Brewed at the request of Russian Emperor Peter the Great after he visited England around 1700, the first batch arrived spoiled from the long voyage. The English brewers added larger amounts of both hops and alcohol, and this beer became a staple in the Imperial court - and started the style of "Imperial-strength" beers.
Ranging in color from a dark reddish copper to an almost-black brown, the flavor is exceedingly deep and complex from the large amounts of malt, hops, and alcohol. Although specific flavor profiles vary, general characteristics are a roasted and burnt malt flavors, dark fruit esters, moderate to high malt bitterness (from both English and American hops), and detectable alcohol flavors. Some can be cellar aged and will age like wine.
Best served at cellar temperature, 55-57 degrees, and in a pint glass, tumbler, or beer snifter.
This full-bodied imperial stout pours an opaque mahogany color with a tan head. Its smell is dominated by notes of roasted coffee beans, with a slight hint of chocolate, but Simcoe and Fuggles hops add complexity to the aroma.
Good Morning. You’ve woken up dead. You’re in ruins. But don’t be discouraged. Here’s a black ale to brighten your day. Wake Up Dead lurks in our cellars for over 4 months before being unleashed.
Brewed with ten varieties of malted barley, this stout is smooth as silk, yet complex and rich in body. Serve this guy at cellar temperature. Put another log on the fire, sit back and enjoy the friendship of this ultimate winter warmer. (Description provided by company)
This Bodacious Oatmeal Russian Imperial Stout will crush you like no other! This is the grand-daddy of all stout styles, with an intensely deep roasted and full bodied flavor. A robust hop character adds a refreshing balance. (Description provided by company)
One of our most aggressive and sought-after offerings. Bold bourbon, tobacco and espresso aromas and a hint of American oak greet the nose. Rich, chewy roasted malts, charred oak and bourbon-like vanilla fill the palate and create a seamless finish.
This distinctive type of beer was originally brewed to withstand the abuses of shipping in foul weather to Imperial Russia. It was a favourite of Russian nobility whose taste for the finest food and drink was world famous.
Named for the Russian space dog, Laika is a huge, chewy beast of a beer. Dark, rich and robust, it has a wonderful body and a flavor that has notes of chocolate, coffee and toffee. It is a fantastic dessert beer.
Stone Imperial Russian Stout is so thick, rich and well, sinful, you might worry that you'll be doomed to the fiery pits just for thinking about a sip.
This massive Russian Imperial Stout brings waves of flavors; chocolate, cherries, raisins, coffee, and toffee. We add a touch of hops to make this delicious brew even tastier. (Description provided by company)
This is the famous Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, our award-winning rendition of the Imperial Stout style, once made exclusively for Catherine the Great.