Barrel Aged Hibernation
Great Divide Brewing Company
Barrel-Aged Strong Ale
Seasonal
Colorado
United States
Judges Ratings 95
Aroma: 22 / 24
Flavor: 38 / 40
Appearance: 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 10 / 10
Overall Impression: 19 / 20
Description
Over 12 months in whiskey barrels has completely transformed our prized winter seasonal, producing a Hibernation that starts with big whiskey flavors before mellowing out into luscious chocolate, dark fruit and vanilla.
If you can only take one beer into your cave this winter, we suggest this one.
Beverage Profile
ABV: 10.50%
IBUs:
Served at: ()
Hops:
Malts:
Judges Review

By Randy Scorby
Judges Ratings 95
Aroma: 22 / 24 / 24
Flavor: 38 / 40 / 40
Appearance: 6 / 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 10 / 10 / 10
Overall Impression: 19 / 20 / 20
This beer greets the drinker with a prominent and pleasant whiskey character backed up by cocoa powder, vanilla, mixed dark fruits and a spicy alcohol aroma. The whiskey fades down as it warms to create a very balanced aroma. As you’re enjoying the aroma, the beer presents a deep brown color with ruby highlights and a thick, creamy tan head that persists as long as there is beer in the glass. The flavor is rich and complex – an explosion of chocolate, vanilla, whiskey, dark fruits, spicy alcohol and a light wood character. A prominent hop bitterness kicks in mid-palate and helps to balance the residual sweetness that dries out the finish. The whiskey and barrel character lingers pleasantly into the aftertaste. This is a very tasty brew that would benefit from aging to help smooth out a few rough edges, but don’t let a winter slip by without enjoying one of these in front of a crackling fire.
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