St Austell Brewery’s latest ale, Black Square Russian Imperial Stout, is a collaboration between Cornish and Russian brewers.

Russian Imperial stout is a strong dark beer after the style that was brewed in the 18th century by Thrale’s brewery in London for export to the court of Catherine II of Russia.

Tapped at this year’s Great British Beer Festival (GBBF), Black Square was conceived and originally brewed by St Austell Brewing Director Roger Ryman alongside the team from the New Riga’s Brewery in Moscow back in 2016. Released in keg into the Russian market, it instantly became New Riga’s best-selling craft ale and remains their best-seller to date.

Back in the UK, Black Square has been re-brewed on the St Austell Brewery Small Batch.