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Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout
Denver, Colorado
BJCP Category: 22C Wood-Aged Beer
Great Divide Brewing Co. <visit site>
40
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[expand]Total Score: 43/50
Excellent Russian Imperial Stout. The subtlety of the oak character is one of its attractions, along with its balance and complexity. more >
[close]Total Score: 43/50
Aroma: Grassy hop aroma dominated initially fading to citrus notes as the beer breathed and warmed. A bit of roasted barley/malts in the background of noticeable alcohol. Vanilla, oaky notes arise as the beer warms, as does the alcohol. No diacetyl. No DMS. Very nice complexity. Serve this beer on the warm side of cold to enjoy the fragrance. (10/12)
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Appearance: Black. Opaque. Rich, creamy, long-lasting tan head. Certainly appropriate to the style. (3/3)
Flavor: Chewy malt exhibiting a smooth blend of caramel, roast and barley malts. High hop bitterness is balanced with malt sweetness. Hop flavor is low to medium amid high alcohol and dark prune and plum fruity esters. Exceedingly well balanced for as big and complex as this Russian Imperial Stout is. The oak character is somewhat subtle in the background with recognizable oak character and a hint of vanilla and very low tannin astringency. Finishes sweet with slight citrus hop flavor. Low diacetyl. No DMS. (17/20)
Mouthfeel: Full bodied. Smooth, creamy mouthfeel with significant alcohol warming. Not hot at all. Very low astringency from either hops or grains. Very smooth. (5/5)
Overall Impression: Excellent Russian Imperial Stout. The subtlety of the oak character is one of its attractions, along with its balance and complexity. It’s great to have the oak support the RIS rather than dominate, but I would expect more oakiness from a beer labeled “oak aged.” Finishes sweet; a somewhat drier finish would make the beer snappier. (8/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 42/50
Rich chocolatey beer with a surprising balance of malty sweetness, assertive hop character and elegant oak. more >
[close]Total Score: 42/50
Aroma: Roasty malt and vanilla; robust citrus hop, dried prune undertones. As the beer warms, alcohol becomes more evident, carrying definite toasted oak, reminiscent of a freshly cut used oak barrel left in the sun, or oak lumber when the saw gets stuck and the blade scorches. (9/12)
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Appearance: Brown-black and opaque; bubbles seem suspended, swirl and rise slowly to form a tight, rocky, persistent brown head that peaks like meringue. (3/3)
Flavor: Roasty and bittersweet chocolate malt, with firm hop bitterness, though not much hop flavor. Chocolate malty sweetness emerges mid-palate. Toasted oak comes forward toward the end with a pronounced woodsy character. Lingering hop bitterness is balanced with rich dark chocolate and vanilla sweetness. Alcohol is evident, but carries and blends with the oak; vanilla, chocolate, dried prune and lingering roast malt and hop bitterness. Final fadeout is of smoky toasty oak. (17/20)
Mouthfeel: Full bodied with creamy carbonation, thick and chewy, but not cloying. Alcohol is both numbing to the lips and tongue, warming to the throat and chest, almost as whiskey. Lingering, but gentle woody astringency finishes. (4/5)
Overall Impression: Rich chocolatey beer with a surprising balance of malty sweetness, assertive hop character and elegant oak. Both hop flavor and bitterness carry, without overpowering the malt or toasty oak. An excellent dessert beer and wonderful accompaniment to a rich chocolatey dessert or bit of chocolate bar. (9/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 38/50
Very enjoyable beer in spite of an alcohol edge, perfect for sipping on a cold winter night. more >
[close]Total Score: 38/50
Aroma: Rich combination of roasted and chocolate malt, with citrus notes and alcohol providing an American signature. Some sherry notes from oxidation, but smells fairly young. Higher alcohols come through as it warms, but not unpleasant and similar to British versions. I get very little oak but there is some earthiness in the background. (9/12)
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Appearance: Deep black, opaque but clarity is good through the sliver of beer at the top of the tilted glass. Creamy beige head with unusually good retention for a strong beer. (3/3)
Flavor: Has a rich, creamy maltiness with caramel, bready, earthy and roasty flavors. Hop flavor is low, which is fine for this style, allowing ester and alcohol flavors to share the limelight. The finish has a long bitterness from both hops and roasted malts. The alcohol is a little more assertive than I would like, so this beer may benefit from further aging. No discernable oak flavor except for perhaps some tannins in the finish. (15/20)
Mouthfeel: Alcoholic warmth is prevalent, but is partially balanced by creaminess and a pleasant level of astringency from the roasted malts. (4/5)
Overall Impression: Very enjoyable beer in spite of an alcohol edge, perfect for sipping on a cold winter night. I was impressed by the creamy, complex malt character and would be interested in finding out the malt bill. The fermentation character is more British than American with more emphasis on esters, almost a cross between an Old Ale and a classic Imperial Stout. (7/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 39/50
Should improve significantly with age. Alcohol is a bit too forward in flavor and the tannins still have a sharp edge. more >
[close]Total Score: 39/50
Aroma: Rich chocolate and roasted malt aroma—medium-high intensity, mixed in with a sweet, vanilla, oak and bourbon aroma. The alcohol is noticeable and accentuates the bourbon impression. Moderate hops follow later. Multi-layered malt with caramel and toast supporting the dark roast. Low fruity notes. Complex but clean—nothing off. Great Imperial Stout qualities with complementary barrel character. (11/12)
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Appearance: Tall mocha brown head; moussy with frothy, tiny bubbles—retained well. Opaque. Deep brownish-black color. (3/3)
Flavor: Significant roast/dark malt with firm alcohol flavor. The malt also has complex layers of flavor—caramel and toast—and moderate residual sweetness. Moderately fruity, including plum and raisin esters. Medium-high bitterness with an earthy, citrusy hop flavor. Tannins and oak/vanilla flavor add complexity and help give a long bitter and tannic finish. The sweetness helps soften the finish a bit, giving a bittersweet chocolate impression. The hopping definitely says “American.” The oak/tannin adds to bitterness while the vanilla enhances sweetness. (15/20)
Mouthfeel: High carbonation. Quite warming from alcohol. Noticeable tanning—could be from wood, dark grain and/or hops. Moderate astringency. Seems young. Medium-full body, but seems thinner from carbonation. (3/5)
Overall Impression: Should improve significantly with age. Alcohol is a bit too forward in flavor and the tannins still have a sharp edge. It’s a bit too sweet but should dry out with time. The hops also could use some mellowing. A great Imperial Stout. (7/10)
