It had to be posted eventually and today is as good as any to reveal the only A+ that I have given to a beer to date. Maybe my thoughts would be different if I tasted it again, after tons of evaluations between then and now, but I cannot imagine this one ever dropping out of the A range in my grading. There was something about this beer on that evening that just blew me away and I am looking forward to the day where I give it another try. With so much going on with the flavors, I fell for it on the first sip and I continued to find more that I liked about it as the glass emptied.
Enough gushing and on to the review . . .
Brewery: Great Divide Brewing Co. (Denver, CO)
Name: Oak Aged Yeti
Style: Russian Imperial Stout
ABV: 9.5%
Tasting Notes: Stored in the wine fridge and served in a pint glass. $7.99 for 1pt 6oz.
Aroma: Heavy hop aroma up front (pretty aggressive) with the slightest bit of roasted grains in the background.
Appearance: Jet black in color. A well formed four finger, sort of mocha/café au lait color head that slowly dissipates with a heavy trail. Completely opaque.
Flavor: Prominent roasted malt/grain flavor with a slight burnt note. Some hop bitterness, though much less than what aroma might lead to believe. A bit of alcohol noticed in back. A lingering finish with some bitterness as well as some burnt and alcohol notes. A lot going on, but well balanced all around.
Mouthfeel: Very full bodied with an almost chewy texture (tongue coating). A low amount of carbonation with a noticeable warmth, though well balanced in and smooth.
Overall Impressions: Really awesome. Intense with tons of flavors, ranging from bitter to sweet. Every drink seems to bring out something different. Somewhat wine/port-like in a way with a hint of vanilla (oak aging?).
Grade: A+
Great Divide Brewing Co. - Oak Aged Yeti
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