Imperial Stouts are one of the most beloved styles in craft beer. And with so many worthy Imperial Stouts out there (and so many variations), even attempting to come up with a definitive list might be dismissed as sheer recklessness on our part…But that’s never stopped us in the past.

So here are 5 More Imperial Stouts “to die for” – and if you haven’t already checked out Part I & Part II of this series – we’re pissed at you! 

Cigar City Marshal Zhukov’s Imperial Stout – Cigar City Brewing (Tampa, FL) – While Hunahpu deservedly generates most of the “stout buzz” at Cigar City, their non-spiced 11% variant Marshal Zhukov’s Imperial Stout is equally as impressive and just as essential.

Spiteful Brewing Malevolence Chocolate Caliente – Spiteful Brewing (Chicago, IL) – Another worthy “Imperial” that takes its lead from the beloved Mexican hot chocolate, Malevolence Chocolate Caliente Russian Imperial Stout is brewed with vanilla beans, cacao nibs, cinnamon, Urfa biber chili flakes, and dried Aleppo pepper (whew!). It’s spiced out of its mind yet every flavor remains distinct. And at 10.5% ABV, this is a perfect blizzard beer!

Half Acre Big Hugs – Half Acre Beer (Chicago, IL) – It’s no surprise that Chicago is home to some of the most amazing Imperial Stouts in the world – these are beers brewed to standup against prairie winds and artic cold. Energized by unapologetic usage of
coffee from Dark Matter, Big Hugs is a big roasty 10% Imperial that defines what a great Coffee Stout needs to be.

Avery The Czar Imperial Stout – Avery Brewing (Boulder, CO) – With a nod to the Stout’s European origins The Czar is as traditional as other beers on this list are progressive. Built on a sturdy foundation of rich molasses and toffee tones, and with an ABV that fluctuates from year to year, this dark crimson creation is as much fun to look at, as it is to drink.

Firestone Walker Parabola – Firestone Walker (Paso Robles, CA) – Routinely ranked as one of the top beers in the world, this immense 14% Russian imperial Oatmeal Stout is aged for a full year in Elijah Craig, Four Roses, Pappy Van Winkle, Woodford Reserve and Buffalo Trace barrels – and then blended smartly to a silky balanced finish. Always remarkable.