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Expedition Stout

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A Russian Imperial Stout with chocolate, dark fruit and other aromas on a huge malt body. Bell's counts it among the earliest Russian Imperial Stouts made in the United States and brews it for aging: the flavors meld and deepen in the cellar. 10.5% ABV, 77 IBU, original gravity 1.115; a limited release, and the brewery recommends a snifter.

ABV
10.5%
Bitterness
Very bitter77 IBU
Roasted bitterness
SRM
dark40
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
chocolatedark fruitmalty
chocolate
dark fruit
malty
roasted
coffee
Aroma
The nose opens with rich chocolate and cocoa, layered beneath dark dried fruit—plum and raisin dominate.
not found:hoppy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Expedition Stout

◎ Appearance

Deep brown to near-black in the glass, with an opaque body and minimal light transmission typical of the style. A dense tan head forms and clings persistently to the rim, leaving fine lacing on the glass wall. Carbonation is restrained, appropriate for a contemplative sipper.

deep brownopaquepersistent headfine lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with rich chocolate and cocoa, layered beneath dark dried fruit—plum and raisin dominate. Roasted grain and subtle coffee grounds emerge in the mid-palate, with a gentle warming alcohol note that broadens the aromatic profile without overwhelming.

chocolate, cocoadark fruit, plumroasted graincoffee, alcohol warmth

◐ Taste

Entry is smooth and malty, with substantial body carrying flavors of dark chocolate and stewed fruit across the palate. Bitterness arrives measured at 77 IBU—assertive but integrated, supporting rather than dominating the malt character. A slight boozy warmth underlies the finish, reinforcing the 10.5% alcohol presence.

smooth malt entrychocolate, stewed fruitintegrated bitternesswarming alcohol

◑ Finish

The finish extends with lingering chocolate and dry roasted notes. A mild astringency fades slowly, inviting another sip and suggesting this beer's potential for cellar aging.

long finishchocolate decaydry roasted fade
86
hopIQ score
Aroma
87
Taste
88
Appearance
82
Finish
84
Serve at 13–16°C

Slightly warmer than you might expect. 10–13°C lets the roasted malt, chocolate and coffee notes open up fully.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

Can be cellared 2–5 years. Develops dark fruit, leather and port-like complexity with age.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Expedition Stout

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About Russian Imperial Stout

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Russian Imperial Stout?

Stouts are dark ales with roasted barley character, 4–8% ABV and IBU 25–45. Expect coffee, dark chocolate and toast flavors with a creamy body and dry finish.

Finding a similar Russian Imperial Stout

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same chocolate, full-bodied, dark fruit character as Expedition Stout will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Russian Imperial Stout beers in hopIQ →New to Russian Imperial Stout? Read our guide →Browse United States beers →