The term “Imperial” in relation to beer actually has an interesting historical background. It originated in the 18th century in England, during a time when the country was known for its strong and robust beers. These beers were often brewed for export to Russia and other countries in the Baltic region, where they became popular with the Russian imperial court.
At that time, the Russian imperial court had a preference for strong, high-alcohol beers. To meet their tastes, English brewers started producing beers with higher alcohol content and richer flavors specifically for export to Russia. These beers were called “Imperial” as a nod to their intended consumers, the Russian imperial court.
The term “Imperial” stuck and eventually became associated with beers that were bigger, bolder, and higher in alcohol. Over time, the style expanded beyond just exports to Russia and became more widely recognized as a descriptor for beers that were stronger and more intense than their regular counterparts.
In the case of Imperial Stouts, which are one of the most common examples of the Imperial style, the beer is essentially a more robust and potent version of a traditional stout. The base characteristics of a stout, such as roasted malt flavors, chocolate notes, and a creamy mouthfeel, are amplified in an Imperial Stout. It tends to have a higher alcohol content, typically ranging from 8% to 12% or even higher, compared to a regular stout which typically falls in the 4% to 7% range.
The use of the term “Imperial” in the beer world has expanded beyond just stouts. You can find other styles like Imperial IPAs (India Pale Ales), Imperial Porters, and even Imperial Pilsners. In each case, the “Imperial” designation signifies a stronger, more intense version of the base style.
The term “Imperial” in relation to beer signifies a larger, fuller-bodied version of a particular style. It originated from the export of strong beers to the Russian imperial court in the 18th century and has since become a widely recognized term in the beer world to denote beers that are higher in alcohol and feature more intense flavors.