An Imperial Post

An imperial thanks goes to The Bruery for posting this great information about the origins of the term "imperial" on Facebook today.  The Bruery always provides great beer and great information.

"The word "imperial" is quite often thrown around recklessly in the craft beer community when referring to stronger than typical beers, but do you know where the term actually originated?

In the early 18th century, Peter the Great fell in love with the classic English porter, but when trying to import the beer to the imperial court in Russia, it spoiled.  So, the Barclay brewery of London came up with a new recipe that was higher in alcohol and higher in hops, both of which serve as a preservative.

And thus, the Russian Imperial Stout was born and the term "imperial" has now been borrowed to describe any beer of higher than average alcohol percentage and hop additions."

What is a Pale Ale?

A beer which uses a warm fermentation and predominantly pale malt.  They are brewed with more lightly roasted malts, and typically have a more equal malt-to-hop balance.  The hops are definitely present, but fairly moderate.

What is a Braggot?

I was turned on to this style by a Facebook post from Karl Strauss Brewing Co. I could try to explain it, but I'll let the experts over at BeerAdvocate do it for me. In the spirit of trying something new, or if you are a braggot veteran, seek out one of these unique brews for yourself!

What is an Export Stout?

A special style of stout that is brewed bigger than normal for a long journey, the more traditional Export Stouts will be found in the tropical regions of the world, be higher in alcohol, and have a very pronounced roasted character.

What is a Lambic?

Spontaneously fermenting style of beer brewed from malted barley and unmalted wheat and is unique to Belgium.

What is Bock?

German word for strong beer. It is a lager, usually dark, made from barley malt that usually displays a malty sweetness and relatively high alcohol content while limiting the presence of hop bitterness. Bock beers are traditionally served in autumn, late winter or spring.

What is a Lager?

Any beer fermented at low temperatures using bottom fermenting yeast and then stored (lagered) in cool conditions in order to clear away imperfections to ensure a clean taste. Usually golden in color but can be dark.

What is an Ale?

A malt beverage brewed with (usually) barley malt and fermented at relatively high temperatures (60-75 Fº) with top fermenting yeast, which usually creates a fruity taste. Ales are produced with a wide variety of colors, palates and alcoholic strengths.