The Hibernation Ale from Great Divide Brewing Co. has been around since 1995, but this was the first year that I was able to find it. The Hibernation is a malty, dry-hopped ale that has won both gold and silver medals at the Great American Beer Festival. Judging the beer by the label it appears to be a perfect winter beer with robust flavors and plenty of malt. Certainly a beer that when I first found it, I couldn’t wait to dive in.
The Hibernation pours a deep brown/red color with medium visible carbonation. There is about a one finger cream colored head that leaves nice lacing on the glass. The aromas are great, with a good amount of malt and hints of caramel. Vanilla and toffee aromas come out as well with dark fruits intertwined. The hops also show up in the aroma, providing great earthy tones.
Much like the nose, the Hibernation hits with malt up-front on the palate. Smooth flavors of caramel and chocolate are next, while the roasted flavors provide a nice complexity for the initial ones. There is a nice sweetness brought on by the dark fruits right before the hops come into play. The finish is bitter, thanks to the hops, which is much needed due to the sweetness.
The Hibernation clocks in at 8.7% ABV but you would never know it. There is a great balance of flavors that is able to mask the alcohol. This is a great winter beer, it is robust with good malt flavors and a great hop element to change things up. It has become my go-to fridge beer for this winter season. If you can find some, certainly pick it up.
Rating
out of 100
