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Recipe Kit Dark Abyss Imperial Stout
The Dark Abyss is an imperial stout, the most extreme expression of the style: near black, intensely flavoured, and built to command respect.
Makes 21L
5.8% ABV , Dark Abyss Imperial Stout
Extract
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Recipe Kit Dark Abyss Imperial Stout
Sale price$81.50
The details
Imperial stouts take time and give it back. The roasted barley and dark malt build a deeply layered character that rounds out beautifully over weeks of conditioning, and the firm hop bitterness keeps the richness in check. The good news is that this depth is genuinely achievable from a quality kit, no advanced setup required.
The Dark Abyss is an imperial stout, the most extreme expression of the style: near black, intensely flavoured, and built to command respect. Dark malts and roasted barley give layers of stewed fruit, dark chocolate and espresso, held together by a firm bitterness and a smooth, warming finish. It makes 21 litres of a serious beer that rewards patience.
What it is like to brew
Imperial stouts take time and give it back. The roasted barley and dark malt build a deeply layered character that rounds out beautifully over weeks of conditioning, and the firm hop bitterness keeps the richness in check. The good news is that this depth is genuinely achievable from a quality kit, no advanced setup required.
Why this kit works
- Roasted barley and dark malt for stewed fruit, dark chocolate and espresso layers
- Firm hop bitterness (around 45 IBU) to balance the rich malt
- Deep, complex character that develops over weeks of conditioning
- Imperial-stout results from a straightforward kit format
When it makes sense
For brewers who want a big, rich, complex beer and are happy to wait for it. A rewarding step up from session stouts, and a great winter brew.
Specifications
| Style | Imperial stout |
|---|---|
| ABV | Approximately 6% |
| IBU | 45 |
| Colour (EBC) | 100 |
| Original gravity | 1.064 |
| Final gravity | 1.015 to 1.020 |
| Fermentation temp | 18 to 22 C (ale yeast) |
| Batch volume | 21 litres |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Ready to drink | 6 weeks or more (rewards patience) |
What's in the box
- Dark malt extract base (the fermentable base that becomes the beer)
- Roasted barley (for espresso, dark chocolate and near-black colour)
- Hops for a firm balancing bitterness (around 45 IBU)
- Ale yeast (ferments the sugars and sets the finish)
- Step-by-step brew day instructions with weights and timings
Flavour profile
- Appearance: Near black, thick and dark
- Aroma: Stewed fruit, dark chocolate and espresso coffee
- Flavour: Intensely rich and layered, roast balanced by firm bitterness
- Mouthfeel: Full, thick and warming
- Finish: Smooth, warming and long
Hamish's verdict
Patience is the whole game with an imperial stout. Give this one a minimum of six weeks conditioning, longer if you can, and the harsh edges round into stewed fruit and chocolate. Brew it now for winter and thank yourself later.
Reviewed by the AHB Brewing Team, June 2026. Last updated June 2026.
What's In The Kit
- Dark malt extract base: the fermentable base that becomes the beer
- Roasted barley: for espresso, dark chocolate and near-black colour
- Hops for a firm balancing bitterness: around 45 IBU
- Ale yeast: ferments the sugars and sets the finish
- Step-by-step brew day instructions with weights and timings
Brew Specs
- Style: Imperial stout
- ABV: Approximately 6%
- IBU: 45
- Colour (EBC): 100
- Original gravity: 1.064
- Final gravity: 1.015 to 1.020
- Fermentation temp: 18 to 22 C (ale yeast)
- Batch volume: 21 litres
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Ready to drink: 6 weeks or more (rewards patience)
Flavour Profile
Appearance: Near black, thick and dark
Aroma: Stewed fruit, dark chocolate and espresso coffee
Flavour: Intensely rich and layered, roast balanced by firm bitterness
Mouthfeel: Full, thick and warming
Finish: Smooth, warming and long
Aroma: Stewed fruit, dark chocolate and espresso coffee
Flavour: Intensely rich and layered, roast balanced by firm bitterness
Mouthfeel: Full, thick and warming
Finish: Smooth, warming and long
Who it's for
For brewers who want a big, rich, complex beer and are happy to wait for it. A rewarding step up from session stouts, and a great winter brew.
Buying from us
Quick answers
Questions about this product, shipping and orders. See the FAQ page for more topics.
Customer support:
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
How strong is this imperial stout?
It is the strongest stout in the range at around 6% ABV. It drinks with real weight and warmth, so treat it as a sipping beer.
Why does this need so long to condition?
Imperial stouts are big, rich beers and the roasted grain character is harsh when young. Conditioning for six weeks or more lets it round out into stewed fruit, chocolate and coffee. The wait is the difference between good and great.
Do I need temperature control to brew this stout?
No. This is an ale and ferments well at room temperature (around 18 to 22 degrees C, up to 23 for this kit), so you do not need a temperature-controlled fridge.
How much beer does this kit make?
It makes 21 litres, which is roughly 28 longneck bottles (750ml) or about 55 stubbies (330ml).
What equipment do I need to brew this kit?
A fermenter with lid and airlock, a no-rinse sanitiser, a thermometer, a hydrometer, and bottles or a keg for packaging. Our starter equipment kits include everything you need.
Customer support:
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
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