Definitively American, the imperial porter should have no roasted barley flavors or strong burnt/black malt character. Medium caramel and cocoa-like sweetness is present, with complementing hop character and malt-derived sweetness.
American Imperial Porter
Category: Porters
Food Pairings
- Chicken Mole Enchiladas
- Smoked Gouda
- Blondie Butterscotch Brownies
Commercial Examples
- Northstar Imperial Porter, Twisted Pine Brewing Co.
- Imperial Porter, Long Trail Brewing Co.
- Imperial Porter, Shipyard Brewing Co.
Appearance
Color
Black
Clarity
Opaque
Carbonation (Visual)
Medium Rising Bubbles
Flavor/Aroma
Alcohol
Noticeable
Hop
Hop aroma and flavor are low to medium-high. Hop bitterness is medium-low to medium
Malt
No roasted barley or strong burnt/black malt character should be perceived. Medium malt, caramel and cocoa-like sweetness is present
Esters
Ale-like fruity ester flavors should be evident but not overpowering, complementing hop character and malt-derived sweetness
Phenols
Not common to style
Fermentation By-Products
Diacetyl should be absent
Sensations
Body
Mouth-Coating
Carbonation
Medium
Finish Length
Medium to Long
Attenuation
Medium
Ingredients
Hops
Varies
Malt
Varies
Water
Varies
Yeast
Ale
