Stout - Imperial The “Imperial Stout” or “Double Stout” is an intensely-flavored, big, very dark reddish-brown to black colored ale with a wide range of flavor balances and regional interpretations. Roasty-burnt malt with deep dark or dried fruit flavors, and a warming, bittersweet finish. American versions have more bitterness, roasted character, and finishing hops, while the English varieties, or “Russian Imperial Stout” (RIS), reflect a more complex specialty malt character and a more forward ester profile. Like a black barleywine with every dimension of flavor coming into play. More complex, with a broader range of possible flavors than lower-gravity stouts. Serve In: Top Beers of the Style Närke Kaggen Stormaktsporter (4.467371) Bell's Black Note Stout (4.30126) AleSmith Speedway Stout (4.290368) Bell's Expedition Stout (4.268414) Goose Island Bourbon County Stout (4.267629)