Bigfoot beer has been sighted in Miami Valley

Jim Witmer, a long-time home brewer and craft beer aficionado, is always on the hunt for innovative, delectable and inspired beers becoming available in the Dayton area. If you have tips or questions, contact him at jim.witmer@coxinc.com

The beer: Oatmeal Yeti, Great Divide Brewing Company, Denver Co.

The style: Imperial Stout, 9.5 percent ABV

Glass: Pint glass, snifter, large wine glass

Serving temp: 38 to 42 degrees

What makes it so good: Thick and bold, but a gentle beast. Brewed with a portion of rolled oats provides the Yeti's big roasty chocolate, toffee and nutty backbone with a smooth creamy mouthfeel, while the addition of raisins added in the brew kettle creates undertones of sweet dark fruit with hints of raisin, fig, prune, and smoked chocolate and dark cherry. The alcohol is barely noticeable unless one looks for it because other big flavors disguise it well. But because it has rolled oats and raisins, it's not just a breakfast food. But seriously, during dinner, for dessert or afterwards this works on many levels.

Suggested food pairings: Grilled ribs, Stilton blue cheese, banana cream pie.

The info: Sure, Oatmeal Yeti Imperial Stout is a big beast, but not one to be frightened of. It's one of Great Divide's highly anticipated 2013 third quarter seasonal releases. In the past Yeti has come in the form of Oak Aged, Espresso Oak Aged, Chocolate Oak Aged. These are all worth collecting and/or anticipating future offerings.

Price: $9.99 for a 22-ounce bottle.

Where to find: At craft beer stores in the Miami Valley on a limited basis.

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