Imperial Stout

Imperial Stout — Russian Imperial Stout | Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery, Tadcaster (Yorkshire)

One of the finest Imperial Stout beers ever made. Brewing history in a bottle.

Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery’s Imperial Stout is an authentic brewing masterpiece: a Russian Imperial Stout produced in full respect for Yorkshire brewing tradition, without compromise. The style originated in 18th-century England, when dark, robust beers were brewed specifically to withstand long journeys to Imperial Russia, where they were highly sought after. Samuel Smith’s preserves this heritage with rigor and expertise. Registered with the Vegan Society: suitable for vegans.

Tasting profile

Deep black in the glass, almost opaque, with a dense, persistent hazelnut-colored head. The nose reveals a refined and complex bouquet: coffee, dark chocolate, and roasted barley take center stage, with nuances of dried plum and raisin adding fruity depth. On the palate, the opening is full-bodied, creamy, and enveloping, with medium-low carbonation that does not lighten the structure. Roasted notes of coffee and cocoa dominate, accompanied by plum and raisin in a complex and satisfying balance. As the temperature rises, a subtle alcoholic note emerges, further enriching the sip. The finish is long, rich, and clean — as complex as an Imperial Stout with a much higher alcohol content. A beer for the cellar.

• Style: Russian Imperial Stout
• ABV: 7.0% ABV
• Dominant flavors: Chocolate — Coffee — Barley — Dried plum
• Recommended glass: Snifter / Brandy glass
• Format: 355 ml bottle
• ✅ Suitable for vegans (registered with the Vegan Society)

Recommended pairings

An Imperial Stout with structure and complexity that lends itself to bold pairings: oysters (a classic British pairing), aged cheeses and blue cheeses, stews and braised meats, cheesecake, and chocolate desserts. Above all, though, it is a beer for contemplation — to be sipped slowly, alone or in good company.

Who is Samuel Smith’s Brewery?

Samuel Smith’s is one of the breweries most deeply rooted in Yorkshire’s brewing tradition. In Tadcaster, beer is still delivered by horse-drawn carriage. The brewery still uses traditional square slate fermentation vessels and the same yeast strain since 1800. Some beers still undergo conditioning in oak casks, built and repaired by a full-time cooper working for the brewery. Living history of British brewing.

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