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Double Negative

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Double Negative is Grimm's imperial stout at 10 percent, brewed since 2014. It pours jet black with burnt orange highlights under a long-lasting tan head that leaves heavy lacing. Espresso, bitter chocolate and caramel lead the aroma, with dark fruit notes of black currant and blueberry behind them. The palate is creamy and viscous and follows the nose at first; then a smooth bitterness cuts through before a long, roasty finish.

ABV
10.0%
Bitterness
Very bitter75 IBU
Roasted bitterness
SRM
dark40
PaceSipper

AWARDS

Gold · 2015
Great American Beer Festival
Imperial Stout
Silver · 2014
Great American Beer Festival
Imperial Stout
Gold · 2025
New York State Craft Beer Competition
Imperial Stout and Porter
Bronze · 2024
New York State Craft Beer Competition
Imperial Stouts & Porters
★Gold — Great American Beer Festival (Imperial Stout)
★Silver — Great American Beer Festival (Imperial Stout)
★Gold — New York State Craft Beer Competition (Imperial Stout and Porter)
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
What makes this beer itself
MaltHop
roastedchocolatecoffee
roasted
chocolate
coffee
caramel
dark fruit
berry
Aroma
The nose leads with assertive espresso and bitter chocolate, grounded by caramel sweetness that prevents the roasted character from becoming austere.
not found:hoppy,bready,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Double Negative

◎ Appearance

Double Negative presents as jet black with burnt orange highlights when held to light, revealing the density characteristic of the imperial stout style. The long-lasting tan head settles firmly, leaving prominent lacing that clings to the glass throughout the drinking experience. The opacity and head retention suggest a well-crafted grain bill and careful carbonation management.

jet blacktan head lacingopaquepersistent foam

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with assertive espresso and bitter chocolate, grounded by caramel sweetness that prevents the roasted character from becoming austere. Dark fruit notes of black currant and blueberry emerge in the background, adding depth without overwhelming the malt-driven profile. The aromatic structure is balanced between roasted intensity and subtle fruit complexity.

espressodark chocolateblack currantcaramel

◐ Taste

The palate opens creamy and viscous, mirroring the aromatic promise with full chocolate and roasted grain presence. A smooth bitterness develops through the mid-palate, cutting cleanly through the malt body without harshness, demonstrating thoughtful hop integration at 75 IBU. The progression moves seamlessly from sweetness into dry roasty territory.

creamy mouthfeelroasted grainsmooth bitternessbalanced

◑ Finish

The finish extends long and roasty, with lingering espresso and dry cocoa notes persisting cleanly on the palate. No astringency or harsh alcohol heat intrudes despite the 10% ABV.

long roasty finishdry cocoaclean aftertaste
83
hopIQ score
Aroma
84
Taste
85
Appearance
82
Finish
81
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 Double Negative

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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, chocolate, coffee character as Double Negative will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

FEATURED IN

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