Stroud Brewery has launched the UK’s first ever organic imperial stout.
Dark Skies is an 8% ABV stout with the pitch-black body and tan-coloured head characteristic of imperial stouts, with a complex flavour profile of roasted chocolate, spice, vanilla, and coffee.
Imperial stouts originated in Britain in the 1700s when brewers created a robust, high-alcohol porter beer to export to the Russian royal court after Peter the Great developed a taste for these beers during a visit to London. To survive the long sea voyage, porter beer was brewed with a higher alcohol content (8-12% ABV) plus extra hops which both helped to preserve the beer. This new, stronger style was dubbed “imperial” to denote its connection to Russian royalty and the strength of the beer.
Over the centuries, the imperial stout has continued to evolve. Craft brewers have introduced new ingredients and techniques, leading to variations like Oatmeal Imperial Stouts and i recent years, barrel-aging has become a trend introducing flavours from whiskey and other spirits.
Dark Skies is the first organic version of an imperial stout to be brewed in the UK. Since its early days, Stroud Brewery has only produced 100% organic beers and uses organic supplies for its kitchen whenever possible. It believes organic is the best form of regenerative farming which consumers can trust is making a positive impact upon wildlife and the environment.
Organic food is produced with natural fertilisers, usually less energy and more care for animals, and organic farms in the UK provide a home for at least 30% more wildlife, on average, than conventionally run farms. As no weedkillers and virtually no pesticides are used in growing organic crops, there is no trace of these chemicals in the food produced (In both 2017 and 2018, roughly a quarter of all food items tested by the Government contained residues of more than one pesticide) or percolating into groundwater and rivers, sources of our drinking water.
Organic standards are the rules which govern how a product is grown, farmed or made, and apply not just to farming but anything claiming to be organic, such as clothes and cosmetics. The organic logo is one of only three sustainability marks that are underpinned by law. Organic products must be processed without the use of artificial chemicals or inputs (including preservatives, colours or flavours) at every stage.
Regenerative farming is a growing movement with more and more farmers and producers adopting techniques that are better for the environment. However, there is no guaranteed way for consumers to know for sure that these are having a positive impact as there is no official body checking these claims. The Organic standard is awarded only by specific organisations, like the Soil Association, allowed by the Government to assess farmers, producers and manufacturers.
The organic market grew 7.3% in 2024 ending the year at worth £3.7 billion – double what it was 10 years ago. Organic unit sales grew four-times more than non-organic as consumer support for organic remained strong despite the cost-of-living crisis. The future looks good for not just organic producers but for the environment and wildlife as well.
