I found this can lurking in the back of my beer fridge, waiting for the perfect winter evening in which emerge.
Beer Name: Hibernation Ale
Brewer: Great Divide Brewing Company (Denver, CO)
Style: Old Ale
ABV: 8.7%
Description: The brewery’s dry-hopped winter seasonal is described by the brewery as having a malty richness and a hearty, warming character.
Appearance: Deep, dark brown body topped off by a foamy light tan head.
Smell: A blend of toasty malts and sweet dark fruits.
Taste: A mix of toasted and sweet malts, with the clear edge going to the former. When first poured, the beer ended with a lingering bitter and roasty taste. After sitting in the glass for a bit this finish evened out somewhat and took on a hint of the initial sweetness, but remained predominantly roasty.
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with a moderate carbonation that was most noticeable with a little bit of foam at the start of each sip and a slight tingling of bubbles at the end..
Hype: Nothing external. This was another beer that my wife purchased on the recommendation of a shop employee, so I was interested in seeing what they would pick out for her.
Overall: Well made, but I wasn’t really that into this one. There weren’t really any discernible flaws, I just wasn’t a fan of the malt profile. If it was a just a bit sweeter or more subtle in its existing flavors I might have liked it a bit more, but alas, not my thing.
Beer Rants and Books 
Eric, I applaud you for trying this one out, despite your impression. I first had this when they were still bottling it (still might be a format option- not sure). It’s a style I like since I’m more on the malt side vs. the hop side. To be sure, English Old Ale is an odd creature. Have you had North Coast’s Brandy Barrel Old Ale? Magnificent stuff.
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Thanks for the recommendation! I think I’m very particular about my malt profiles and have found Old Ales very hit or miss as a result.
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