Hibernation Ale
pours a deep redwood. not much on the nose - a little alcohol and choco from the maltiness. WOW. Thats nice. Warms with the alcohol instead of overwhelming with it in the taste. This is actually quite smooth. I should mention I'm diving into this thing at 58 degrees. NUtmeg, prunes, vanilla. That's what I'm getting. A strong malt backbone. This thing is a massive warmer - my chest feels like someone just smothered it in vicks vapor rub. As smooth as this abv can be, but I'm starting to think that it might even be better around 52-55 degrees as this thing is getting more ominous as it warms. I'm getting dried apricot here too. these high abv's are always short on head - so I won't dock pts for that... This gets points for it's tasty malt and warming quality that isn't overwhelmed by alcohol in the taste - AT LEAST not for this abv. This kicks this pants off some other HGB's. Says Old Style Ale and this definately is true to the style and a fine example - though moderation is the key on this one.