I think the term imperial is being thrown around way to much these days. It used to actually mean something.
I think the term imperial is being thrown around way to much these days. It used to actually mean something.
The term Imperial used to designate a stout that was brewed for Russian royalty, correct? Back then that stout was much stronger than any other stouts available. So today the term imperial designates a beer that falls within a certain style but is more extreme in alcohol, hops, and malt.
Right, but calling all of them "Imperial" sort of dilutes the historical significance of beer being brewed for the recently-opened Russian market in the 18th century. I think that's the point they're trying to make. Imperial Stout is the one style that can claim its royalty- the others could be "Double" or something. Imperial Mild is, of course, a dumb name for a Brown Ale.
Stout is the overall category, while Imperial Stout is one member of that category, along with its fellows, Dry Stout, Oatmeal Stout, Export Stout, and Milk Stout.
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