Great Divide's Hibernation Ale

[skahtboi]

I have never had a Great Divide beer before, so I though that I would give this one a try. I am drinking it right now, and let me say this, I am glad I bought the whole sixer. May have to make a run and buy up the rest of them.

This is a brown ale. Poured a medium to dark amber color, with a very nice thick tan head. The head is almost a creamy stout like consistency, and has remained throughout the drink, to some extent.

The nose was very, and I do mean very, hoppy in character. (Kind of took me by surprise in a brown winter ale.) Taste of initial maltiness with an almost nutty flavor, finishing in a well balanced but definitely fruity-hoppy finish.

I am going to have to go and pour another one of these to do some more research. If you are a hop head, then this is definitely a winter ale worth checking out!

[Beaver]

I've like the Great Divide beers that I've had in the past. I haven't had any for a while. I'll have to buy some Hibernation while it's out.

[davesarman]

I had a bottle of Hibernation Ale that I bought in '98 and cellared. I wasn't too sure how it would turn out, but I must say I was pleasanlty surprised. Here are my notes on that tasting:

AROMA/BOUQUET (0-10 POINTS): Malty, vinous aroma. Hops are still present. Overall, an impressive nose after 4 years. Very sweet, caramel, alcohol. Complex! 10 points.

APPEARANCE (0-6 POINTS): Nice deep ruby color. Nice and clean appearance! Decent carbonation and head for a beer this old and strong. 5 points.

FLAVOR (0-20 POINTS): Big maltiness still there. Caramel. Hops have settled down nicely. Balance is great. Complex, yet subtle. This beer has aged gracefully! Finish is warm and malty. Condition is wonderful after these years! 18 points.

BODY (0-4 POINTS): Big full body. 4 points

OVERALL (0-10 POINTS) Overall, an impressive beer that has aged well. Nearly perfect! 9 points.

Total Score: 46 out of 50

[Beaver]

Here are my notes on the Hibernation:

The 2003 Hibernation Ale poured a deep mahogany with a creamy tan head that went to a thin skim and laced the glass the whole way down. It smells of fig and malts with hints of chocolate, caramel and some alcohol. The taste is comlpex yet well balanced and appealing. It has a sweet malt start with a lightly hopped, crisp, slightly acidic finish. There are also some woody flavors mixed with a fruity fig/raisin taste. It has a subtle alcohol warming as well. The palate was full-bodied and creamy. Overall, a terrific winter warmer found late in the season. This is up there with Anchor OSA as my favorite of the season.