Beer column: Let’s celebrate International Stout Day by finding Sasquatch

It has come to my attention that International Stout Day was on Thursday, Nov. 7.

That’s my kind of holiday and a perfect excuse to feature what could be argued as one of the most underrated craft beers in British Columbia.

It’s the Sasquatch Stout from Old Yale Brewing in Chilliwack, a long-time staple of the brewery’s winter lineup that was voted as the ‘Best Beer in Canada’ in 2014.

Although it’s been a decade since then, the Sasquatch Stout remains a top-notch dark beer to enjoy on a chilly fall or winter day.

Coming in at 5% ABV (alcohol by volume) and 30 IBU (international bitterness unit), this bad boy is made with Magnum hops.

It’s a smooth sipper with notes of chocolate, espresso and dark roasted malts.

Old Yale suggests pairing it with smoked brisket, a pulled pork sandwich, French onion soup, oysters and tiramisu.

And if you’re feeling a little adventurous, the brewery suggests using the Sasquatch Stout to create a “real beer” float.

They say to pour a glass, add your favourite vanilla ice cream and top it with whipped cream and chocolate, and you will not be disappointed.

While the Sasquatch Stout is an award-winning beer that’s worthy of its own column, I wanted to give a shoutout to one other Old Yale creation that I discovered while writing this piece.

It’s a new Cranberry Orange White IPA from Old Yale that may be very different than the Sasquatch Stout, but seems just as fitting for this time of year.

Made with Magnum, Amarillo and Citra hops, the complex-yet-approachable single-batch limited release has an ABV of 6.5% and IBU of 45.

“Our Cranberry Orange White IPA delivers a vibrant burst of flavor in every sip. Bold citrus from Amarillo and Citra hops kicks things off with a zesty punch, while classic witbier spice adds a playful twist,” the brewery says.

“A tart cranberry finish ties everything together, creating a brew that's complex yet delightfully approachable. Perfect for when you’re feelin' fancy but a tad bitter.”

You should be able to find the Sasquatch Stout at most BC Liquor Stores and several private stores around the province.

It doesn’t appear as though the Cranberry Orange White IPA is at BC Liquor Stores and it may be a bit harder to track down, but it’s worth looking at your local private stores!

Josh Duncan is the NowMedia news director and a craft beer lover. Reach him at [email protected]. His beer column appears every Saturday afternoon in this space.