Russian Imperial Stout

Introduction

Russian Imperial Stout is a dark, roasty, and bracing stout. This style orginated with beers brewed in England specifically for export to the Russian Imperial court. At 8% ABV on the low end it is comparable to Barley Wine and other high gravity styles.

Vital Statistics

O.G.	1.075 – 1.115
F.G.	1.018 – 1.030
ABV	8.0 – 12.0 %
IBU	50 – 90
SRM	30 – 40
Volumes CO2	1.7 – 2.3

Statistics from [1] and [2]

Related Styles

Russian imperial stout is partially the inspiration for Baltic porter a similarly high gravity dark beer that makes use of continental European ingredients and lagering. It could be considered a darker version of barley wine.

Brewing Russian Imperial Stout

Grains – A mixture of pale malt, crystal malts, and dark roasted malts/grains. Large amounts of well-modified pale malt provide much of the sugar while ample amounts of roasted grain provide complex coffee, burnt, and chocolate flavors.

Hops – Any types may be used. Should have moderate to high hop bitterness to balance large amounts of malt. Can have variable amounts of aroma and flavor hops.

Yeast – Alcohol tolerant strains of American or English ale yeast.

Water – Relatively high carbonate levels will balance acidity from dark grains.

References

^ Beer Judge Certification Program style guide 13f http://www.bjcp.org/2008styles/style13.php#1f
^ Hibbard, Mark. "A Primer on Priming." 1995. http://hbd.org/brewery/library/YPrimerMH.html