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Thornbridge Imperial Stout

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A full-bodied, warming stout with gentle smokiness and indulgent layers of rich chocolate and dark fruit. Thornbridge brings its Imperial Stout, crowned Champion Bottled Beer of Britain in 2019, back to its original strength, brewed on its historic Burton Union system. Bronze at the Midlands & West Indie Beer Awards 2026 in the Imperial Strong Ale category.

ABV
7.7%
Bitterness
Very bitter
Roasted bitterness
SRM
dark40
PaceSipper

AWARDS

Gold · 2019
Champion Bottled Beer of Britain
Gold · 2019
Champion Beer of Britain (regional, East Midlands)
Silver · 2016
SIBA Indie Beer Awards (regional, Midlands)
Bronze · 2016
Champion Winter Beer of Britain
Bronze · 2013
Champion Beer of Britain (regional, East Midlands)
Gold · 2010
European Beer Star
Imperial Russian Stout
Silver · 2007
SIBA Indie Beer Awards
Bronze · 2007
SIBA Indie Beer Awards (regional, Midlands)
Gold · 2006
SIBA Indie Beer Awards (regional, Midlands)
Bronze · 2026
SIBA Indie Beer Awards (regional, Midlands & West)
Bottle & Can Imperial Strong Ale (6.5% & over)
★Gold — Champion Bottled Beer of Britain
★Gold — Champion Beer of Britain (regional, East Midlands)
★Silver — SIBA Indie Beer Awards (regional, Midlands)
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
chocolatedark fruitsmoky
chocolate
dark fruit
smoky
roasted
coffee
Aroma
Roasted malt dominates the nose with dark chocolate and cocoa powder notes, supported by subtle char and gentle smokiness.
not found:hoppy,caramel,fruity,spicy

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Thornbridge Imperial Stout

◎ Appearance

Deep brown-black color with an opaque, impenetrable clarity characteristic of the Imperial Stout style. A dense, tan head builds quickly and clings persistently to the glass walls, leaving substantial lacing with each sip. Fine carbonation supports the foam structure without aggressive bubbling.

deep brown-blackopaquepersistent head lacing

◌ Aroma

Roasted malt dominates the nose with dark chocolate and cocoa powder notes, supported by subtle char and gentle smokiness. Dried dark fruit—raisins and plums—emerges in the mid-range, while a warming alcohol presence adds depth without harshness. The aromatic profile conveys richness and restraint in equal measure.

roasted chocolatedark fruit, driedgentle smoke

◐ Taste

The palate opens with smooth, full-bodied malt character that carries layers of dark chocolate and cocoa through the mid-palate. Moderate bitterness from noble hops provides structure and balance without dominating the sweet malt foundation. Warming alcohol integrates seamlessly, enhancing the indulgent character while maintaining composure.

chocolate-forwardfull-bodied warmthbalanced bitterness

◑ Finish

The finish is long and contemplative, with roasted and chocolate notes lingering gracefully on the palate. A gentle warming sensation persists, inviting another sip rather than demanding it.

long, warmingroasted aftertaste
88
hopIQ score
Aroma
87
Taste
89
Appearance
88
Finish
87
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 Thornbridge Imperial Stout

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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 full-bodied, chocolate, dark fruit character as Thornbridge Imperial Stout will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

FEATURED IN

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