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Hibernation

Review - Great Divide Brewing Co.'s Hibernation Ale

"Hibernation Ale is Colorado's original strong ale -- it has been Great Divide's winter seasonal each year since 1995. Hibernation's massive flavors are so intense that it requires over three months of aging each year. This lengthy aging process gives Hibernation its revered malty richness, complex hop profile and hearty warming character, which is perfect right out of the bottle or cellared for longer periods of time."

Pours a dark cloudy amber to brown color producing a massive light brown fizzy head with superb retention. Settles a clear dark amber with a little bit of activity, and the head has become creamy leaving a very nice series of rings on the glass. Aroma is very malty giving off sweet notes with caramel, red licorice, and overall just tasty, inviting aromas. Initial taste is moderately sweet, and the accompanying carbonation carries a heavy sweet taste to the finish with espresso, chocolate and candy sugar. There is some burnt malt bitterness at the finish that provides a bit of balance, and the alcohol barely shows itself. Mouthfeel is ridiculously rich and creamy, as the beer is medium bodied with silky smooth carbonation and velvety creaminess, and just the slightest bit of alcohol at the end, just enough to warm the throat and get you through a cold afternoon.

Reviewed on March 15th, 2008.

StyleStrong Ale
ABV8.1%
Source12 oz bottle
Overall23/30

Official Great Divide website