Beer of the Weekend #636: Hibernation Ale

The beer today is Hibernation Ale, brewed by the Great Divide Brewing Company of Denver, Colorado.


I seem to be working my way through Great Divide’s lineup. I will need to focus on Free State, Lagunitas, or Stone brews next.

Serving type: 12-ounce bottle. The “BOTTLED ON” date printed on the label is “OCT 27 2014.”

Appearance: Pours a beautiful mahogany color into a pint lass. A finger of dense, buttery, tan head leaves a thin cap that is scatted with bubbles.

Smell: Sweet, malty, and fruity. Toasted malts, cocoa, caramel, toffee, dark fruit (mostly cherry), and a little coffee.

Taste: The mouthfeel is thick and full; it is reminiscent of an oatmeal stout. The flavor is dark and very toasted. Flavors of toasted malt, perhaps paired with some roasted malt, dark fruit, bittering hops, caramel, a little toffee, cocoa, and brown sugar. Alcohol is noticeable in the background with each sip, though it is far from overpowering or prominent. It is a little brandy-like and provides a very pleasing warming sensation.

Drinkability: This is good and very tasty stuff. The label claims it is malty and robust, and that is not false advertising.

Fun facts about Hiberation Ale:

-Style: The brewery calls it “English-style Old Ale.”

-Price: $1.99/bottle at John’s Grocery in Iowa City.

-Alcohol content: 8.7 percent ABV.

-Food pairings: Listed on the beer’s webpage are, “Grilled beef tenderloin, Roomano (an aged Dutch cow's milk cheese), apple crisp with ginger ice cream.”

-According to the beer’s webpage, Hibernation Ale has been Great Divide’s winter seasonal since 1995.


The Quiet Man’s grade: A-.

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