Imperial Stout History and Update
Ahh the Russian Imperial Stout. I have been reading up on the history of this wonderful brew and here is what I have found.
In the year 1796 Thrale’s Brewery in London created a beer that was meant to satisfy the Czars of Russia. They had tastes for the finer things in life, the best champagne and caviar, and this beer was created just for export to them. And because it was to be transported across the freezing Baltic, it needed to be high in alcohol. The first batch was sent to Catherine the Great. Later that brewery merged with Courage, and then later with Newcastle.
Today, I’m happy to announce that my Imperial stout has been bottled. Jake took some time out of his busy life and helped me out. The final gravity ended up at 1.030 making the ABV only about 7.62% (lower than I had hoped, but still not something to be drank lightly!) Tasting it was a treat, it had hints of chocolate and also had a nutty flavor. Might be the best thing I have ever brewed (personal opinion of course).
On a side note… man do I want a kegging system.
I still have a case of this stuff! Bought almost 20 years ago.