Best Imperial Porters Brewed in America
This Top Ten Imperial Porters list is from the U.S. Open Beer Championship, Great American Beer Festival, and World Beer Cup. Imperial Porters are known for their deep black color and bold character. These strong, full-bodied beers typically feature moderate caramel and cocoa-like sweetness, with fruity ale-like esters that enhance—but don’t overpower—the malt and hop aromas. Roast barley and intensely burnt or black malt flavors are not typical of the style. Hop presence ranges from low to medium-high in both aroma and flavor, with bitterness falling between medium-low and medium. Alcohol by volume (ABV) ranges from 7.0% to 15.0%, and bitterness units (IBU) range from 25 to 40, delivering a well-rounded, complex drinking experience.The best Imperial Porters are black. Ale-like fruity ester aromas should be evident but not overpowering, complementing malt and hop aromas. Hop aroma is low to medium-high. No roast barley or strong burnt/black malt character should be perceived. Medium malt, caramel and cocoa-like sweetness is present. Hop flavor is low to medium-high. Hop bitterness is medium-low to medium. Body is full. ABV: 7.00% – 15.00%. IBU: 25-40
Top 10 Imperial Porters Brewed in America
1. Black Eye – Scratchtown Brewing – Nebraska
2. Morning Wood – Funky Buddha Brewery – Florida
3. Pagan Night – Stilt House Brewery – Florida
4. Sunday Brunch – Kane Brewing – New Jersey
5. Cacao Porter – ENKI Brewing – Minnesota
6. Everett Porter – Hill Farmstead Brewery – Vermont
7. No Rules – Perrin Brewery – Michigan
8. As You Wish – Pipeworks Brewing – Illinois
9. Twilight Of The Idol – Hill Farmstead Brewery – Vermont
10. Mogli – Caldera Brewing Company – Oregon
History of Imperial Porters
Imperial porters trace their origins to the 18th-century British brewing tradition, evolving from the robust porter style that became popular among London’s working class. Porters, named for the porters who transported goods along the Thames, were dark, hearty beers brewed with brown malt, offering a malty, slightly sweet flavor with roasted notes. The “imperial” designation emerged later, inspired by the stronger, higher-alcohol beers like imperial stouts, which were brewed for export to the Russian Empire. By the 19th century, brewers began experimenting with porters, increasing alcohol content and aging them in wooden barrels to create richer, more complex flavors, giving rise to imperial porters. These beers were bolder, often with intensified roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee notes, and a thicker, creamier body, making them a favorite for export and special occasions.
The modern resurgence of imperial porters began during the craft beer revolution of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, particularly in the United States, where brewers embraced the style’s versatility. American craft breweries like Founders, Deschutes, and Great Lakes elevated imperial porters by incorporating innovative ingredients such as vanilla, smoked malt, or barrel-aging in bourbon or whiskey casks, adding layers of caramel, oak, and spice. Today, imperial porters typically range from 7% to 12% ABV, balancing intense roasted flavors with smoother, sweeter profiles compared to imperial stouts. The style has become a staple in the global craft beer scene, celebrated for its depth and adaptability, often enjoyed as a sipping beer or paired with desserts and hearty dishes.
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