Beer Styles
American Double / Imperial Stout
Beer style guide
- 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
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?
Taste profile
Sensory profile
- Style group: Stout
- ABV range: 3–14%
- full body
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
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
About this drink
American Double or Imperial Stout reflects the craft era’s interest in stronger, darker, more intense beers. It belongs in drink discovery because roast, alcohol warmth, sweetness and barrel aging can make it closer to a dessert or slow-sipping drink than a casual pint.
How to compare
How to compare American Double / Imperial Stout
Compare this style by body, bitterness, malt character and finish. Similar-looking beer styles can drink very differently once hop intensity and sweetness change.
When to choose it
When to choose American Double / Imperial Stout
Choose American Double / Imperial Stout when its balance of body, bitterness, malt and hop character fits the food or mood. It has 5 structured pairing matches to help narrow the choice.
Skip if
Skip American Double / Imperial Stout if...
Skip American Double / Imperial Stout if its body, malt or hop character does not fit the food. Beer style choice works best when intensity and finish match the dish.
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.
- 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.
Last updated
Style information is approximate and can vary by producer, region and recipe.