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Enchiridion

Pure Project
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🌍 United States · Imperial Stout · One of 120 Imperial Stouts in hopIQ

Enchiridion is the brewery's reserve imperial stout, released once a year as a blend of stouts aged in one, two and three successive bourbon barrels. Each batch then rests in a fresh barrel, which adds tannin and softens the stout over time. It is black with dark brown hues. Brown sugar, brownie batter, molasses, fig, raisin and cocoa fill the nose, joined by bourbon-soaked oak. Fudge, dates, crème brûlée and charred wood follow on a velvety, medium-full body.

ABV
13.5%
Bitterness
Very bitter
Roasted bitterness
SRM
dark40
See all Imperial Stout alternatives →
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Style expression
textbookdistinctive
Where this beer sits· Four axes, the same for every beer in hopIQ.
Body
Full body.
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
Gently sweet notes.
drysweet
Bitterness
Firm bitter edge.
mildbitter
Texture
Somewhat creamy mouthfeel.
crispcreamy

The weight carries the beer on its own, leaving the aromatics free to lead.

Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another Imperial Stout.
Malt character
caramel
chocolate
roasted
coffee
Distinctive notes
oak
dark fruit

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Enchiridion

◎ Appearance

Deep black with dark brown hues, presenting an opaque, impenetrable body typical of the Imperial Stout style. The head forms a dense, tan-brown foam that clings persistently to the glass, leaving substantial lacing on each sip. Carbonation is moderate and well-integrated, supporting the beer's presence without excess effervescence.

deep blackopaquepersistent headmoderate carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with rich notes of brown sugar and molasses, underlaid by the aroma of brownie batter and cocoa powder. Dried fruit character emerges—fig and raisin—complemented by bourbon-soaked oak that adds warmth and complexity. The alcohol (13.5% ABV) is present but integrated, contributing vanilla and oak tannin rather than harsh spirits.

brown sugar, molassesdried fruit, cocoabourbon oak, vanilla

◐ Taste

Entry is full and velvety, with fudge and date-forward sweetness immediately apparent. Mid-palate brings crème brûlée character and subtle caramel complexity, while charred wood and bourbon oak tannins provide structure and a light drying sensation. Bitterness registers at 65 IBU—present but restrained, allowing the malt and aging-barrel character to dominate without astringency.

velvety bodyfudge, dates, crème brûléecharred oak, balanced bitterness

◑ Finish

The finish is long and warming, with lingering oak tannins and a subtle char impression that persists. The medium-full body carries through cleanly, fading to a dry, slightly woody aftertaste without harshness.

warming, long finishoak tannins, dry fade
88
hopIQ score
Aroma
88
Taste
89
Appearance
87
Finish
86
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Enchiridion

Serve at 13–16°C
Refrigerate, then rest 2 min

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

Pint glass
Recommended for this style

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.

Food Pairing

What to eat with Enchiridion

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 oak, smooth, dark fruit character as Enchiridion will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other Imperial Stouts in hopIQ

Compare with another beer →Explore all Imperial Stout beers in hopIQ →Browse United States beers →