Samuel Smith's - Imperial Stout (750ml)

The History of Imperial Stout

Russian imperial stout was originally brewed in Great Britain to satisfy the Czarist courts, who were great connoisseurs of Champagne, caviar and the art of the table. Because it was transported across the freezing Baltic, Russian imperial stout was brewed with a high level of alcohol.

Taste

Deep black color; rich, deep flavors of chocolate, roasted barley, and ale fruitiness with hop bitterness in balance: a big yet still elegant ale. Beautiful, long finish - a complex blend of malt, hops, alcohol and yeast.

Serving Suggestion

Espresso, Stilton and walnuts, New York cheesecake, steak au poivre, caviar, Oysters Rockefeller, chocolate Baked Alaska. Easily hold its own in the company of cigars. Serve in a brandy snifter at 60 °F.

Accolades

Gold Medal - World Beer Championships 2012, 2010, 2009; notes here.

Ratebeer.com: 99 points (Sept. 2013)

93 pts., "Classic," Wine Enthusiast magazine, Dec. 31, 2011

"1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die," selection, A. Tierney-Jones, 2010