With the dark cold days of winter come some of the best beers in my opinion; Imperial Stouts.
These rich, dark, yummy beers originated because the Czars of Russia loved the English stouts, but, the traditional stouts were too low in alcohol content to make the long journey to Russia. The brewers needed something with a higher alcohol content to preserve the beer during its long journey. Also, the malts and hops in Imperial stouts often require a longer fermentation time which is, again, perfect for their long trip from England to Russia.
Today, between micro breweries and the many accomplished home brewers that have arisen, Imperial stouts remain popular beers during the winter months when these dark and flavorful brews can often be just the medicine ya need to keep the winter blues away!
If you’ve never enjoyed an Imperial Stout, you should! My favorites I think are Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout and Siberian Nights from Thirsty Dog – Oh, and Old Rasputen – and Victory’s Storm King……I guess there’s just too many to list – so you’ll have to head out and have a taste test of your own; poor you!