Mythological beasts are not a unique cultural phenomenon.  Here in North America we hear stories of Bigfoot and the Chupacabra.  Scotland has the Loch Ness Monster and the world continues to search for the elusive and legendary beast known as Randy Quaid.  In fact, there is an entire science called Cryprozoology dedicated to the study of unverified animals. 


Artist renditions of Bigfoot and Randy Quaid

The Yeti is another of these legendary creatures.  Said to roam the frozen mountains of the Himalayas, the Yeti is large ape-like creature alternatively known as the Abominable Snowman.  It is only fitting that a brewery nestled in the American Rocky Mountains use the name for an Imperial Stout that can knock you down with 9.5% ABV and 75 IBUs. 

Great Divide Brewing Co. in Denver, CO brews two iterations of the Yeti Imperial Stout: one aged on oak and the other that is not.  It is the former that we review today.

Appearance
The room seems to darken when this beer is poured into a glass as not even light can escape the depths of its blackness.  Even the two finger head is a dark shade of tan and leaves ample lacing on the glass.

Smell
Dark chocolate, coffee, and vanilla are easily distinguishable.  The 75 IBUs manifests itself in the form of very faint pine and citrus notes.  A second or even third examination reveals the complexity of this beer as sweeter fruits like raspberries and strawberries make an appearance.

Taste
Dark chocolate and sweet malt melt into strong coffee that finally yields to the bitterness of burnt toast.  The roasted bitterness is amplified and complimented by hop notes and lingers until the next sip.  This long finish ends with a woodiness from the oak chips.

Mouthfeel
Undeniably a full bodied beer that has a weight in the mouth.  A consistency not unlike heavy cream.  Low to medium carbonation does not overwhelm keeping the beer smooth as a Marvin Gaye melody.

Drinkability
One bottle is ample for a single drinker.  At 9.5% ABV, served out of a 22 oz bottle, and at such a high quality, there’s no need for more than one.  Complex, smooth, and comforting, Great Divide has done an excellent job of taking a good beer and adding layers of aroma and flavor with oak aging.  Overall grade for Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout: B+


Yeti Imperial Stout

Up next on Tuesday Tastings: Rogue Ale’s Dead Guy Ale