Samuel Smith Imperial Stout 4Pk

Samuel Smith Imperial Stout 4Pk is a 7.0% ABV English imperial stout brewed at one of Yorkshire's oldest breweries, sold as a four-pack. Rated 93 points by Wine Enthusiast, this dark ale distinguishes itself through traditional 19th-century Welsh slate fermentation vessels — a method virtually no other commercial brewery still employs.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7.0%  |  Origin: Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, England  |  Style: Imperial Stout  |  Brewery: Samuel Smith Old Brewery (est. 1758)

Production & Heritage

Samuel Smith Old Brewery has operated continuously in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, since 1758, making it Yorkshire's oldest brewery. The Imperial Stout is fermented in stone Yorkshire squares constructed of Welsh slate rather than the stainless steel tanks used by virtually every modern brewer. This centuries-old fermentation system keeps natural carbonation entrained within the beer, producing a notably creamier texture. The recipe relies on well water drawn from the brewery's own source, best barley malt, roasted barley, hops, and the house yeast strain — no adjuncts, no shortcuts.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Roasted malt and cocoa dominate the nose immediately, followed by darker undertones of dried fruit and subtle oak. There is a restrained sweetness that suggests raisins and figs without veering into cloying territory.

Taste: The entry is rich and full-bodied, leading with deep chocolate and roasted barley. At the mid-palate, flavors of dark coffee emerge alongside semi-sweet notes of raisin, fig, and prune. Hints of passion fruit and licorice surface at the peak, adding unexpected complexity to an already layered profile.

Finish: The finish is long and smooth, with lingering roasted malt and bittersweet chocolate. A gentle dryness prevents heaviness, leaving a clean close that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Samuel Smith Imperial Stout

Serve at cellar temperature — roughly 50–55°F — in a snifter or tulip glass to concentrate the chocolate and roast aromas. Pouring too cold suppresses the complexity this beer was built to deliver.

Black Velvet: Layer equal parts Imperial Stout and dry champagne for a classic British combination where the stout's roasted depth contrasts sparkling acidity. Espresso Stout Float: Pour over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream — the dark coffee and chocolate notes create a natural dessert pairing. Stout Flip: Shake with a whole egg, simple syrup, and a dash of nutmeg for a rich, velvety after-dinner drink that highlights the beer's inherent creaminess.

Best For

• Cold-weather evening sessions when a lighter beer won't do
• Gifting a craft beer enthusiast who values traditional British brewing
• Pairing with a dessert course at a dinner party
• Cellaring for one to three years to develop deeper dried-fruit and toffee character

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Samuel Smith Imperial Stout taste like? It leads with rich dark chocolate and roasted malt, followed by semi-sweet notes of raisin, fig, and dark coffee. Hints of licorice and passion fruit add complexity beneath the dominant roast character.

How does Samuel Smith Imperial Stout compare to Courage Imperial Russian Stout? Courage Imperial Russian Stout, historically brewed just across Tadcaster at John Smith's Magnet Brewery, is widely considered the benchmark for the style but has been intermittently available for decades. Samuel Smith's version is far more accessible and delivers a similarly rich roast profile, though it tends to be smoother and slightly less aggressively bitter than vintage bottles of the Courage.

Is Samuel Smith Imperial Stout good for sipping neat? Absolutely — at 7.0% ABV it is lower in alcohol than many American imperial stouts, making it sessionable enough to enjoy a full glass while still delivering serious depth of flavor when served at cellar temperature.

Where is Samuel Smith Imperial Stout made? It is brewed at Samuel Smith Old Brewery in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, England, a brewery founded in 1758. Tadcaster sits on a limestone ridge that provides the mineral-rich well water central to the brewery's recipes.

What foods pair well with Samuel Smith Imperial Stout? Aged cheddar or Stilton, where the salt and tang contrast the beer's roasted sweetness. Dark chocolate truffles or flourless chocolate cake mirror the cocoa notes. Smoked brisket or barbecue ribs complement the roasted malt. Bread pudding with caramel sauce highlights the fig and raisin undertones. Oysters on the half shell offer a classic British pairing of brine against rich stout.

What sizes does Samuel Smith Imperial Stout come in? It is available as a four-pack and as individual 18.7 oz (550 ml) bottles, which is the traditional Samuel Smith bottle format.

Is Samuel Smith Imperial Stout worth the price? It positions as a premium imported English stout, yet remains significantly less expensive than most American craft imperial stouts of comparable quality. The 93-point Wine Enthusiast rating and the unique slate-fermented production method represent genuine value within the imperial stout category.

Why Samuel Smith Imperial Stout?

Very few beers on the market today are fermented in 19th-century Welsh slate Yorkshire squares — Samuel Smith is one of the last breweries on earth still using this method, and it directly shapes the beer's signature creamy mouthfeel. The 93-point score from Wine Enthusiast and a 93 on BeerAdvocate confirm that critics recognize the quality, not just the heritage. At 7.0% ABV, this is an imperial stout that rewards attention without overwhelming the palate, landing in a sweet spot between session-friendly and full-bodied. For drinkers seeking an authentic, tradition-rooted imperial stout with genuine provenance, few competitors come close.