Imperial beer, or Imperial-style beer, is a beer brewed with higher alcohol content and a fuller body and flavor than traditional light lagers. This beer style is usually characterized by being intensely hopped and highly carbonated, with a medium to full-bodied mouth feel.
Many imperial beers are of the stout style, though some heavily hopped pales ales and India Pale Ales also fit into this category. Unlike light lagers, imperial beers often possess a strong, robust, and lively flavor, with a sweet and malty profile.
Common characteristics of imperial beers include higher ABV (alcohol by volume) ranging from 7% to over 12%, a more intense aroma and flavor than most ordinary beers, and a range of intense yet refined flavors that may include notes of coffee, chocolate, roast, dried fruits, molasses, toffee, or caramel.
For example, an Imperial Stout will often have roasty and chocolate flavors, while an Imperial IPAs may display fruity and floral hop aromas and flavors. Imperial beers also typically have a fairly intense hop bitterness and aroma, and a finish that is smooth and sweet.
What does Imperial mean in IPA?
Imperial IPA, or Double IPA, is a stronger version of the popular India Pale Ale (IPA) style of beer. It has a higher alcohol content than other IPAs, and its hop-forward character is distinct and full-bodied.
The term “imperial” was first used by British brewers to distinguish the stronger India Pale Ales they made for export to the Russian court of the Tsar. The style was originally developed to have a longer shelf-life during shipment of beer to the large number of troops stationed in India.
Today, craft brewers all over the world produce versions of the style, often tweaking the recipes to suit local tastes and availability of ingredients. Imperial IPAs usually showcase intensely aromatic hops, creating a bitter but balanced taste profile with a lingering finish.
These beers are usually much higher in alcohol content, ranging from 8-12% ABV. Imperial IPAs are intense in flavor and alcohol, so moderation is recommended.
Is an imperial stout an IPA?
No, an imperial stout is not an IPA (India Pale Ale). Imperial stouts are a style of stout which originated in England as a high-alcohol, high-gravity, full-bodied beer. They typically have a dark, malty character with high roasted flavors and a sweet and sometimes burnt flavor, whereas IPAs are pale ales that showcase hop aromas and flavor.
Imperial stouts typically feature a stronger hop character than traditional stouts, but are still very different from the bitter, citrus and pine flavors associated with IPAs. Their ABV (alcohol by volume) is generally higher than that of an IPA, ranging from 8-12% ABV as compared to 6-7% for an IPA.
Can you get Imperial beer in the US?
Yes, you can get Imperial beer in the US. Imperial is a Costa Rican beer that is distributed in the US by Anheuser-Busch InBev. It is available in many states, including California, Texas, New York, Florida and Illinois.
You can also buy it online from websites like BevMo and Total Wine & More. Imperial has a variety of beer styles, including an Imperial Stout, an Imperial IPA and a Kölsch-style beer. Additionally, Imperial produces a light lager, a dark lager and a few seasonal releases.
If you’re looking to purchase Imperial beer in the US, your best bet is to check a local store or to buy it online.
What is the difference between an IPA and Imperial IPA?
Internal Pale Ales (IPA) and Imperial or Double IPAs are both types of hoppy, flavorful beers. The primary difference between them is the alcohol content. IPAs are typically between 5% and 7. 5% ABV, while Imperial IPAs are higher in alcohol, ranging from 7.
5% ABV and up. Imperial IPAs may also have a higher bitterness than IPAs. Other common characteristics between IPAs and Imperial IPAs include pronounced hop bitterness, fruity and floral aromas, and a medium to full-bodied mouth feel.
What does IPA mean?
IPA stands for India Pale Ale, which is a type of ale beer that originated in England in the late 1700s. This style of beer was originally brewed to survive the journey from England to its colonies in India, so it was heavily hopped and had higher alcohol content than beers brewed for the local market.
This style of beer has since become popular all over the world, although the original English style still remains a favorite among some beer connoisseurs. It is characterized by its high hop bitterness, strong aroma, and notes of citrus, caramel, and pine that are a result of the type of hops used in its production.
The color of an IPA ranges from golden to amber and can have an ABV ranging from 5%-8%.
What ABV is considered imperial?
The ABV (alcohol by volume) of a beer is usually used to classify its style and strength, with higher values meaning a stronger beer. Generally, any beer with an ABV greater than 8% is considered an imperial beer.
This category includes styles such as imperial stouts and imperial IPAs, which are often characterized by higher levels of alcohol, as well as intense hop and/or malt flavors. Some breweries also produce double imperial beers, which are then classified as beers with an ABV of over 10%.
It is important to note that an imperial beer does not necessarily mean a better tasting beer, as lower ABV beers can also be a great option for beer drinkers.
Is Imperial IPA strong?
Imperial IPAs (also known as Double IPAs) are a subset of India Pale Ales. They are known for their intense hop profile and higher alcohol content, making them much stronger than a traditional IPA. The ABV (alcohol by volume) rating of an Imperial IPA generally starts at 7.
5%, but can go up to 10% or even higher. They are hop-forward beers that are intensely bitter, piney and citrusy. Imperial IPAs have a deeper flavor and aroma than regular IPAs, due to the amount of hops and malt used in the brewing process.
Their rich, bold flavor can also be attributed to its higher ABV. Imperial IPAs can be an acquired taste, but they are loved by many beer aficionados.
Why is it called Imperial IPA?
Imperial IPA is a style of IPA, or India Pale Ale, that was originally first brewed in England in the 1820s. The style was developed to survive the long sea voyage from England to India, which is where it gets its name.
The original IPA was a much stronger version that had more hops and a higher alcohol content, to help preserve it on the journey. The alcohol content could range from 6. 3-7. 5% and they used hops to impart a strong, refreshing bitterness to balance out the alcohol sweetness.
An American craft beer movement and subsequent craft revolution in the 1990s revitalized the IPA style and began making it even stronger and hoppier than the original, leading to the creation of the Imperial IPA.
This style has an even higher alcohol content than the original, usually ranging from 7. 5-10% or higher. The hops used in this type of IPA are also particularly strongly flavored for a unique, intense taste and a bitterness that lingers in the finish.
Imperial IPAs often have notes of fruit, pine, and citrus, as well as floral, herbal, and spicy aromas.
What are Imperial hops?
Imperial hops are a type of hop that has become increasingly popular among craft brewers due to its high Alpha Acid content. Imperial hops are typically grown in the Pacific Northwest and have higher Alpha Acid levels than traditional hops, typically ranging from 11-17%.
Imperial hops offer a strong, sharp, and intense bitterness to a beer which is why they are so popular among craft brewers. Imperial hops are generally used late in the brewing process and due to their high Alpha Acid level work great for a and bittering.
Imperial hops also bring richness of flavor and aroma to a beer, giving an intensity of fruit, floral, and citrus. Imperial hops often have intensely floral, citrus, and herbal profiles. Imperial hops are common in Imperial IPAs, stouts, porters, and extra special/strong bitters.
What makes an Imperial IPA Imperial?
An Imperial IPA, also known as a Double IPA, is a full-bodied beer made with a high hop bitterness and high alcohol content compared to regular IPAs. It is a hoppier, more intense version of an India Pale Ale.
The style has evolved over time to become bigger, bolder and more intense than other IPA styles, with intense hop and malt flavors, a robust body, and a high alcohol content. Imperial IPAs have a significantly higher alpha acid content resulting in a higher bitterness and balance of hop flavor.
Imperial IPAs typically range between 7-13% ABV, considerably higher than regular IPAs, which are commonly in the 4-7% range. The intense hop flavor is due to the use of multiple hops and dry-hopping, which is the process of adding hops and various other aromatics at the end of the boil.
This process also creates a beautiful aroma that is present throughout these beers, with some versions standing out from the rest due to their citrus, tropical and herbal notes. Imperial IPAs pair excellently with a range of different food styles, from spicy dishes to rich and creamy desserts, making them a flavorful and interesting addition to any dinner.
