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Is the word imperiais the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No

While the spelling and the adjective meaning (relating to an empire or grandeur) are identical in both dialects, there is a significant difference in typical usage. In Brazil, "imperiais" is almost exclusively used as a plural adjective (e.g., imperial customs) or to refer to a specific, high-alcohol style of beer (e.g., Imperial Stout). In Portugal, "imperiais" is most commonly used as a noun to refer to a specific type of serving: a small glass of draught beer.

Brazilian Portuguese Usage

In Brazil, a person would use "imperiais" to describe something majestic or to discuss strong craft beers.

  1. As joias imperiais eram muito valiosas. (The imperial jewels were very valuable.)
  2. Ele adora experimentar cervejas imperiais. (He loves to try imperial beers.)
  3. As tradições imperiais foram esquecidas com o tempo. (The imperial traditions were forgotten over time.)
  4. A arquitetura imperial é muito impressionante. (The imperial architecture is very impressive.)
  5. As leis imperiais eram bastante severas. (The imperial laws were quite severe.)

Continental Portuguese Usage

In Portugal, a person would naturally use "imperiais" when ordering or discussing small glasses of draught beer at a café or bar.

  1. Pode trazer-nos duas imperiais, por favor? (Can you bring us two small draught beers, please?)
  2. As imperiais estão muito frescas hoje. (The draught beers are very cold today.)
  3. Vamos beber umas imperiais ao final da tarde. (We are going to drink some small draught beers in the late afternoon.)
  4. Gostaria de pedir três imperiais. (I would like to order three small draught beers.)
  5. As imperiais aqui no bar são sempre boas. (The draught beers here at the bar are always good.)