A few weeks ago we wrote about Untappd's 9 Best American and English Porters of 2021. Those are all great introductions to the style. But it's the holidays. Which means there is no better time of year to take things over the top. 

Kicking up the alcohol content, roastiness, and malt character, Imperial porters are hearty beers. No fra-gee-lay beers here, if you get our drift.  

Originally brewed as aged, strong, and often hoppier versions of the sweet brown ales in London during the 18th century, Imperial porters today are often characterized by roasted barley and dark malts. 

Dried fruits such as raisins and prunes, darker sugars like molasses, and black candies like licorice are all flavors that can often be found in Imperial porters. Sometimes even cocoa and caramel notes complement a rough hop character. 

Pouring in a range from dark red to black, Imperial porters are not for the faint of heart. Most top out at anywhere between 7%-12% ABV. 

And while Imperial stouts may be a more popular style, don't fall asleep while waiting for Santa on this equally robust and inventive style. We recommend putting on your best fuzzy pink bunny onesie and sipping one of these around the fire.

From a barrel-aged vintage from one of the most popular Swedish breweries in the world to a robust version with chocolate, caramel, and roasted malts from one of the most popular American breweries, here are Untappd's 15 Best Imperial Porters of 2021. **Please note, we are only covering Double / Imperial versions in this list. Stay tuned for more to come on the best of coffee, Baltic, or other versions of porters later down the line.**

1. No Rules Vietnamese Porter (2020) - Perrin Brewing Co.

2. Lorelei Barrel Aged (2020) - Omnipollo

3. On & On: Part 1 - Revolution Brewing Company

4. Imperial CPB - Lupulin Brewing Company

5. High West Barrel Aged Victory at Sea (2018) - Ballast Point Brewing Company

6. Barrel-Aged Imperial Porter (2019) - Collective Arts Brewing

7.  Captain Peanut Butter's Chocolate Revenge - NoDa Brewing Company

8. Brewer's Reserve Why is the Cake Gone? - Central Waters Brewing Company

9. 2020 Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Porter - Collective Arts Brewing

10. Abstraction - Tree House Brewing Company

11. Black Butte Porter XXXIII - Deschutes Brewery

12. Voyager's Getaway: Marshmallow Cocoa Nibs Vanilla Beans Coconut - Humble Forager Brewery

13. Imperial Coconut Porter - Maui Brewing Company

14. Barrel Project 20.05 - Brouwerij Kees

15. Stay Out - Tiny Rebel Brewing Co. 

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