In this article we are going to talk about one of the most popular craft beer styles: Imperial Stout . And it is that, after IPAs, it is the style that Spanish consumers like the most.
So, although surely you have already tried more than one beer of this style, we want to tell you about some curiosities and characteristics of it.
Imperial Stout: the style that was born thanks to a queen
Empress Catherine the Great, who ruled Russia for more than three decades in the 18th century, had discovered English black ales on a trip to London. He liked them so much that he asked for a shipment to be sent to Russia, for his imperial court.
However, the sea voyage across the Baltic did not sit well with the beers, which froze and arrived spoiled. And Catherine was not happy.
Faced with the problem, the Barclay brewery created an especially strong recipe, designed to withstand boat trips without freezing or spoiling thanks to a high graduation (about 10.5% alcohol) and a generous use of hops. The new dark beer, labeled Barclay's Stout Porter, arrived in pristine condition and soon became a favorite of Catherine's and consequently the St. Petersburg court, as well as the pioneer of the style known as Russian Imperial Stout . or just Imperial Stout .
Once again, history intervenes in the history of beers. After the Napoleonic Wars trade between England and Russia was interrupted, and this style began to gain popularity on the island, these beers were increasingly sold in England. In parallel, in the northern countries they began to manufacture their own Stout black beers, which they labeled as Baltic Porter. But they are sisters to the Imperial Porters.
Imperial Stout Style Characteristics
This style allows a wide range of interpretations, without one being more correct than another. The wide range of allowable characteristics allows for maximum brewing creativity.
Color can range from very dark reddish-brown to jet black. Due to this great color intensity, they will be opaque beers. The head can range from deep tan to dark brown; it will generally be well formed. Tears will also be seen on the glass of the glass.
The aroma is rich, complex and always has a very roasted point. Its maltiness suggests roasted coffee, chocolate, licorice, and there may even be burnt or slightly tarry nuances, such as "petroleum".
One of the defining characteristics of this style is alcohol. It has sensory importance and a certain basic warmth is always present. But be careful, it should never burn. Another fundamental point: they should not be sweet; its finish can be completely dry or slightly sweet, but never cloying.
Finally, pay attention to the touch. Its velvety texture is very pleasant and is reminiscent of the tannin of mature red wines.
Imperial Stout: a style to keep
It is said that the Barclay's brewery assured the Empress Catherine of a favorable evolution of its beers of at least seven years.
We do not know if it is a legend, but what is certain is that the Imperial Stout style is one of the best to age. It is increasingly common to find versions matured in different types of barrels that have contained bourbon, whiskey, rum or even some types of wine, such as Mica Toro , an artisan beer resulting from the collaboration of the Osborne Foundation with Cerveza Mica, and matured in hundred-year-old Jerez barrels.
In general, aging supposes a rounding of its edges and a greater integration of all the sensations, and includes the appearance of new complex aromas.