The Bottle Imp

History & Style

Beau’s first brewed The Bottle Imp in 2013 as part of its Pro-Am Series. The recipe was co-created with David Thompson, who won the Toronto Beer Week Homebrew Contest and the prize of coming to Beau’s for a day to brew a beer. In 2014 The Bottle Imp took Bronze at the Canadian Brewing Awards, as well as first place at the National Organic Craft Beer Competition in California.

The Russian Imperial Stout is brewed to weigh in high on alcohol, with the roasted, malty character typical of a stout. These imperial stouts were first brewed in England in the 18th century, and exported to Russia for the pleasure of Czarina Catherine II and her court.

And the name? The Bottle Imp is a haunting turn-of-the-century tale by Robert Louis Stevenson about risking eternal damnation of the soul to have everything on earth one’s heart desires. We suggest pairing the beer and the story on a cold night by a crackling fire.

Tasting Notes

The Bottle Imp is black, rich and malty, with a mouthfeel best described as liquid silk. The roasty dark malt character is complemented by fruit notes that suggest dates and figs, as well as subtle notes of black licorice. It is well-hopped to provide balance to the malts, keeping the residual sweetness in check. The coffee character is fully integrated, and a complement to the roast of the malts. The experience is rich and intense, with gentle alcohol warmth, and a long, complex finish.

The coffee infused into The Bottle Imp are a Nicaraguan dark roast from the San Juan del Rio Coco region (toasted nuts, spicy and smoky flavours) and a Guatemalan medium-roast called “The Fruit of Concepción” (blueberry, strawberry and caramel flavours), both roasted by Bridgehead in Ottawa.

Food Pairings

Pumpernickel bread, trifle, dark chocolate fondue, coffee cake, grilled steak, truffle-oil-infused mashed potatoes, & sharp cheddar or stilton.

Awards

• First Place, Stouts (National Organic Craft Beer Competition 2014)
• Bronze (2014 Canadian Brewing Awards)

Available At…

• Pubs & Restaurants
• The Brewery
• Home Delivery via BYBO (Ottawa Only)
• LCBO Stores (Ontario)
• Épiceries and Dépanneurs (Quebec)