As the name suggests, the term ‘Imperial’ means that the beer is a bigger, fuller bodied version of the base style (Stout). Imperial Stouts are higher in alcohol and feature much more intense flavours of roast, caramel, chocolate and sometimes smoke than their lower alcohol brethren. Often Imperial Stouts are further bolstered/enhanced by Barrel Aging – often in ex-Whisky or ex-Bourbon casks.
