Nagahama Roman Beer Co., Ltd., a craft beer manufacturer founded in 1996 in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, will release a limited edition Imperial Stout starting Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
Nagahama Roman Beer was established in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture in 1996, nurtured by the rich nature fed by meltwaters from Mount Ibuki. The brewery operates a restaurant with an attached beer factory nestled in the historic streets of Nagahama. While protecting the taste of their standard beers beloved by people inside and outside the prefecture since its founding, they continue to challenge themselves daily with new limited-edition beer brewing.
Imperial Stout
Imperial Stout, as its name suggests meaning "emperor," is positioned at the pinnacle of stout styles with its rich character and high alcohol content. By using carefully selected multiple roasted malts, the liquid poured into a glass becomes completely jet black. When tasted, it spreads a heavy aroma and flavor reminiscent of bitter chocolate. Hidden within the complex taste are nuances of dark fruits (raisins and prunes) and vanilla, while the high alcohol content brings warmth and smoothness that envelops these elements.
Whiskey Barrel Aging Also Planned
Imperial Stout, which has the most powerful structure among beer styles, demonstrates its true value most in barrel aging. This is because the overwhelming richness of roasted malt and high alcohol content enhance each other without being overwhelmed by the barrel's character. This time, a portion of this Imperial Stout will be released, while the remainder will be aged long-term in Nagahama Distillery barrels as part of an ongoing project. The richness reminiscent of bitter chocolate and coffee from the Imperial Stout, combined with the whiskey memories nurtured by Nagahama Distillery barrels and complex aromas of vanilla and oak, will evolve the taste deeper and smoother. The ultimate glass that transcends the framework of beer, created by the passage of time. Please look forward to its completion.
Product Specifications
- Product Name: Imperial Stout
- Category: Beer
- Beer Style: Imperial Stout
- Alcohol Content: 9%
- Ingredients: Malt (manufactured in America, Germany, United Kingdom), barley, hops
- Content: 350ml
- Best Before: 360 days from manufacturing date
- Storage Temperature: Refrigeration required
- Suggested Retail Price: ¥700 (tax excluded)
Comment from Head Brewer Futoshi Okumura
"For the barrel-aged beer series by 'Nagahama Roman Beer × Nagahama Distillery,' we have brewed Imperial Stout as a 'royal road' where the essence of aging can be tasted with full confidence. For this work as well, we will first release a portion in its fresh state before barrel aging. I deliberately suppressed the intense charred sensation of roast barley and highlighted the rich aroma reminiscent of bitter chocolate and dark fruits. The complex taste woven by seven types of malt, combined with a smooth mouthfeel, results in a surprisingly light drinking sensation that doesn't make you feel the 9% alcohol content.
"To maximize this multi-layered flavor, please enjoy it slowly at a slightly higher temperature (around 12°C to 15°C) while appreciating how the aroma opens up. First, experience this complete state as is. Then, while imagining the form it will take 'after barrel aging' to be released in the future, I hope you enjoy this blissful moment."
★ Main retailers include Liquor Mountain stores, Nagahama Roman Beer store locations, and the Nagahama Roman Beer online shop.
Nagahama Roman Beer Online Shop: https://shop.romanbeer.com/
Nagahama Roman Beer Official Website: http://www.romanbeer.com/
