19 Imperial Russian Stout Recipe Uk Get Cooking And Enjoy!

The History of Imperial Russian Stout

The Origin of the Style

The story of Imperial Russian Stout begins in the late 18th century when British brewers were exporting their beers to the Baltic region. The harsh weather conditions in these countries made it difficult for the beers to survive the long journey. To overcome this challenge, brewers started adding more malt and hops to their brews, resulting in a stronger and more robust beer. This type of beer became known as "stout," meaning strong or bold.

The Russian Connection

In the early 19th century, the popularity of stout in the Baltic region caught the attention of the Russian Imperial Court. They requested that British brewers supply them with this strong and flavorful beer, and thus, Imperial Russian Stout was born. The beer was a hit with the Russian aristocracy and soon became a symbol of luxury and indulgence.

The Decline and Revival

Unfortunately, the demand for Imperial Russian Stout declined after the Russian Revolution in 1917, and it eventually disappeared from the market. However, in recent years, there has been a revival of this beer style, with craft breweries in the UK and beyond creating their own versions of the classic recipe.

The Key Characteristics of Imperial Russian Stout

Appearance

Imperial Russian Stout is typically a dark beer, with a deep black color and a thick, creamy head. The use of roasted malts gives it a rich, coffee-like appearance.

Aroma and Taste

The aroma of Imperial Russian Stout is complex, with notes of dark chocolate, coffee, and dark fruits. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich, with a smooth and velvety mouthfeel. The flavors are intense and can range from sweet to bitter, with a lingering warmth from the high alcohol content.

ABV and IBU

Imperial Russian Stout is a strong beer, with an ABV (alcohol by volume) ranging from 8% to 12%. The bitterness level, measured in IBU (International Bitterness Units), can vary but typically falls between 50 and 90 IBU.

The Recipe for Imperial Russian Stout

Now that you have a better understanding of the history and characteristics of Imperial Russian Stout, let's dive into the recipe. This recipe is based on a traditional UK version of the beer and has been adapted for homebrewers.

Ingredients:

• 14 lbs Maris Otter Malt
• 1 lb Chocolate Malt
• 1 lb Roasted Barley
• 1 lb Crystal Malt (120L)
• 1 lb Flaked Oats
• 2 oz Fuggles Hops (60 min)
• 1 oz East Kent Goldings Hops (10 min)
• 1 pack American Ale Yeast
• 1 cup Corn Sugar (for priming)

Instructions:

1. Crush the grains and steep them in 5 gallons of water at 155°F for 30 minutes.
2. Sparge with 2 gallons of water at 170°F.
3. Bring the wort (unfermented beer) to a boil and add Fuggles hops.
4. Boil for 60 minutes, then add East Kent Goldings hops for the last 10 minutes of the boil.
5. Cool the wort and transfer it to a sanitized fermenter.
6. Pitch the American Ale yeast and ferment at 68°F for about 2 weeks.
7. After fermentation is complete, transfer the beer to a secondary fermenter and add 1 cup of corn sugar for priming.
8. Bottle the beer and let it condition for 2-3 weeks before enjoying your very own Imperial Russian Stout.

With this recipe, you can create a delicious and authentic Imperial Russian Stout in the comfort of your own home. Experiment with different types of malts and hops to make it your own, and don't be afraid to let it age for a few months to enhance the flavors even more.

Imperial Russian Stout may have a rich history, but it is a beer style that continues to evolve and captivate beer lovers around the world. So why not give it a try and experience the bold and complex flavors of this classic brew for yourself?