Malt aroma & flavor
Medium to high caramel malt character is present in aroma and flavor
North American Origin Ale Styles
Imperial Red Ale
Ale · Deep amber to dark copper/reddish-brown
What to expect
Medium to high caramel malt character is present in aroma and flavor
Reading guide · The complete guideline attributes below preserve the source’s qualifications.Color · SRM
10–17
Pale / strawBlack
Deep amber to dark copper/reddish-brown · Illustrative colors on the shared, uneven SRM scale.
Explore styles overlapping this color rangeAlcohol · ABV
8.0–10.6%
Reference scale, not a limit on official guideline values.
Bitterness · IBU
55–85
Measured bitterness; perceived bitterness is described in the guideline below.
Brewers Association 2026 · Printed guideline page 14 · PDF page 23. Color graphics are illustrative.
The guideline, in detail
Official style attributes, including what may be present and what should be absent.
Hop aroma & flavor
High, derived from any variety of hops. Hop flavor is prominent and balanced with other beer attributes.
Perceived bitterness
Very high
Body & mouthfeel
Full
Clarity
Chill haze is acceptable at low temperatures
Color
Deep amber to dark copper/reddish-brown
Fermentation characteristics
Very high alcohol is a hallmark of this style. Complex alcohol flavors may be present. Fruity esters are medium. 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) 1.020-1.028 (5.1-7.1 °Plato) • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 6.3%-8.4% (8.0%-10.6%) • Hop Bitterness (IBU) 55-85 • Color SRM (EBC) 10-17 (20-34 EBC)