a standout in the style.
10. AleSmith Brewing Company – Speedway Stout
Speedway Stout combines imperial stout richness with coffee-forward flavors driven by added espresso. The result is an energizing yet smooth brew with a robust malt backbone and pleasantly bitter finish, perfect for stout lovers who appreciate a caffeinated kick.
Flavor Notes and Brewery Backgrounds
These imperial stouts come from breweries with impressive histories and dedication to quality. For instance, Russian River Brewing, located in California, has built a reputation for nuanced, hop-forward yet balanced ales. Goose Island, based in Chicago, paved the way for bourbon barrel-aging techniques with its Bourbon County series.
Founders Brewing, located in Michigan, is known for pushing boundaries with their innovative barrel aging and added ingredients like coffee and chocolate. Similarly, The Bruery and Deschutes have carved niches with their limited releases, appealing to collectors and occasional drinkers alike.
Each beer reflects its brewer’s commitment to craftsmanship and passion for the style, making the tasting experience not just about the beer itself but also about the story behind it.
Where to Find and Buy These Imperial Stouts
Given their popularity, many of these imperial stouts are available in specialty beer shops, craft beer bars, and reputable online retailers. Some, like Founders KBS and The Bruery’s Black Tuesday, are limited releases, so staying updated on brewery release schedules or signing up for newsletters is a good idea.
Online platforms such as BeerAdvocate, CraftShack, or Drizly can be excellent resources for sourcing rare bottles depending on your location. Many local liquor stores and well-stocked supermarkets with craft beer sections also carry staples like North Coast’s Old Rasputin or AleSmith’s Speedway Stout.
If you’re buying online, remember to check shipping restrictions depending on your state or country.
Tips for Tasting and Storing Imperial Stouts
Because imperial stouts are powerful and complex, tasting them properly can enhance your enjoyment:
- Glassware: Use a tulip or snifter glass to capture aroma and allow flavors to develop.
- Serving temperature: Serve slightly warmer than standard lagers, around 50-55°F (10-13°C), to release full aroma and flavor.
- Tasting: Take small sips to savor the complexity. Try to identify layered notes such as coffee, chocolate, oak, or dark fruits.
- Pairing: Enjoy with rich desserts like chocolate cake, blue cheese, or smoked meats to complement the stout’s boldness.
- Storing: Store bottles in a cool, dark place, ideally around 50-55°F. Many imperial stouts improve with age, so cellaring them for a year or more can deepen flavor profiles.
By thoughtfully tasting and storing imperial stouts, you can enjoy their unique characteristics fully and experience how they evolve over time.
Discover New Depths in Every Sip
Imperial stouts are more than just strong beers—they are crafted experiences that showcase a blend of art and science. Whether you’re drawn to the sweet, robust character of a barrel-aged brew or the intense roasted bitterness of a classic, the top imperial stouts highlighted here offer something special for every palate. Exploring these options will expand your beer horizons and create lasting memories with every bottle opened. So go ahead, pour a glass, and savor one of the best that the stout world has to offer.
