Hops and Hominids, Bigfoot and Beer...

One thing that craft-beer and cryptozoolgy enthusiasts have in common is their love for the strange and mysterious, be it a dark bodied, full flavored ales brewed by the masters with age old tradition, or a large, hairy, unknown creature lurking in the wilderness.

Cryptobrewology is certainly not the first time Beer and Bigfoot have met. In fact, mystery monsters have been popping up on beer labels for a long time. Researcher and author Loren Coleman, considered the world's leading Cryptozoologist, has amassed a collection of beer empties which sport labels depicting many popular mystery creatures of cryptozoology. I'd like to thank him for bringing these to my attention.

Loren's collection includes Bigfoot Ale (the barley-wine style ale we've mentioned here at Cryptobrewology.com), Yeti Ale, Shaftebury Cream Ale, and Kokanee beer (depicting a tiny Bigfoot on skis). It doesn't stop there, you can read more about his collection at his website Cryptomundo.com.

While researching these beers I discovered a few others and learned that some have changed. For example, the Shaftebury Cream Ale label no longer depicts a water born cryptid like Ogopogo. Too bad.

Some new discoveries I made were:

Cairngorm Nessies Monster Mash bitter brewed by Cairngorm Aviemore, Highlands & Islands, Scotland. Cairngorm Brewery's website states, "A glass or two of 'Nessie's Monster Mash' is a must before seeking an audience with the monster. The legendary monster is a source of constant speculation and rumour, as he watches from his lair deep in the dark and mysterious depths of majestic Loch Ness." Now that's official. Unlike...

Nessie, a red ale brewed interestingly enough by Castle Eggenberg in Austria. I assume what makes this "Nessie" is the use of Scottish Highland malt. One website I found states that it is considered "The whisky among the beers" because it is made with the same malt used in whiskies from Scotland.

Cimes Yeti is a Belgian Strong Ale brewed by Brasserie des Cimes Aix les Bains, France. This offering sports an ABV of 8%, making it quite large like its mysterious cryptid counterpart.

Sasquatch Stout brewed by Old Yale Brewing Co. Chilliwack, Canada.

Yet another Yeti is Yeti Special Export Lager breweed by Yuksom Breweries, Ltd. Malli, Sikkim, India. I found a not so favorable review of this beer at RateBeer.com. It is apparently rather abominable.

If anyone knows of some interesting brews that I've missed please submit your Sightings Here!

As always, please enjoy your beer responsibly, especially if you find yourself on an expedition in search of mysterious creatures. When preparing for a trip deep into the wilderness to look for certain large, elusive, hairy beasts, please make sure to pack extra beer for your potential guest. And make sure it's a big one!

by The Brewologist — 4-17-06