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Imperial Stouts are one of the most beloved styles in craft beer. And with so many worthy Imperial Stouts out there (and so many variations), even attempting to come up with a definitive list might be dismissed as sheer recklessness on our part…But that’s 
never stopped us in the past.
So here are 5 more essential Stouts that you need to try – and if you haven’t already checked out Part I in this series – we’re pissed at you!
Goose Island Bourbon County Stout – Goose Island (Chicago, IL) – You can call them a sell-out all you want, but there’s no denying the consistency nor the brilliance of this particular addition to annual Goose Island Brand release. After all these guys pioneered the barrel-aged Stout – and they deserve to be given their due.
Stone Imperial Russian Stout – Stone Brewing (Escondido, CA) – Rich, thick and downright sinful, Stone’s Imperial Russian Stout hasn’t changed all that much over 
the years. This massive 10.6% ABV Imperial was for many of us the gateway drug that opened our eyes to Imperial Stouts in general and introduced us to the power of “the dark side.” A classic!
Perennial Artisan Ales Abraxas – Perennial Artisan Ales (St Louis, MO) – As unusual as Stone’s Imperial is defining, Perennial’s 10% ABV Abraxas is a complex symphony of flavors and an unlikely nod to Mexican hot chocolate.
Firestone Walker Velvet Merkin – Firestone Walker Brewing (Paso Robles, CA) – Aged for a full year in retired spirits barrels from Heaven Hill, Woodford Reserve and others, Firestone Walker’s 8.5% ABV celebration of toasted oats. Milk chocolate, bourbon and espresso flavors abound in a mind-boggling display of balance and restraint.
Guinness Foreign Extra Stout – Guinness (Dublin, Ireland) – No discussion of stouts would be complete without acknowledging Guinness and their role in this proud brewing tradition. Lower in alcohol (7.5% ABV) than its American compatriots, and carbonated rather than nitrogenated, Guinness Foreign Extra Stout is as close as they get to what we consider an “Imperial.” Deservedly popular around world and accounting for 45% of their overall sales, Foreign Extra is less ubiquitous in the states and always a hot get.
