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Dark Truth

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Layers of espresso, roasted fig and crème brûlée emerge slowly, with a plum-like fruitiness from Belgian yeast and spicy, herbal notes from noble German hops. The rich, velvety mouthfeel mellows into a dry, smoky finish. An inky imperial stout from barley, wheat, rye and oats, Smokestack Series, 9.7% ABV and 60 IBU.

ABV
9.7%
Bitterness
Strongly bitter60 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
roastedcoffeesmoky
roasted
coffee
smoky
herbal
noble hop
spicy
Aroma
The nose opens with pronounced espresso and dark roasted malt, followed by figgy sweetness and subtle caramelized sugar notes.
also:dark fruit
not found:hoppy,caramel,fruity,vanilla

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Dark Truth

◎ Appearance

Deep ebony hue with minimal light transmission, characteristic of the Imperial Stout style at SRM 40. A dense, dark tan head forms and persists, leaving distinct lacing on the glass. Carbonation is restrained, appropriate for the beer's weight and alcohol content.

ebony, opaquepersistent headfine lacinglow carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with pronounced espresso and dark roasted malt, followed by figgy sweetness and subtle caramelized sugar notes. Belgian yeast contributes a delicate plum-like fruitiness beneath the roast, while noble German hops introduce a measured herbal and slightly spicy character that frames without dominating.

espresso, roasted maltdark fruit, fignoble hop spiceherbal complexity

◐ Taste

The palate enters creamy and velvety, layering roasted grain with hints of burnt caramel and crème brûlée richness. Mid-palate reveals coffee intensity and a dry, slightly smoky mineral quality from the hop profile. Bitterness registers at 60 IBU—present but measured, allowing the complexity of roasted barley, wheat, rye and oats to shine through.

coffee, smokecreamy, full-bodieddry characterroasted grain complexity

◑ Finish

The finish transitions from richness to a dry, smoky fade that lingers moderately on the palate. A subtle astringency from the roast and herbs closes cleanly without harshness.

smoky fadedry aftertastemoderate length
88
hopIQ score
Aroma
87
Taste
90
Appearance
85
Finish
86
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 Dark Truth

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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 roasted, coffee, smoky character as Dark Truth 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 United States beers →