Imperial stout-seeking help

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by CADETS3, Jun 16, 2015.

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  1. CADETS3

    CADETS3 Initiate (0) Dec 3, 2014 Texas

    Although I am not posting a recipe, i hope i will not be bashed for posting here as i thought it'd be the best place to post... I have 10 beers under my belt now, 5 being all grain and 5 from extract. I think that i am ready for the next step and that is to start putting together my own recipe. I would like to start with a 1-2 gallon batch of an imperial stout. Question is, what are the starting grounds for beginning? I am looking for something with a nice coffee/roasted smell and taste along with some chocolate. What are the best ways to begin putting together a recipe. Help would be greatly appreciated. Im looking forward to making something soon to age it until winter comes around.
     
    #1 CADETS3, Jun 16, 2015
  2. Mag00n

    Mag00n Initiate (0) Nov 21, 2008 New York


    I like to start with a classic or proven 'base' recipe, then modify it to my taste. In your case, start with a proven stout recipe, and maybe increase the roasted malts or add some cocoa nibs/oats. The recipe will evolve over time and become more and more 'yours'. Also dont forget water, mashing temp/ph, process/technique; 5 of us could brew the same recipe and one could be the clear winner based on these.
     
    #2 Mag00n, Jun 16, 2015
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  3. CurtFromHershey

    CurtFromHershey Initiate (0) Oct 4, 2012 Minnesota

    I typically read as many recipes from other people as I can and then piece together the parts that sound good to me. 10 batches in plus looking up information about commercial beers you like should be plenty for a general idea of your go-to ingredients.
     
    #3 CurtFromHershey, Jun 16, 2015
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  4. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Those attributes would be a part of most imperial stouts. So you're on the right track!

    Assuming you're thinking about a fairly big Imperial Stout, my main advice would be to make more than 2 gallons if you can. You'd probably be looking at at least several months of post -packaging conditioning time. And you may want to sample along the way to see how it's coming a long.
     
    #4 VikeMan, Jun 16, 2015
  5. ManBearPat

    ManBearPat Pooh-Bah (1,813) Dec 2, 2014 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah

    I did a 3 gallon partial mash imperial stout.. Just bottled them last week and don't plan on really enjoying them until around Christmas...

    http://www.brewersfriend.com/homebrew/recipe/view/14096/russian-imperial-stout

    Check it out!
    Very pleased with the initial flavor of this brew.
     
    #5 ManBearPat, Jun 16, 2015
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  6. hara94

    hara94 Initiate (0) Apr 15, 2012 Minnesota

    #6 hara94, Jun 16, 2015
  7. CADETS3

    CADETS3 Initiate (0) Dec 3, 2014 Texas

    @VikeMan do you have a personal favorite that you have made?
     
    #7 CADETS3, Jun 17, 2015
  8. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Kate the Great clone. You can get the recipe (sort of) from another forum, where people talk about homebrew. It's fairly ambitious though...off the top of my head, I think it calls for about 10 different malts and almost as many hop varieties.
     
    #8 VikeMan, Jun 17, 2015
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