Great Divide Brewing Company - Hibernation Strong Ale

Hibernation Ale is a mahogany colored Strong Ale, with a huge malt character, assertive hops, and a warming character. Chris uses nearly double the amount of malted barley and hops to brew this winter seasonal beer than he does for any other beer in the brewery's line up. Primary fermentation takes a few days longer than usual and the beer's conditioning period is extended five weeks to fully develop its malt character and better balance the aggressive ingredient composition. Although "Strong Ale" is an actual beer category, the BATF will not allow that specific phrase to show up anywhere on the label as they feel it implies "strength or power", which is prohibited. Hence, the label reads, English Old Ale. We are extremely pleased to be able to bring you this beer. Hibernation received the absolute highest average rating from our panel, with over half our judges deeming it a perfect 10. We know you'll enjoy it.

Immediately note both a strong hop spicy and intense dark malty nose. Look for excellent head retention in this mahogany, clear, very full-bodied beer. This ale's flavor profile is intensely complex yet smooth, rich and round, offering a heavy dark chocolate maltiness balanced nicely with an equal dose of bitter hoppiness. It's a belly-warmer with the high alcohol content very apparent throughout the beer. Overall, the best of the 40 + winter seasonals we've tasted for Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club in 1996.

Located in downtown Denver, Colorado, The Great Divide Brewing company was founded by Brian and Tara Dunn in early 1993, introducing their first product, Arapahoe Amber Ale in June of '94. Brian had just completed his MA in Environmental Policy and when frustrated with the lack of opportunity available at the time, decided to take his homebrewing passion and turn it into a career. The brewery is located in an old 1930's dairy building which has allowed for two expansions since the brewery's inception.

Head Brewer Chris Dunne studied pre-med, has a BA in English and was a passionate homebrewer prior to hiring on at Great Divide. It seems he's learned his trade well as the brewery has received no less than nine accolades for their beers, most from the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Championships. In addition to the two beers being featured this month, the brewery also brews an American Wheat, a Honey Ale, an Amber Ale, a Wild Raspberry Ale and several seasonal beers.

For more information about the brewery and scheduled tours, call (303) 296-9460 or check out their web site at www.greatdivide.com.