Beer Spotlight!

Great Divide Hibernation Ale

$11.99 for the 12oz can six-pack
English Old Ale Style Ale

This week, we continue our stroll through our winter seasonal and holiday beers by looking at a shop favorite.

There are not many English Old Ales available to us, which is a shame because it’s a lovely style. We think of it as a sister style to the Barleywine; both styles originated in England; both styles are rich, brown ales; and the beers from both styles can easily age. The difference is strength (Barleywines are wine strength, 10-12% ABV, Old Ales are 7 - 9% (the Hibernation Ale is 8.5%) and in flavor — where Barleywines tend to veer towards date-like/plum-like fruit notes, Old Ales shift towards toasty caramel notes.

This English Old Ale style ale comes from Great Divide Brewing Company in Denver, CO. One of the oldest American craft breweries, Great Divide started in 1994. The very next year, they introduced the Hibernation Ale. It’s now a regular winter seasonal for them that stands out from other holiday beers. No spices, no fruit — just a rich, balanced ale.

Not surprisingly, as it comes from a Denver brewery, the Hibernation Ale has a liberal amount of hoppiness. It gives the brew a coffee-like finish that’s uncommon (though not unwelcome) for the style. There’s a pillowy weight to the mouthfeel that helps make it work as a winter ale, and the whole thing comes across like a piece of homemade, singed, wholegrain toast. Have it when either you or the weather is cold, but when the beer, itself, is only cool.

Remember!

You can see our entire beer inventory on Untappd.com!