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Beer Styles

American Double / Imperial Stout

Beer style guide

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  • Stout
  • Ale
  • Ale • Imperial Stout
  • 3–14% ABV
  • full body
  • low-medium bitterness

Is this for me?

Choose this if…

  • ✓You want a full-bodied, substantial beer.
  • ✓You want a stronger beer (around 3–14% ABV).

Skip if…

  • ✗You prefer lighter, more refreshing beers.
  • ✗You prefer session-strength or lower-alcohol beer.

At a Glance

90–320Calories
3–14%ABV
low-mediumBitterness
fullBody

Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →

On this page

What is American Double / Imperial Stout?

A beer style that is a stronger version of the American Stout, with a higher alcohol content and more intense roasted malt flavor and aroma.

Taste profile

low-medium bitternessfull bodyCoffeeRoastedFull BodiedChocolateStout
Coffee(high)Roasted(high)Full Bodied(high)Chocolate(medium)

Sensory profile

BodyLight – Full
Hop characterSubtle – Prominent
Malt / roastPale – Roasty
StrengthSession – Strong
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
  • Style group: Stout
  • ABV range: 3–14%
  • full body

What do these dimensions mean?

Body
full
Sweetness
medium
Acidity
low
  • Coffee · high intensity — Imperial stout commonly shows coffee-like roast notes.
  • Roasted · high intensity — Imperial stout is defined by roasted malt character.
  • Full Bodied · high intensity — Imperial stout is typically full-bodied.
  • Chocolate · medium intensity — Imperial stout commonly shows chocolate richness.

Based on structured style profile and canonical flavor relationships.

How it’s made

Method
High-gravity top-fermented stout with intense roast, body, alcohol and often assertive American hop or barrel character.
Base materials
roasted barley, dark malt, specialty malt, hops, ale yeast
Fermentation
Top fermentation
Ageing
Often suitable for barrel ageing; may also be released young.

When to serve

Cold eveningsBig mealsAleAle • Imperial Stout

Dietary

How American Double / Imperial Stout fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Not Gluten-Free
  • Not Keto
  • Not Low-Carb

Also known as

Double Imperial Stout (common_name)Double Stout (common_name)

Frequently asked questions

What is American Double / Imperial Stout?
A beer style that is a stronger version of the American Stout, with a higher alcohol content and more intense roasted malt flavor and aroma.
What does American Double / Imperial Stout taste like?
American Double / Imperial Stout is often described as Coffee, Roasted, Full Bodied, Chocolate. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and brewery.
What foods pair with American Double / Imperial Stout?
American Double / Imperial Stout pairs well with Chocolate, Dessert, BBQ, Steak. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
How strong is American Double / Imperial Stout?
American Double / Imperial Stout typically has an ABV of 3–14%. A standard serving contains approximately 90–320. Strength and calorie content vary by producer and batch.
When should I enjoy American Double / Imperial Stout?
American Double / Imperial Stout suits casual social occasions, food pairings and sessions where you want a flavourful but approachable beer. The style profile makes it versatile across a range of settings.
What beers are similar to American Double / Imperial Stout?
If you enjoy American Double / Imperial Stout, explore other beer styles with a similar bitterness and body rating using the sensory bars as a guide. Styles with a matching profile score will feel closest in character.
What are some popular examples of American Double / Imperial Stout?
Many breweries produce American Double / Imperial Stout across different regions. Seek out local craft examples for fresh flavour, or look for well-reviewed commercial options widely available in bottle shops and pubs.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare beer styles at a glance.
How do I use the sensory profile to find beers I like?
If you like hoppy beers look for High Bitterness. For smooth, easy-drinking beers choose Soft Bitterness and Light Body. Use the Beginner-Friendly rating to find beers that match your experience level.

Last updated

Style information is approximate and can vary by producer, region and recipe.