Samuel Smith’s is Yorkshire’s oldest brewery, still using its original stone fermenting squares, and its Imperial Stout is one of the great English dark beers. Imperial stout was originally brewed strong for export to the Russian imperial court, and this is a benchmark modern version, rich, smooth and full of depth. I picked one up for this guide.
Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout at a glance
| Style | Imperial stout |
| ABV | 7.0% |
| Calories | Around 230 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | Samuel Smith’s, Tadcaster, England |
| Character | Dark chocolate, coffee, dark fruit, smooth |
| Best served | Lightly chilled, in a goblet |
How it tastes, by the numbers
This is a rich, strong, smooth stout, deep and complex rather than harsh or roasty-bitter.
The full review
It pours an opaque black with a creamy dark-tan head. The aroma is rich and inviting, dark chocolate, espresso, dried fruit and a touch of liquorice.
The flavour is deep and smooth. Layers of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, plum and raisin roll across a full, silky body, with a gentle roasted bitterness balancing the richness and a warming 7% underneath. It is complex but never harsh.
What impresses is the smoothness. For a strong imperial stout it is remarkably drinkable, the alcohol adding warmth rather than heat, the roast adding depth rather than ash. It is a beautifully composed dark beer.
From a historic brewery still doing things the old way, it is a world-class English stout and a proper cold-weather treat.
For a strong imperial stout it is remarkably smooth, complex but never harsh.
- A world-class English imperial stout
- Rich dark chocolate, coffee and dark fruit
- Smooth and complex despite 7%
- From Yorkshire’s oldest brewery
- Strong, so a sipper not a session beer
- Rich, best in cold weather
Who it is for
If you love strong, dark beers or want to taste a world-class English stout, this is essential. Perfect for cold evenings and slow sipping.
Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout FAQs
What is an imperial stout?
An imperial stout is a strong, rich, dark stout, originally brewed strong in England for export to the Russian imperial court. It has intense flavours of dark chocolate, coffee and dark fruit and is usually 7% to 12% ABV.
What does Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout taste like?
Rich dark chocolate, roasted coffee, plum and raisin over a full, silky body, with a gentle roasted bitterness and a warming strength. It is complex and deep but remarkably smooth.
Why is Samuel Smith’s special?
Samuel Smith’s is Yorkshire’s oldest brewery and still ferments in traditional stone Yorkshire squares, using methods largely unchanged for generations. It has a reputation for classic, high-quality English beers.
Where to buy Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout
Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout is available in bottles across much of the US. Buy it using the button above and sip it slowly.
The verdict
Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout is a world-class English dark beer, rich and complex with dark chocolate, coffee and dark fruit, yet remarkably smooth for 7%. A proper treat from a historic brewery.
FAQs
Who makes Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout?
Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout is brewed by Samuel Smith’s (independently, family-owned, and the oldest brewery in Yorkshire).
What kind of beer is Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout?
Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout is an Imperial stout, at 7.0% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout?
Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout has an ABV of 7.0%.
How many calories are in Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout?
Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout has Around 230 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout made?
Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout is brewed by Samuel Smith’s in Tadcaster, England. For more from that country, see our best England beers guide.
How do I open Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout?
Lightly chilled, in a goblet. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
