Samuel Adams Imperial Stout
Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)

Samuel Adams Imperial StoutSamuel Adams Imperial Stout
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From:
Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
 
Massachusetts, United States
Style:
Russian Imperial Stout
ABV:
9.2%
Score:
86
Avg:
3.8 | pDev: 13.68%
Reviews:
810
Ratings:
1,505
Status:
Active
Rated:
Mar 08, 2020
Added:
Jan 18, 2009
Wants:
  74
Gots:
  100
Imperial in stature and bigger than your average stout. This colossal stout was inspired by those created by 18th century English brewers for the Russian Imperial Court of Catherine II. The special malts in this intense and massive brew delivers rich flavors of dark chocolate, coffee, and anise.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by 40451:
Photo of 40451
Rated by 40451 from Massachusetts

2.5/5  rDev -34.2%

May 19, 2012
More User Ratings:
Photo of kryansutton
Reviewed by kryansutton

4.63/5  rDev +21.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
I was looking at some other reviews and I could not help but notice that one man Nailed his review. I have to give props so i am going to quote him "From notes 12/30/11: Pours a deep brownish-black with 1+ inch lasting, mocha, fine-bubbled, foamy head that leaves moderate lace. The aroma is roast, dry figs, prune, coffee, chocolate anise, and pungent hops. Taste is similar but with more anise/licorice from mid-sip into the aftertaste. Notes of char in the aftertaste. Mouthfeel is medium-bodied with low carbonation, mouth-coating."

All I would add, is the Beer fog at the crack of the cap, was Tantalizing, Pop it close to your nose, if you love a good stout, this full-bodied guy will be your best friend for as long as you can go without downing it from over excitement. To enjoy the second one with more time.
Mar 08, 2020
 
Rated: 2.5 by mattjp03 from Alabama

Jun 03, 2019
Photo of Buckeye55
Reviewed by Buckeye55 from North Carolina

4.1/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Had it a few years back, just remember that it tasted of licorice and coffee. A very strong taste and very full bodied brew. I remember that after 4 or 5 of these monsters I was feeling pretty good, I guess attributed to the 9.2 abv.
I will have to revisit this one soon.
Apr 24, 2019
Photo of GuyFawkes
Reviewed by GuyFawkes from Illinois

3.92/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Drank 5/9/14 @ World of Beer Evanston.

Black color.

Minimal tan head; minimal lace.

Black licorice & fresh earth nose.

Thick mouthfeel.

Coffee grounds, fresh earth, molasses & mild black licorice flavors.

Dark & complex, yet drinkable.
Apr 16, 2019
 
Rated: 3.97 by drunkenmess from Michigan

Mar 03, 2019
Photo of mothmanscott
Reviewed by mothmanscott from Georgia

4.27/5  rDev +12.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
From notes 12/30/11: Pours a deep brownish black with 1+ inch lasting, mocha, fine bubbled, foamy head that leaves moderate lace. Aroma is roast, dry figs, prune, coffee, chocolate anise and pungent hops. Taste is similar but with more anise/licorice from mid-sip into the aftertaste. Notes of char in the aftertaste. Mouthfeel is medium bodied with low carbonation, mouth coating.
Jan 25, 2019
 
Rated: 3.89 by DVMin98 from North Carolina

Nov 05, 2018
 
Rated: 3.94 by BenHoppy from Michigan

Nov 28, 2017
 
Rated: 3.85 by BEER88 from North Carolina

Aug 27, 2017
Photo of JamFuel
Reviewed by JamFuel from Sweden

3.78/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours black, with soft, chocolate colored foam.

Smell is full of chocolate and licorice, with a hint of soy sauce.

Starts of slightly boozy, dark chocolate, licorice and a bit of coffee. Nice balance, and nice aftertaste.

Medium bodied, good level of carbonation.

Overall, a good Impy, a bit more muted and a bit too thin for me than the really excellent ones.
May 28, 2017
 
Rated: 5 by Benjolovesbeer from Michigan

Dec 15, 2016
 
Rated: 3.75 by Stardusthotel83 from Washington

Dec 02, 2016
 
Rated: 3.6 by ArkyVaughan from New Jersey

Oct 28, 2016
Photo of tone77
Reviewed by tone77 from Pennsylvania

3.56/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Poured from a brown 12 oz. bottle. Has a black color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell is of dark fruits, roasted malts. Taste is roasted malts, alcohol, light hops, some dark fruits. Feels medium/full bodied in the mouth and overall is a decent beer, but not a great example of this style.
Sep 24, 2016
 
Rated: 4 by Cuervo_PCB from Florida

Aug 27, 2016
 
Rated: 3 by wpreynolds from New Jersey

Jul 21, 2016
Photo of rodbeermunch
Reviewed by rodbeermunch from Nevada

3.71/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Stiff black pour on this one. Tan colored head, 3/4". Impressive. Substantial roast and dark fruit notes, alcohol wafting.

Taste is more roast, more dark fruit, but the bitterness is lightly tamed. A bit of anise, chocolate malt, coffee and toffee malt notes.

These are good, the format is nice, better for sharing on a cold night.
Jul 17, 2016
 
Rated: 2.5 by ThisSeasonsWaifu from Sweden

Apr 09, 2016
 
Rated: 4.17 by Heeenrik from Finland

Apr 03, 2016
Samuel Adams Imperial Stout from Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
Beer rating: 86 out of 100 with 1505 ratings