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Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

Today’s Stouts and Porters

Stoutly Going Where No Beer Has Gone Before

Imperial Porter

This style is an extra strong version of porter and is similar in style to top-fermented Baltic porters. Roasted malt should provide the flavoring character, with no apparent roasted barley or black malt character in the flavor profile. Imperial porters are dark brown to black in color and strong in alcohol (7-11%). Fruity esters should be evident, but not overwhelming, and should be in balance with caramel and cocoa malt sweetness and a low-to-medium hop bitterness. Some American examples evidence a more hop-forward character that differs greatly from the style’s origins, but are in line with the current “imperialization” trend.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range Quality Band
96-100 points Platinum
90-95 points Gold
85-90 points Silver
80-84 points Bronze
Less than 80 Not Recommended
Legend
  • = Brewpub
  • ABV = Alcohol by volume
  • Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

95 2008 Imperial Porter, Rogue Ales (OR). 8.2% ABV (3/09)
Deep opaque brown color. Aromas of baker’s chocolate, coffee and burnt pumpernickel toast follow through on a supple entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with molasses and brown butter notes. Finishes with a lovely dark roasted nut and grain fade. A very nicely balanced imperial porter that sets the bar for the style.

92 Top Sail Bourbon Aged Imperial Porter, Full Sail Brewing Co. (OR) Brewmaster Reserve 2010. 9.85% ABV (1/11)
Opaque brown black color. Dense aromas and flavors of chocolate roasted pecans, coconut, dark caramel, baked figs and dates with a supple dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a long, tangy peppercorn and mocha-accented finish. Very nice.

90 Imperial Porter, Breckenridge Brewery (CO). 7.5% ABV (1/10)
Deep russet brown amber color with a saffron rim. Aromas of dark roasted nuts, grain and burnt sugar follow through on a supple, smooth entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with caramelized dried fruit and peppery spice notes. Finishes with a long, chewy rye flour and mashed raisin fade with light mossy hops. Very nice and begging for food.

89 Nefarious Ten Pin Imperial Porter, Ska Brewing Co. (CO). 8% ABV (1/11)
Nearly opaque brown black color. Rich cherry and orange compote, peppery spice and cocoa nut aromas with a chewy, velvety fruity-yet-dry medium-full body and a pleasing wollop of citrusy, pine and grassy hops and the refreshing finish.

88 Imperial Porter, Full Sail Brewing Co. (OR). 7.5% ABV (1/10)
Opaque inky brown black color with a swirl of tan gray foam. Aromas of bakers chocolate and dark caramel follow through on a smooth creamy entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with great balance and integration. Finishes with refreshing nut, coffee bean and crisp, astringent hop snap.

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