Photo by staythirstyblog.com

The folks down at Great Divide Brewing in Denver know what they’re doing with this spectacular winter ale. I know it’s not new. They have been brewing it since 1995, but it’s new to me and I think it’s damn delicious.

I am not going to claim to be a beer or wine expert. The phrase “finishing with slight note of grapefruit” will probably never be uttered on this website unless encased in quotation marks. I do most of my beer research on beeradvocate.com. If you want in-depth expert opinions on a vast array of quality micros and have an hour or two to kill, I highly recommend visiting that website.

Back to Hibernation and why it’s exactly what I want in a winter beer:

• It’s best served between cold and room temperature.
• The hops are there, but it’s rich, malty and easy-to-drink.
• Boasts an alcohol content of 8.7% making it just powerful enough to buzz after a first glass.
• Greatly named. It makes me want to crawl into a warm cave with a case of the stuff.
• Comes in a brown bottle, but it’s way better as a draft.
• Brewed in my backyard. I could ride my bike there.

Hibernation is a winter seasonal beer and is only brewed from October through January. I generally only crave these heavy malted beers when it’s cold outside so that works for me.

Here are some quotes, accolades and food pairings for Hibernation on Great Divide’s website:

Hibernation Ale has been our celebrated winter tradition since 1995. This robust, dry-hopped ale has a malty richness balanced with a complex hop profile and hearty, warming character.  8.7%ABV

Gold Medal
Great American Beer Festival, 1997

Silver Medal
Great American Beer Festival, 2006

Silver Medal
Great American Beer Festival, 2003

Enjoy with:
Roomano, an aged hard Dutch cow’s milk cheese, grilled beef tenderloin, apple crisp with ginger ice cream.

Great Divide Brewing has been making fantastic beers here in Denver since 1994. If you haven’t been down to their tap room on 2201 Arapahoe Street, I highly recommend going. It’s small and cozy, has a friendly, knowledgeable staff with heavy pouring hands.

Photo by bathtubbrewery.com