Imperial stouts are dense, opaque black in color and strong in alcohol, typically ranging from 6.5-12%. These beers usually have a note of sweetness and contain burnt cocoa and dried fruit flavors. They are stronger versions of the original stout style and were first brewed by the British to withstand the rigors of export to Russia and the Baltic states. The style was nearly extinct until its revival by the British brewer Samuel Smiths in the early 1980s. In recent years, imperial stouts have been embraced by US craft brewers and are quickly becoming staples of many brewers’ growing seasonal portfolios. Noteworthy examples of this style include: Rogue Imperial Stout, Thirsty Dog Siberian Night, Deschutes The Abyss and Oskar Blues Ten Fidy Imperial Stout.