Great Divide Barrel Aged Hibernation Ale

Hibernation Ale is a mega-award winning limited edition seasonal barrel aged ale from the Great Divide Brewing Company in Denver Colorado.

Here, over the last 2 decades company founder Brian Dunn has created a masterpiece. For 12 months, this ale rests in old whiskey barrels where it quite literally transforms itself.

Pouring a dark precious ruby color with a lasting khaki hued head, as you take in a slow inhale your senses are swept away, the aroma enveloping you as you sink into its dark depths. Boozy up front, and with chocolate and caramel toffee richness, coated with malt, toasted barley, vanilla, tobacco and oak.

All this carries over in the taste as you allow yourself to fall ever deeper. It remains toasty, seducing you with with dark fruits; raisins, figs and dates. It feels rich and slick in the mouth, earthy hops, bourbon and biscuity malt, wrapped around with sweet and delicious vanilla and woody oak. The flavors swirl around, tantalizing you as you glide deeper into its warm, rich, mellow and flavorful depths. At the end, though you want to stay you must come up for air, the finish is dry but retains the bourbon warmth as an open invitation.

Serve alongside grilled beef tenderloin, with herb coated and roasted potatoes, or with deserts like pecan pic or chocolate mousse.