I'm keeping the Christmas ales coming. Today's is Hibernation from Great Divide, one of my all time favorite breweries. Hibernation is an English style old ale which is a historic English beer style. Old Ales are typically dark, very malty, and fairly high in alcohol. Which makes them perfectly suited for drinking during the cold winter months. Hibernation is dry hopped, which ought to add an interesting dimension to this beer that's not often found in the style. To the beer!
Hibernation pours what appears at first glance to be a deep dark brown. Upon further inspection it's actually a stunningly pretty, slightly hazed, deep chestnut ruby red. It's capped by a finger of bubbly off white foam that leaves some gorgeous lacing as it slowly recedes.
The aromas are led by plenty of slightly yeasty bready malt. There are also some bits of charred roastiness which adds a chocolatey note.
Hibernation Ale is rich, malty, hearty, and very full bodied. A wonderful dark molasses maltiness makes itself known first. Complexity is added by hints of baker's chocolate and a subtle fruitiness. Bready, roasty notes keep things very hearty and robust. The dry hopping adds a hoppy complexity that I wasn't expecting. Earthy, fruity, and adding a welcome balancing bitterness to all of that sweet malt. Hibernation is almost imperial stout-like on the finish.
Hibernation is excellent. Big, malty, complex, and robust and hearty enough to stave off the coldest nights.
HD
Had this at the neighborhood pub a week back and thoroughly enjoyed it! Very complex brew.
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