brēowanthorpe

The Homestead of Beer

Imperial Stout

By thomas #60 Minute Boil, #Barley, #Beer, #BIAB, #Homebrew, #Hops, #Imperial Stout, #Oatmeal, #Oats, #One Gallon, #Sparge, #Stout, #Ukraine, #Water, #Westfort, #Winter 2025, #Yeast

Codename : Ukrainian Imperial Stouthorpe (2025)

This is my fourth batch of this stout. In addition to the fact I really like the recipe, it is also my wish to keep it in the forefront of people’s minds that the occupation of sovereign Ukrainian land is still happening.  The timing of this batch comes after the third anniversary of the illegal occupation of Ukraine.

Recipe inspiration 

Ingredients

  • 3 lb 2-row malt (1.9L)
  • 3 oz Roasted Barley (400L)
  • 3 oz Caraaroma malt (132L)
  • 3 oz Flaked oats
  • 0.5 oz Carafa Special III (525L)
  • 0.5 oz Peated malt (1.7L)
  • 1/4 Campden tablet (optional)
  • Conditioning salts (optional)
  • 0.20 oz Cascade hops at 60 minutes
  • 3 oz table sugar at 45 minutes
  • 0.30 oz Cascade hops at 45 minutes
  • 0.20 oz Minstrel hops at 15 minutes
  • 0.5 tsp Irish Moss (optional) at 15 minutes
  • 1/2  tsp yeast nutrient (diammonium phosphate) at 15 minutes
  • 7 ml New World Strong Ale yeast

Vital Stats

  • BJCP Style : Imperial Stout
  • Anticipated IBU : 69
  • Anticipated ABV : 10.5%
  • Anticipated SRM : 34
  • Target OG : 1.101
  • Pre-boil SG : 1.059
  • Target FG : 1.021
  • Carbonation : 2.4
  • Water profile : Imperial stout
  • Brewhouse (in)efficiency : 75%

Brew Day 

  • Prepare 5.5L strike water, 152F. 
  • Add the milled grains to the bag. 
  • Place the bag in the hot water, set the timer for 90 minutes, and maintain the temperature at 152F. It is acceptable if the temperature varies by a couple of degrees in either direction.
  • With about 15 minutes remaining in the mash in, heat 3L of water to approximately 170F
  • Stir occasionally.
  • Calibrate the refractometer, aka the sonic screwdriver.
  • Bring up to a boil, 212F, set the timer for 60 minutes. Add hops, sugar, yeast nutrients and Irish Moss as prescribed above.
  • Sanitise everything required for fermentation.
  • Cool to room temp, an ice-bath or a snowbank work effectively.
  • Prepare yeast mixture.
  • Add wort to the jug. Pitch yeast.
  • Store in a cool place for primary fermentation for 14-21 days.

Bottling Day

Brew Notes

  • In the past, I did a dunk’n’sparge, since I am sparging, I am able to use a single pot this time.
  • I was a little overzealous declaring a BHE of 75%, going to dial it back to 73% for my next batch.
  • There was a couple of boil overs when I wasn’t paying attention, 250-500 mL was lost in the process 🙁

Help the people of Ukraine

The last 11 years in Ukraine have been tumultuous, tensions were further escalated late in February of 2022. World peace has been further aggravated starting in 2025 . If it is within you means, please consider making a donation to help the Ukrainian government, and the people. Below is just a small list of ways to make a difference

I have not been asked to solicit these donations, nor do I benefit in any way, it is just a small bit I have personally done to aid the Ukrainian plight.

Allow the Imperial Stout to ferment in the carboy for 10-14 days.

Brew day : 8-Mar-2025

Pig facing right
Cartoon dog facing left