Best ABV for Imperial Stouts

Non barrel aged 10.5%. Standard

 

I like in the 12-14 range. Any less and they can be a little thin. Any more and they are a little too hot.

 

I'm inclined to agree with this, if it's being touted as Imperial I expect it to be nearing double digit on the ABV. That said, I don't think there is a one true ABV to rule them all as far as flavor goes. There tends to be a lot going on in an Imperial Stout and the alcohol is but one note out of multiples, so asking for the best ABV is like asking what's the best note for music.

I will say this though, as far as my drinking habits go the higher above 10% it goes the less likely I am to drink it unless it's a smaller pour at a bar or I'm sharing it. It'd be a rare occasion that'd make me crack open a bomber of 15% Imperial Stout to enjoy by myself.

 

I am serious when I say 9.0%.

 

8-12%. 8% is a great point since the brewer can do so much with the beer at this level by playing with wort temperatures and malt ratios. Increasing ABV up to 10% or 11% works, but beyond 12% they tend to be a boozy mess. I'm sure there are exceptions, but that would be my "best" range.

 

I definitely like sharing the bigger stouts and for a special occasion can put one down on my own, figure for the price point the higher the abv then the better the value

 

I think it depends on the brewer, but I'm more inclined to buy a stout at or around 10%. When I see the ABV creeping up, I become less inclined to pick it up. Some brewers can hide booziness masterfully, others... not so much. Thus I'm generally not willing to take the chance. (I really hate overly boozy beers)

It's interesting that you mention Choklat, because I thought the booze was actually a little too pronounced for the ABV. I thought that Brooklyn BCS did a much better job at the same ABV. But the palate can be a finicky thing, and I've only had Choklat once while having BCS multiple times.

 

I want them over 10%.

 

I'm with most with 10 and up

 

I agree with 10-14%

 

10-18%

Rare DOS being a beautiful example of the 10-11% ABV mark and Pugachev's Cobra and BT being another perfect example of quality at 18%.

 

10-18%

 

I'm drinking a 6.5% stout right now and it feels weird. It's not imperial though.

I'd say 10% ABV is a good sweet spot for an Imperial. It is still low enough to where you could sample multiple beers in one night, but high enough that you could still have a bit of fun with it. Plus, an imperial stout feels like it should have double digit ABV.

 

Regular: 6-7%, Imperial: 9-12% but it better be offered in 12oz bottles otherwise it becomes more of a conscious decision to open it knowing the buzz will be in full effect.

 

I had the Choklat on tap right before Christmas and didn't feel the ABV was much of a factor, and like you said regarding the palate, it varies from person to person. (totally agree) My only beef about this beer is the $19.99 price tag per Four-Pack ... seriously!!!

 

Since my favorite imperial stout (by a mile and a half) is Founders Imperial Stout, I'll say 10.5%.

 

I love huge ABV stouts as long as they are well done. If pulled off correctly, a balancing booziness can add a lot to a beer, especially those on the sweet side of the spectrum. I love IS's in the 14-16% range, and even those pushing 19%+ like the Bruery day series, tend to be some of my favorite beers.

 

I'm with pretty much everyone on here. I can't claim a certain ABV to be my favorite aside from saying I enjoy anything from 7.5% up. There are great options across the whole spectrum. Mouthfeel is a bigger key to me than the alcohol content. If the ABV is high and the mouthfeel is thin, odds are it's going to be a hot one (read that fusel alcohols are thinner).

My main gripe (not that it will change anything) is that I feel the higher ABV (anything above 10%) brews have no need to be in bombers or 750's. I'd much prefer these being bottled into standard 12oz'ers which are far more manageable. If you want more you can open another. But how many times can one person open and finish a Black Tuesday without some help? Okay, I feel better now. Cheers!