Exploring the Darkest Beers: A Journey Through Dark Ales and Stouts
When it comes to the darkest beers, stouts and porters take center stage. The Russian Imperial Stouts are among the blackest, often cited for their extreme levels of darkness and rich flavors. One of the most notable is from BrewDog, a beer known for its high alcohol content and unique presentation. Another contender, also from BrewDog, is the Dr. Dreadful, which garners attention for its record-breaking alcohol content.
More Widely Available Options
Besides the specialized Russian Imperial Stouts, there are more widely available stouts that offer a deep, dark experience. One of the most famous is Advocate from Deschutes Brewery, known for its deep dark color and rich flavors. North Coast Brewing's Dr. Evil also stands out, with its dark appearance and bold taste.
Measuring Beer Color: SRM and EBC Scales
The color of beer, like that of various other beverages, is measured using the Standard Reference Method (SRM) or the European Brewery Convention (EBC) scale. The SRM scale ranks the darkness from 1 to 40, while EBC ranges from 2 to 116. A drink like Budweiser has an SRM value of just 2, whereas Guinness Stout has an SRM of 40, which, under dim light, can appear black.
The concept of the "darkest beer" is subjective. While Russian Imperial Stouts can have SRM values ranging from 50 to 80, ordinary Guinness Stout at 40 SRM can look almost black under certain light conditions. Once you go much darker, the distinction becomes less perceivable without laboratory equipment. Here is a color chart for SRM to visualize the scale.
The Unique Characteristics of Russian Imperial Stouts
World-renowned for their high alcohol content, Russian Imperial Stouts excel in balancing intense roasty flavors with a high degree of residual sugar, bitter hops, and a velvety mouthfeel. These beers stand out in the dark beer category, offering a complex and rich drinking experience.
Popular Dark Ales and Stouts
The worlds best dark beers include not only the Russian Imperial Stouts but also other varieties like Belgian Style Dubbels and English Style Brown Ales. For example, Collezzo Rossa from Collezzi and Dr. Evil from The Alechemist offer a unique and robust flavor profile.