Two Alabama Breweries Make a National List of ’37 Best Imperial Stouts’

First off, for those who may not know, an Imperial stout, also known as Russian Imperial Stout is a strong dark beer or stout in the style that was brewed in the 18th century. 

It has a high alcohol content, usually over 9% ABV.

The definition given by Beer Advocate says,

Inspired by brewers back in the 1800's to win over the Russian Czar, this is the king of stouts, boasting high alcohol by volumes and plenty of malt character. Low to moderate levels of carbonation with huge roasted, chocolate and burnt malt flavors. Often dry. Suggestions of dark fruit and flavors of higher alcohols are quite evident. Hop character can vary from none, to balanced to aggressive.

Recently Paste Magazine posted a list of 'The 37 Best Imperial Stouts' and to no surprise, two Alabama breweries made the list! Huntsville's Straight to Ale came in at #10 with their Laika Russian Imperial Stout and Birmingham's Good People Brewery topped the list at #1 with their monstrously flavor-packed El Gordo Imperial Stout!

The list led me to think about other Alabama Imperial Stouts that I'm a fan of. To add to Paste's list, let me say that my favorite beer of all time is Straight to Ale's Laika aged in Cabernet barrels! You can find this one all over the area in pint bombers! Flavorful, thick and just boozy enough to wake up your senses.

Good People's Fatso Russian Imperial Stout is another favorite. Fatso has a distinct dark chocolate, spiced rum mix that almost overpowers your mouth with flavor.

Lastly I'll give "honorable mentions" to two Imperial Stouts not brewed in Alabama you need to try that didn't make Paste's list and those are Narwhal Imperial Stout from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company out of California and Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout from North Coast Brewing Company, also out of California.

Stop by and visit all of our fine Alabama based breweries and show your appreciation for not only the Imperial Stouts but also their IPAs, Pale Ales, Wheats, Browns, Blondes and everything else they put the heart into brewing!