So what makes a beer "Imperial"??

[I'mRocketMan]

I'd like to know what criteria is used to determine if a beer could be called 'imperial'. Anyone know? (Perhaps how much more alcohol is in it compared to the 'standard' style?)

Cheers! Rocket

[Beaver]

I think it's pretty much at brewer's discretion. All Imperials I've seen have been higher in alcohol than normal.

[Tom C]

http://www.mv.com/ipusers/slack/bjcp/style-index.html

http://www.beertown.org/education/pdf/AOB_Beer_Styles_2004.pdf

Here are two links that talk about styles. The second is from the American Homebrewers association and requires adobe reader. Go to the linik and click for the downloadable version

Tom C

Of course these are style guidlines used in competition. Brewers can name any brew what they want....I have had some IPA's that are really pale ales and vice versa as an example.

[Theakston]

The first beer to get the name "imperial" was Imperial stout. Supposedly it was brewed for export to the court of the czar of Russia and was brewed stronger so it would survive the trip across the frozen Baltic sea.

Now Imperial gets added to the title to denote any super strength beers. There are several "Imperial" Pale Ales (like 90 minute PA) and, more recently, Imperial lagers (such as "small craft warning" or Dominions Spring brew that was an "Imperial Pilsner") we discussed these recently.

Really they could equally be called "double" pale ales. The lager equivalent could be called doppelbocks although they try to keep closer to the pilsener hop proifile than the classics of these styles and are fermented much drier.

[Beaver]

Originally posted by Theakston
The first beer to get the name "imperial" was Imperial stout. Supposedly it was brewed for export to the court of the czar of Russia and was brewed stronger so it would survive the trip across the frozen Baltic sea.

Now Imperial gets added to the title to denote any super strength beers. There are several "Imperial" Pale Ales (like 90 minute PA) and, more recently, Imperial lagers (such as "small craft warning" or Dominions Spring brew that was an "Imperial Pilsner") we discussed these recently.

Really they could equally be called "double" pale ales. The lager equivalent could be called doppelbocks although they try to keep closer to the pilsener hop proifile than the classics of these styles and are fermented much drier.

I see more and more brewer's using the Double IPA terminology rather than Imperial IPA.

[I'mRocketMan]

So I'm brewing my Pluto Porter again. Last time it was EXCELLENT, but I added a 1/2 # of CaraPils (dextrine malt) to help increase the head. I also bumped the amber DME from 6# to 7# (to bring the alcohol up a little). Would these changes create an Imperial Porter?

CHeers! Rocket

[Beaver]

Originally posted by I'mRocketMan
So I'm brewing my Pluto Porter again. Last time it was EXCELLENT, but I added a 1/2 # of CaraPils (dextrine malt) to help increase the head. I also bumped the amber DME from 6# to 7# (to bring the alcohol up a little). Would these changes create an Imperial Porter?

CHeers! Rocket

Isn't an "Imperial Porter" normally a Baltic Porter? Or are there other differences between regular and Baltic porters?

[Tom C]

Originally posted by I'mRocketMan
So I'm brewing my Pluto Porter again. Last time it was EXCELLENT, but I added a 1/2 # of CaraPils (dextrine malt) to help increase the head. I also bumped the amber DME from 6# to 7# (to bring the alcohol up a little). Would these changes create an Imperial Porter?

CHeers! Rocket

I do not know how well the carapils will be used for head retention...it will add body though...round it of to a pound and throw in 1/4- 1/2 lb Torrified Wheat for head retention.

Tom C

[brewmonkey]

Originally posted by Tom C
I do not know how well the carapils will be used for head retention...it will add body though...round it of to a pound and throw in 1/4- 1/2 lb Torrified Wheat for head retention.

Tom C

Carapils is an excellent aid for head retention as well as body. With the amount he plans on using for 5USG there is no need for the wheat also.

[I'mRocketMan]

That's what I thought, Brewmonkey!

I guess the Q I'm asking is, how much more alcohol does it take to call a beer imperial?

Cheers! Rocket

[kato]

I suspect use of the term "Imperial" is arbitrary and is used to make it sound more bad-assed. If you want to call your beer Imperial, go ahead.

I identify my beers as "Ruling Class" because they rule.

Kato

(I'm just being a tool. Hi.)

[I'mRocketMan]

That's cool! I'll be racking the Pluto Porter tinight into the secondary! I'll let you know how it tastes!

Cheers! Rocket