Imperial Stout and Hops Suitable for Brewing a Royale with Yeast

Reading Time: around 19 min

Imperial Stout, that grand, dark brew you’ve heard whispered about in the halls of craft beer Valhalla, isn’t just a beer. It’s an experience. It’s the heavyweight boxer of the stout world, known in some circles as the Russian Imperial Stout (RIS).

And it packs a punch with robust flavors and a high ABV.

The ones that are dwarfing essentially any other beer style out there. Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or a curious newbie, its rich history and complex taste are bound to ensnare your senses.

Now, before you dive into your first sip, let’s break down the tale of two stouts. The British and the American versions. Picture the British Imperial Stout as the refined aristocrat of the family.

Boasting a more traditional malt character with an edge of dark fruit elegance.

Across the pond, the American counterpart flexes its hoppy muscles.

Showing off a bolder, often higher gravity and more pronounced hop profile. Both share a lineage of depth and daring. The hop varieties you choose will steer your homebrew towards one national character or the other.

Choosing hops for your Imperial Stout is like picking the right guitar riff for a rock song. It’s got to have character! Varieties like East Kent Golding or Fuggle can give your British style RIS a touch of class and authenticity.

They deliver a symphony of earthy and floral notes.

If you’re aiming for the American flair, go for hops that scream ‘party’.

Like Cascade or Centennial.

Summoning forth bold citrus and pine flavors that yell “freedom” with every sip. Just know this: regardless of the hops, your Imperial Stout is going to be a majestic beast, worthy of a throne.

Key Takeaways

Imperial Stout is a beer with rich flavor, known as Russian Imperial Stout, and comes with high alcohol by volume.
British Imperial Stout differs from its American cousin in malt character and hop profile. The former is more traditional, while the latter is bolder and hoppier.
Selecting the right hop varieties is essential for crafting this regal brew. For British, use East Kent Golding or Fuggle. For American, use Cascade or Centennial.

The Majestic Origins of Imperial Stout

Imperial Stout, or Russian Imperial Stout (RIS), has a colorful past that’s as rich as its flavors. This bold beer started as a hearty export to Russia and later partied its way across the globe.

Making friends everywhere it went.

Main Characteristics

Hoppy aromas: Earthy, herbal, slightly spicy, citrusy
Malty aromas: Chocolate, coffee, toffee, caramel, dark fruits
IBU bitterness: 45 to 90
Alcohol level: 7.0% to 12.0% ABV
SRM color range: 20 to 40+

From Russia With Love

Picture this. It’s the 18th century, and Catherine the Great is on the throne.

She’s got a taste for the hearty brews from England. And the Brits, eager to impress, jack up the alcohol and hop content to survive the chilly voyage to Russia. Thus, Imperial Stout is born.

Tailored to warm the hearts (and livers) of Russian royalty.

You’ve got a beer that’s dark, dense, and like a loaf of bread in a glass.

With a kick that could knock a horse.

Imperial Stout Characteristics:

ABV (Alcohol by Volume): High, usually between 8-12%
IBUs (International Bitterness Units): Moderate to high, balancing the malt
Flavors & Aromas: Chocolate, coffee, dark fruits, and bold roasted malts

Suitable Hops Varieties for British Imperial Stout:

Fuggles: Adds earthy and woody notes.
East Kent Goldings: Known for its smooth, spicy character.

Suitable Hops Varieties for American Imperial Stout:

Cascade: Brings a citrusy, slightly floral punch.
Centennial: Offers a blast of citrus and pine.

Imperial Stout Goes Global

As the stout goes global, it morphs a bit. The Americans take a whack at it, cranking out versions like the North Coast Old Rasputin. A Californian spin with a name that nods to Mother Russia.

Here, you get a more aggressive hop profile.

Smacking you with bold American hops like Cascade or Centennial.

Alongside all that roasted goodness.

While the Brits keep it a bit more reserved with hops like Fuggles and East Kent Goldings that whisper sweet, earthy nothings into your pint. So, whether you’re donning a Union Jack or stars and stripes, your Imperial Stout comes with its own accent.

British versions tend to be subtler, and the American takes are louder and prouder.

But, hey, they’re both brilliant when you need a bear hug from a beer, am I right?

Remember, you’re toasting to history with every sip of this brew. Whether you dig the British understatement or the American overstatement. You’re in for a robust ride.

Always bold, never bashful, and a bit of a globe-trotter.

Breaking Down the Basics: Imperial Stout Anatomy 101

Before you dive into your next brew day, let’s crack the code on Imperial Stout. A behemoth in the beer world. Strap in, you’re about to become a black belt in the art of this dark, delicious elixir.

Definition Decoded: What Exactly Is an Imperial Stout?

Prepare for a deep dive into darkness.

An Imperial Stout, also known as a Russian Imperial Stout (RIS), is like the heavyweight champion of stouts. Thicker, bolder, and with a punch of flavor that’ll knock your taste buds into next week. Whether you’re sipping the British original or the bold American twist…

…you’re in for rich, roasty notes craftily blended with…

…everything from chocolate to dark fruit.

Think of the British version as a classic rock anthem. Smooth and deep, whereas its American cousin amps up the hops for a high-voltage, in-your-face experience.

The ABCs of ABV: Alcohol By Volume Explained

Let’s talk about the brawn behind the brew. ABV stands for Alcohol by Volume, and it’s the muscle that flexes in every Imperial Stout. You’re looking at a hefty 8-12% on average.

Meaning this isn’t a beer you take lightly.

It’s got the strength to warm you on the coldest of nights and the power to turn a simple sip into a full-blown taste experience. Remember, with great ABV comes great responsibility.

Density Drama: OG and FG Unveiled

Now, onto the science saga of OG and FG. Original Gravity and Final Gravity, for those new to the brew crew. OG is like the pre-game show, telling you how much sugar is in the mix before fermentation kicks off.

The higher the OG, the more potential for a strong, sugar-wielding stout.

Then there’s FG, the showstopper, revealing how much sugar’s left after the yeast have had their feast. Put simply, OG sets the stage, FG drops the curtain. And together they orchestrate how hefty or dry your Imperial Stout struts out of the brewery and into your glass.

Essential Elements of Imperial Stout Crafting

Ready to craft a behemoth of a beer? Imperial Stout, your dark, delicious challenge, awaits.

And you’ve got to get these elements right.

Malt Mania: The Backbone of the Brew

You know the score: malt makes the stout. But not just any malt, oh no, you’re after a base malt that’s as sturdy as a weightlifter. You’ll lean heavily on roasted barley for that quintessential coffee-like flavor.

While specialty malts, like chocolate malts and crystal malts, join the party to crank up complexity. British versions? They’re all about subtlety and sophistication. On the flip side, American Imperial Stouts throw a punch with more aggressive roasted flavors.

Here’s a quick peek at your malt shopping list:

Base malt: Start with a strong foundation.
Roasted barley: For that signature espresso exuberance.
Chocolate malts: Adds hints of, well, chocolate.
Crystal malts: Because who doesn’t like a bit of caramel?

Malt Name	Min of Lb per gallon	Max of Lb per gallon	Min of Lb per batch [5gal]	Max of Lb per batch [5gal]	Average of Lb per gallon
Chocolate Malt	–	1.83	–	9.17	0.19
Roasted Barley	0.01	2.55	0.03	12.73	0.17
Caramel / Crystal Malt	–	4.67	–	23.33	0.19
2-Row Pale Malt	0.09	6.21	0.45	31.07	2.47
Black Malt	0.01	3.21	0.03	16.05	0.14
Cara Malt	–	2.01	–	10.03	0.17
Maris Otter	0.09	6.33	0.45	31.67	2.24
Malt Extract	0.02	3.82	0.09	19.09	0.91
Crystal Malt	0.01	2.5	0.07	12.52	0.2
Munich Malt	0.02	4	0.08	20	0.56
Wheat Malt	0.02	2.38	0.08	11.92	0.24
Pale Ale Malt	0.09	4.8	0.46	24	2.26
Dark Caramel Malt	–	0.83	–	4.17	0.18
Pale Malt	0.03	5.14	0.14	25.71	0.61
CaraMunich	0.02	1.39	0.08	6.95	0.2

Malt Name	Min of Kg per liter	Max of Kg per liter	Min of Kg per batch [20ltr]	Max of Kg per batch [20ltr]	Average of Kg per liter
Chocolate Malt	–	0.22	–	4.39	0.02
Roasted Barley	–	0.31	0.01	6.1	0.02
Caramel / Crystal Malt	–	0.56	–	11.18	0.02
2-Row Pale Malt	0.01	0.74	0.22	14.89	0.3
Black Malt	–	0.38	0.01	7.69	0.02
Cara Malt	–	0.24	–	4.81	0.02
Maris Otter	0.01	0.76	0.22	15.18	0.27
Malt Extract	–	0.46	0.04	9.15	0.11
Crystal Malt	–	0.3	0.03	6	0.02
Munich Malt	–	0.48	0.04	9.59	0.07
Wheat Malt	–	0.29	0.04	5.71	0.03
Pale Ale Malt	0.01	0.58	0.22	11.5	0.27
Dark Caramel Malt	–	0.1	–	2	0.02
Pale Malt	–	0.62	0.07	12.32	0.07
CaraMunich	–	0.17	0.04	3.33	0.02

*This data consists of hundreds of thousands of manually input recipes and, despite best efforts, they may contain errors leading to very high max amounts, or be someone’s attempt for experimental brew. You should consider this data more as an overview of how different ingredients were used for different styles to get inspiration. Please do not attempt to add up different lines as it’s all about proportions.

Yeast, the Unsung Hero

It’s the roadie that makes the show possible. Sure, you could go wild with some crazy yeast strains. But for your Imperial Stout, you want the yeast that can handle high alcohol levels without freaking out.

So go for those high-gravity tolerant yeasts.

Ones that’ll see your brew through to its boozy best.

Look for a strain that complements the rich tapestry of flavors you’re weaving. Stone fruit notes can be a lovely touch for the American style. Something cleaner might suit the British style better.

Grab a yeast that’s:

High-gravity tolerant: This isn’t a job for the faint-hearted.
Flavor-compatible: It’s all about harmony in the glass.

Recommended options are:

American Ale
English Ale
California Ale
Nottingham Ale
Style Default Yeast
London Ale
Irish Ale
Kveik
Dark Ale
Strong Ale

Hopping Mad: Choosing the Right Hops Variety

Picking hops for your Imperial Stout is like choosing your wingman. They need to complement your style without stealing the show. American versions typically use assertive hops like Cascade or Centennial.

Giving a citrusy zing that can stand up to the malt monster.

If you’re tipping your hat to the Brits, Fuggle or East Kent Golding hops are your more restrained and earthy companions. They add floral notes to the background. Mark these down:

American hops (e.g., Cascade, Centennial): Bold and brash, they’re the life of the party.
British hops (e.g., Fuggle, East Kent Golding): Keep it classy, like a gentleman sipping tea.

Navigating the Hoppy Waters: Ideal Varieties for Imperial Stout

When you think Imperial Stout, you’re looking at a powerhouse of flavor that needs a solid hop profile to match. Whether you’re brewing a British classic or an American twist…

…the hops you choose can make or break the final brew.

Bittering Buddies: Building the Bitter Backbone

For your robust Imperial Stout, you want a hop with a strong bitterness. It should hold its own against the malty, chocolatey, and sometimes coffee-like flavors. Without being a bully about it.

Here’s your go-to team:

Magnum: Clean bitterness personified. This hop’s got enough alpha acids to confidently stand up to the malt richness without any lingering astringency.
Northern Brewer: Versatility is its middle name, equally at home in your British or American RIS recipes. It’s the perfect wingman that never steals the spotlight.
Chinook: Think of Chinook as that friend who’s got a spicy edge but always leaves you with a good impression. Bold and piney, it’s more at home in the American RIS where it can show off its brawn.

Aromatics Anonymous: Subtle Scent Superstars

Now, you might think Imperial Stout is all about that malt hug, but let’s give the aroma hops some love. They’re the unsung heroes that complete this complex brew.

Fuggles: Earthy, woody and unassuming. A gentleman from the UK. Fuggles plays it cool with mild wood and fruit notes that comfort without overwhelming.
East Kent Goldings (EKG): Spicy, herbal, and slight honey, East Kent Goldings is your classic British hop that offers a refined bouquet.
Cascade: This is the American cousin that brings a touch of floral and grapefruity zest to the party. Perfect if you’re aiming for a New World twist without going overboard.

As you wade through these hoppy waters, remember that an Imperial Stout with British roots tends to walk into a room with a smooth, hop subtlety.

Whereas its American cousin bursts through the door with a confident hoppy swagger.

Your brewing adventure will dictate which hop varieties become your allies. They will help you create that perfectly bitter, aromatic masterpiece. Happy brewing!

Hopping Stages and Amounts

It’s time to concoct an Imperial Stout that’s as bold and complex as a chess game between two grandmasters during a thunderstorm. We’re brewing a liquid behemoth that laughs in the face of ordinary stouts!

For an Imperial Stout, you want hops that can stand up to the intense malts without turning the brew into a bitter brawl. It’s like finding a dance partner for a bear. You need someone who won’t get squashed.

Here’s the hop hit parade for your RIS.

Magnum for bittering and East Kent Goldings for a touch of British nobility. We’re going for a one-two hop punch that’ll make your stout as balanced as a tightrope walker texting and walking. Trust me, you’re golden.

Let’s get down to brass tacks. Weigh out about 1.5-2 ounces of Magnum hops. These are your heavy lifters, your bouncers, your “don’t mess with me” bittering hops. Toss them into the boil at the start, and let them work their magic for a solid 60 minutes.

They’re laying down a bitterness that’s as firm as an overcooked steak.

But way more enjoyable. I love steaks, but not overcooked, it’s simple.

Now, with about 15 minutes left on the clock, it’s showtime for the East Kent Goldings. Add an ounce of these fine, floral fellows. They’re like the sprinkle of nutmeg on top of your eggnog – not the main flavor, but oh-so-crucial for the finish.

And there you have it! Your hop schedule for an Imperial Stout that’s as regal as a Czar’s crown jewels. Remember, this beer is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s going to age like a fine wine, developing more character than a British sitcom.

Hops Name	Brewing Stage	Min of Oz per gallon	Max of Oz per gallon	Min of Oz per batch [5gal]	Max of Oz per batch [5gal]	Average of Oz per gallon
Magnum	Aroma	–	0.43	0.02	2.14	0.17
	Bittering	0.03	1	0.15	5	0.25
	First Wort	0.05	0.5	0.26	2.5	0.22
	Flavor	0.04	0.5	0.18	2.5	0.16
	Whirlpool	0.09	0.11	0.45	0.53	0.1
Magnum Total		–	1	0.02	5	0.23
East Kent Golding	Aroma	0.03	1.31	0.16	6.56	0.24
	Bittering	0.04	0.96	0.19	4.79	0.33
	Dry Hop	0.07	0.43	0.37	2.14	0.24
	First Wort	0.18	0.73	0.88	3.64	0.35
	Flavor	0.03	2.2	0.15	11	0.27
	Whirlpool	0.08	0.43	0.42	2.14	0.23
East Kent Golding Total		0.03	2.2	0.15	11	0.27
Willamette	Aroma	0.05	0.72	0.23	3.59	0.22
	Bittering	0.03	1	0.17	5	0.34
	Dry Hop	0.01	0.98	0.07	4.9	0.29
	First Wort	0.03	0.25	0.17	1.25	0.14
	Flavor	0.03	0.73	0.14	3.64	0.21
	Whirlpool	0.02	0.27	0.1	1.36	0.13
Willamette Total		0.01	1	0.07	5	0.23
Cascade	Aroma	0.05	2.18	0.27	10.91	0.24
	Bittering	0.04	2.18	0.19	10.91	0.32
	Dry Hop	0.02	2.18	0.1	10.91	0.33
	First Wort	0.01	0.27	0.06	1.34	0.13
	Flavor	0.03	1.09	0.13	5.45	0.23
	Whirlpool	0.04	0.71	0.2	3.56	0.27
Cascade Total		0.01	2.18	0.06	10.91	0.26
Columbus	Aroma	0.03	0.77	0.17	3.83	0.2
	Bittering	–	0.76	0.01	3.82	0.23
	Dry Hop	0.18	0.25	0.91	1.25	0.22
	First Wort	0.09	0.46	0.45	2.31	0.23
	Flavor	0.03	1.05	0.17	5.27	0.16
	Whirlpool	0.14	0.2	0.72	1	0.16
Columbus Total		–	1.05	0.01	5.27	0.21

Hops Name	Brewing Stage	Min of Grams per liter	Max of Grams per liter	Min of Grams per batch [20ltr]	Max of Grams per batch [20ltr]	Average of Grams per liter
Magnum	Aroma	0.02	3.2	0.48	64	1.25
	Bittering	0.22	7.49	4.35	149.78	1.85
	First Wort	0.39	3.74	7.81	74.89	1.68
	Flavor	0.27	3.74	5.45	74.89	1.22
	Whirlpool	0.68	0.8	13.62	16	0.74
Magnum Total		0.02	7.49	0.48	149.78	1.74
East Kent Golding	Aroma	0.23	9.83	4.67	196.52	1.83
	Bittering	0.29	7.17	5.78	143.48	2.48
	Dry Hop	0.56	3.21	11.11	64.19	1.79
	First Wort	1.32	5.45	26.32	108.93	2.61
	Flavor	0.23	16.48	4.57	329.52	2.02
	Whirlpool	0.63	3.21	12.5	64.19	1.71
East Kent Golding Total		0.23	16.48	4.57	329.52	2.03
Willamette	Aroma	0.34	5.38	6.81	107.67	1.64
	Bittering	0.25	7.49	5	149.78	2.51
	Dry Hop	0.1	7.33	2.1	146.67	2.19
	First Wort	0.25	1.88	5	37.5	1.08
	Flavor	0.21	5.45	4.19	108.93	1.57
	Whirlpool	0.15	2.04	3	40.85	0.96
Willamette Total		0.1	7.49	2.1	149.78	1.73
Cascade	Aroma	0.4	16.34	8	326.8	1.81
	Bittering	0.28	16.34	5.6	326.8	2.41
	Dry Hop	0.15	16.34	3	326.8	2.44
	First Wort	0.08	2	1.67	40	0.99
	Flavor	0.2	8.17	3.94	163.4	1.72
	Whirlpool	0.3	5.33	6	106.67	2.03
Cascade Total		0.08	16.34	1.67	326.8	1.94
Columbus	Aroma	0.25	5.74	5	114.74	1.52
	Bittering	0.02	5.71	0.33	114.29	1.7
	Dry Hop	1.36	1.88	27.23	37.5	1.62
	First Wort	0.68	3.46	13.62	69.13	1.74
	Flavor	0.25	7.89	5	157.89	1.22
	Whirlpool	1.07	1.5	21.43	30	1.23
Columbus Total		0.02	7.89	0.33	157.89	1.58

A Tribute to Technique: The Imperial Stout Process

Imperial Stout, or RIS if you’re tight with your beer acronyms, is no small-time brew. It’s like the heavyweight champion of the stout world, dark, dense, and full of attitude.

Ready for a peek behind the curtains of this burly beverage?

Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive in.

Mashing Mayhem: The Battle of the Grains

Mashing is where you’ll begin your stout odyssey. Mixing malted barley with hot water to wrestle out those sweet sugars. Imagine a hot tub party for grains. But instead of bubbles, you get wort, the foundation of your future beer.

A burly blend of pale malt and roasted barley is key. The roasted grains give British styles their coffee-like bitterness. American versions often punch harder.

With a bouquet of burnt malt.

The Boil: Brewing’s Boisterous Bash

When the wort’s ready, it’s time to let it roll and rock in a rip-roaring boil. This is where hops join the mosh pit. British Imperial Stouts tend to stick with spicy, herbal hops like East Kent Goldings.

While American RISs go bold with higher-alpha hops that shout citrus and pine.

This is also where gravity takes center stage. The more sugar in the mix, the higher the potential alcohol by volume (ABV). Which can make these stouts pack a wallop!

Fermentation Frenzy: Yeast at Work

After the boil, our yeast buddies take the stage to feast on the sugars. Burping out alcohol and CO2 in a process you’d fondly call fermentation. Here’s where personality splits.

The British yeasts tend to be reserved, adding subtle, fruity esters. Whereas their American counterparts can be brash, elevating the ABV. Without stealing the show from the hops and malt.

Aging Adventures: Patience Pays Off

Aging an Imperial Stout, you’ve got to cool your jets.

This isn’t some rush job.

Time smooths out the harsh edges into a sophisticated tapestry of flavors. Whether in a steel tank or luxuriating in bourbon barrels, time elicits complexity. Think of it as allowing a rowdy band to mature into a classy orchestra.

British versions often sway towards nuanced dark fruit notes. While the American RIS might swagger with bold vanilla or oak from the barrels. Take a breath, give it time, and your patience is rewarded with a sip that’s smoother than a jazz solo on a moonlit night.

So there you have it, the nitty-gritty of brewing an Imperial Stout.

So grand it could rule an empire. Whether you tilt towards the British finesse or the American boldness, buckle up for a brewing adventure that’s anything but tame.

Complexity and Character: Imperial Stout’s Rich Profile

You’re about to get cozy with the tsar of stouts. Imperial Stout. Brace yourself for a thunderous ensemble of deep, roasty flavors and a mouthfeel that’s as velvety as a noble’s robe.

Tasting the Twilight: The Dark and Roasty Flavor Spectrum

When you take that first sip, it’s like biting into the darkest bar of chocolate in the candy shop. Coffee and chocolate notes are so rich, they could probably pay off your student loans.

British versions tend to be subtler with their chocolate malt vibe, but those American versions? They’re like a rock concert of roasted flavor in your mouth. And let’s not forget, it’s not just a pitch-black pool of chocolatey goodness

There’s a whole nuance of burnt caramel playing backup in this flavor jam.

List of Suitable Hops with Roasty Harmony:

East Kent Goldings: Enhances the classic British profile with a smooth bitterness.
Chinook: Great for an American kick, adding a piney contrast to the sweet malts.

Invitation to Indulge: Mouthfeel and Viscosity Ventures

Dive in, and let the liquid silk of Imperial Stout wrap around your tongue. We’re not kidding when we say it’s like a smooth jazz riff in liquid form. The slickness comes from additives like oatmeal, dextrose, or lactose.

They give you an indulgent viscosity so thick, you might need a fork.

The stouts of the land of the free and home of the brave are bold, dense…

…nd love to party hard with their flavor profile.

Table Displaying Textural Enhancers:

British Enhancers	American Enhancers
Oatmeal	Lactose
Dextrose	Oatmeal (Heavier dosing)
Simplistic Elegance	Indulgent Complexity

Afterparty Antics: The Finish and What Lingers

Okay, the party in your mouth is winding down, but the bittersweet aftertaste? That’s the encore! The roasty bliss doesn’t just up and vanish. Chocolate and coffee aroma linger like the last guests at a house party.

And if bitterness were currency, IBUs in these stouts would make you a billionaire!

Remember, the British variety is like a polite guest that leaves before overstaying its welcome while the American one… let’s just say it crashes on your couch with an unforgettable roasted flavor.

Sticky Reminder of Hops for Lasting Impressions:

Fuggle: British finish, super refined, like a butler bidding you goodnight.
Cascade: American counterpart, a citrus kick to keep things lively post-sip.

Accessorize Your Stout: The Add-Ons Aisle

When you’re aiming to give your Imperial Stout that extra edge, it’s all about the bling you bring. Think oak, think additives, think every little twist that can turn your boozy dark brew into a full-on flavor carnival.

Barrel Aging: From Boozy to Boutique

Let’s grab that Stout by the barrels – quite literally. British versions are often content with the restrained elegance of old-world woods. While your American RIS flexes bolder, with bourbon barrels leading the charge.

Imagine your Stout picking up the swagger of bourbon.

Or the decadence of vanilla.

And a patina of coconut from the wood.

It’s like sending your beer on a gap year to Kentucky. Picking up notes of life experiences along the liquid journey. Now, don’t forget the complexity. Now, don’t forget the complexity. Barrel-aging can elevate the traditional roasted flavors.

It has pitch black prowess and a dark malt backbone.

Infusing your RIS with the sophistication of a tuxedo-clad James Bond at a cigar lounge.

Barrel Choice:

British: Subdued, older barrels.
American: Brazen bourbon barrels.

Adding the Extras: Adjuncts and Their Impact

Now, let’s talk jazzing up your jet-black juice with adjuncts. It’s like outfitting your stout in accessories. Toss in some oats – flaked oats, to be precise – and you’ll bless your brew with silkiness that can rival an oatmeal bath at a five-star spa.

A sprinkle of Madagascar vanilla beans and you’ll be dreaming of creamy, dreamy desserts. Sugar? Sure, but think candy shop, not sugar bowl. Need more luxury? Chocolate and coffee can turn your stout into a morning brew’s moody, nocturnal cousin, best enjoyed under the stars.

Roast that barley until it sings a ballad of roasted flavor and caramel sing-alongs.

Adjuncts to Consider:

Vanilla: For a creamy, dessert-like profile.
Oatmeal: Silky mouthfeel deluxe.
Chocolate/Coffee: For that “wake up and smell the stout” vibe.
Flaked Oats
Lactose
Flaked Barley
Cacao Nibs
Brown Sugar
Vanilla Beans
Corn Sugar
Cane Sugar

Chucking in these add-ons isn’t just making changes. It’s staging a flavor revolution in your glass. So go ahead, throw in the kitchen sink – your Imperial Stout’s ready for it.

Damian

A lifelong learner, hop enthusiast and a lover of the state of extreme exhaustion.

Finance Analyst in the Investment Bank and co-founder of hopsmatcher.com