About 10 miles west of Denver
along I-70 lies the small town of Arvada, Colorado. Typically this is a town
that most people would drive by and not stop at but within this small suburb
lies a small craft beer culture. This is no truer than right outside the
historic old town part of Arvada sits a small Nepalese restaurant where they
also happen to brew their own beer on sight. With many different styles to
choose from and unique flavors not seen elsewhere this small brewpub is the Yak
and Yeti.
After finding this brewpub which
looks more like a house than a restaurant you are instantly transported to
Nepal on the interior. The brewing equipment is visible through a glass window
behind the host stand but everything else is traditionally decorated to fit the
theme. The bar top is lined topped with marble and above guests are papered
lanterns of various color. Comfortable booths line the walls around the bar,
and just to the left lies the beer list. With eleven different styles of beer
to choose from the decision can be overwhelming, but thankfully head brewer
Adam Draeger offers a great variety of both traditional beers and unique beers
with more experimental flavor profiles.
For fans of fruit beers, gluten
free beers, and very unique beers then there is the GF Apple Ale, a gluten free
apple beer. A light, golden colored ale that has one flavor profile and that is
apple. The aroma is more subtle but it makes you want to try it, but the taste
is where the apple comes through. The beer has a strong flavor but is balanced
out by the grains and hops that the apple does not overpower the beer or make
it too sweet like a cider. It finishes very clean and is so interesting and
unique that another sip is necessary. A great beer that will appeal to any sort
of beer drinker, and a must try when at this brewpub.
Going from light to dark but
still staying along the same lines of a unique beer is their version of a stout
which happens to be a milk stout. But unlike most stouts that have a natural
coffee flavor this one is enhanced with spices that can also be found in Chai
Tea. A rich, dark beer with a thick tan head the spice notes come through
strong in the aroma. The flavor however is a very complex beer that is full
flavored, and well balanced. The chai tea spices are the prominent flavor with
great notes of cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and star anise but are mellowed out
by the sweetness of the milk sugars also in the beer. All this with the full
body of a stout and it creates a well balanced beer, and their best selling
beer come winter time. Although this beer is perfect for the colder months it
is a must try anytime you are in there.
For fans of more traditional
beers there are still plenty to choose from here, and at the same time make
sure fans of the hops don’t leave dissatisfied. The Himalayan IPA is a
traditional IPA with a rich copper color that is full of the hops flavor people
have come to expect. But contrary to most IPAs on the market this one came with
a subtle sweetness that brought out the pure flavor of the hop without all the
bitterness commonly found in this style. The aftertaste was strong but not so
overpowering that you did not want to continue drinking it. For fans of a more
subtle hops flavor there is a traditional Pilsner on tap as well. With a light
straw color and prominent but not strong hop profile this beer is very
traditional and one that is very easy to enjoy.
Sometimes craft breweries and
brewpubs in Colorado come from the most unlikely areas. While Arvada is a well
known suburb with a microbrewery established finding a brewpub within a
Nepalese restaurant is probably the least expected place to find craft beer.
However don’t let the menu or style of cuisine at the restaurant deter you from
experimenting as it will be some of the most surprising and tasty beer you will
find. Whether you are a fan of traditional or experimental beers there is
something for everybody at Yak and Yeti. All to d now is head west of Denver to
Arvada and try for yourself.
Is there a brewpub you want us to
try? Let us know at https://www.facebook.com/MileHighBrews
No comments:
Post a Comment