Malt aroma & flavor
Extremely rich malty flavor with full sweet malt character is typical. Roasted malt astringency and bitterness can be moderate but should not dominate the overall character.
North American Origin Ale Styles
American-Style Imperial Stout
Ale · Black
What to expect
Extremely rich malty flavor with full sweet malt character is typical.
Reading guide · The complete guideline attributes below preserve the source’s qualifications.Color · SRM
40+
›
Pale / strawBlack
Black · Illustrative colors on the shared, uneven SRM scale.
Explore styles overlapping this color rangeAlcohol · ABV
7.0–12.0%
Reference scale, not a limit on official guideline values.
Bitterness · IBU
50–80
Measured bitterness; perceived bitterness is described in the guideline below.
Brewers Association 2026 · Printed guideline page 13 · PDF page 22. Color graphics are illustrative.
The guideline, in detail
Official style attributes, including what may be present and what should be absent.
Hop aroma & flavor
Medium-high to high, exhibiting any of floral, citrus, herbal, or any other attributes typical of American hops.
Perceived bitterness
Medium-high to very high and balanced with rich malt character.
Body & mouthfeel
Full
Clarity
Opaque
Color
Black
Fermentation characteristics
High Alcohol content is evident. Fruity esters are high. Diacetyl should not be present.
Technical specifications, including gravity
Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.080-1.100 (19.3-23.7 °Plato) • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.020-1.030 (5.1-7.6 °Plato) • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 5.5%-9.5% (7.0%-12.0%) • Hop Bitterness (IBU) 50-80 • Color SRM (EBC) 40+ (80+ EBC)