Imperials

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by Hdredfern, Aug 22, 2013.

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  1. Hdredfern

    Hdredfern Initiate (0) Feb 16, 2012 Texas

    How do you imperialize a beer? what is the process that brings the abw up so much?
     
  2. dbc5

    dbc5 Savant (1,117) Jun 18, 2009 Arizona

    Increase the grain bill/fermentables.
     
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  3. leedorham

    leedorham Initiate (0) Apr 27, 2006 Washington

  4. VikeMan

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

    As mentioned, increase fermentables. Generally, also increase the fermentability of the wort, to keep the beer dry. And add more hops. But these are general things. Just doing them blindly (without analyzing what the results will be), can be a recipe for disappointment. Software/spreadsheets and Recipe Critique Posts can help.
     
  5. mikehartigan

    mikehartigan Maven (1,421) Apr 9, 2007 Illinois

    ^^^ what they said ^^^
    Brewing a 'Double' IPA, for example, is not as simple as doubling everything. As you gain experience (including your own mistakes), you'll learn how to Imperialize pretty much anything.
     
  6. AlCaponeJunior

    AlCaponeJunior Grand Pooh-Bah (3,452) May 21, 2010 Texas
    Society Pooh-Bah

    But how can I imperialize my session beer without raising the ABV or changing the flavor, color, or ingredients? :rolling_eyes:
     
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  7. mikehartigan

    mikehartigan Maven (1,421) Apr 9, 2007 Illinois

    I simply label my Imperial Cream Ale a 'Malt Liquor' (Seriously)
     
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  8. premierpro

    premierpro Savant (1,060) Mar 21, 2009 Michigan

    Put a crown on it!
     
  9. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,375) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Society Pooh-Bah

    LOL! All that I could think of was the old Imperial Margarine commercials.:grinning:

    Cheers to you sir!
     
  10. NiceFly

    NiceFly Initiate (0) Dec 22, 2011 Tajikistan

    Keep calm and continue to add ingredients.
     
  11. sarcastro

    sarcastro Savant (1,133) Sep 20, 2006 Michigan

    According to Dark Horse, it is that simple.
     
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