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Black Roses

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Black Roses arrives as a study in contradiction: rich and bitter foundations meet smooth caramelized tones, floral notes threading through a subtle nuttiness that keeps the palate from settling. The Imperial Stout's warmth is immediate—at eleven percent, it drinks less like a beer and more like a contemplative spirit, the kind you pour for the late evening when conversation turns slower. Bold and delicate in the same glass, a strange but harmonious melange that refuses easy categorization. This is a beer for those who expect their stouts to complicate, not comfort.

ABV
11%
Bitterness
Very bitter
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
caramelfloralnutty
caramel
floral
nutty
roasted
chocolate
coffee
Aroma
The nose leads with dark roasted grain and cocoa, then unfolds toward floral and rose-like notes that distinguish this beer from conventional stouts.
also:dark fruit
not found:hoppy,bready,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Black Roses

◎ Appearance

Black Roses presents a deep, opaque black body with a burgundy-brown hue at the rim when held to light. The dense, tan head settles slowly, leaving a fine network of lacing that clings to the glass. Carbonation is restrained, appropriate to the Imperial Stout's contemplative character.

opaque blacktan headfine lacinglow carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with dark roasted grain and cocoa, then unfolds toward floral and rose-like notes that distinguish this beer from conventional stouts. Underneath sit caramel sweetness and hints of hazelnut, while a subtle spirit-forward warmth at 11% ABV adds depth without overwhelming. The balance between bitter Edelpilsener character and delicate florals creates an unusual aromatic profile.

dark roastfloral, rose-likecaramelcocoa, hazelnut

◐ Taste

Entry is full and assertive, with bitter malt and roasted grain anchoring the palate immediately. The mid-palate reveals smooth caramelized tones and a nuttiness that prevents the beer from settling into pure bitterness; floral notes thread through, adding complexity and a slight herbal quality. Bitterness persists throughout without harshness, balanced by the beer's warming alcohol presence.

bold bitter maltsmooth caramelpersistent floralwarming alcohol

◑ Finish

The finish is long and contemplative, with dry roasted notes lingering alongside a subtle sweetness that fades gradually. A spirit-like warmth remains on the palate, encouraging slow, meditative sipping.

long, dry finishwarming aftertaste
86
hopIQ score
Aroma
88
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 Black Roses

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About Imperial Stout

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a 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 Imperial Stout

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same bitter, rich, caramel character as Black Roses will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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