Imperial Brown Stout, London 1856 – 330ml Bottle
A single bottle of our Imperial Brown Stout, brewed from an 1856 Barclay Perkins recipe.
This is the stout that eventually became known as the Russian Imperial Stout – and more specifically, the base for Courage RIS, a beer that carried London’s brewing legacy through to the 1990s. We’ve revived the original form, not as a recreation, but as a continuation.
Despite the name, this beer is very much black. Language moves on. The flavour stays.
Beer Details
- Style: Imperial Brown Stout
- Size: 330ml
- Malt: Maris Otter, Amber, Brown, Black
- Hops: Magnum
- Yeast: House ale yeast (California Ale)
Tasting Notes
Smooth and rounded, not aggressive – even at 9.6% ABV. Cocoa on the nose, followed by cream, chocolate, dark fruit, and a touch of plum and sour berry. The finish is long, with herbal bitterness and just enough light roast to hold it all together.
Drink it slowly. Let it open.
Why You’ll Love It
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A direct link to London’s 19th-century stout brewing tradition.
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Full-bodied without heaviness – rich, layered, and refined.
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Perfect for sipping or cellaring.
Cellaring Notes
This beer is built to age. Over time, you can expect the bitterness to soften, the fruit to deepen, and more integration across the malt layers. Ideal for storing in a cool, dark place for a year or more.
Drink now for freshness and roast. Drink later for roundness and harmony.