Hibernation Ale
....mmm good stuff - almost good enough to make you wish winter lasted even longer (I said almost!) Pours a deep mahogany brown - far from stout black but a very solid dark brown color. The two finger head was a muddy tan and lasted for quite some time leaving lots of lacing on the glass. The nose was surprisingly malty with a sweet caramel note predominating. Some hoppiness comes through but just a tad of herbal scents. Flavor is quite strong - no surprise when I looked up the style... Big sweet malt notes, lots of caramel and treacle in this one. Bitter coffee or dark chocolate flavors are quite dominant on the back end and just a bit of English style hops on the back end - enough to give it an herbal note. No alcohol burn to be found here at all though I'm guessing the alcohol adds a bit of sweetness. Mouthfeel is very good - medium bodied, slightly oily (no surprise with all the sugars left in the beer) but enough carbonation and bittering (both hops and toasted grain) to clean up the end of each sip. Very good stuff - yet another winter warmer ('strong ale') to look forward to. Yet another well crafted beer from Great Divide. [Thanks to warriorsoul for this tasty treat]