Great Divide - Hibernation Ale

English-style Old Ale. Hibernation Ale is Colorado’s original strong ale -- it has been Great Divide’s winter seasonal each year since 1995. Hibernation’s massive flavors are so intense that it requires over three months of aging each year. This lengthy aging process gives Hibernation its revered malty richness, complex hop profile and hearty warming character, which is perfect right out of the bottle or cellared for longer periods of time.

8.1% ABV through 2008
8.7% ABV in 2009

The ABV is 8.7 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Old Ale
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Becker, Tumbler, Snifter or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Pours a dark amber color with a small tan head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Hoppy, spices and dark fruit.
Taste -  Malty, tobacco, toffee maybe some brown sugar and hops.
Mouth Feel - Low carbonation and full body. Smooth.
Drinkable - Taste more like an American Barleywine with the hop kick.  It is dry hopped which is why I get the hoppiness.  It is well balanced between the malts and hops.  Not sure why they call it an English-style Old Ale.

This beer pairs well with aged cheese and grilled meats.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B+.
BeerAdvocate Rating =A-
Ratebeer Rating =98

Great Divide - Espresso Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout

Espresso Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout is a new addition to the Yeti clan. A generous infusion of Denver’s own Pablo’s espresso adds yet another layer of complexity to this beer, combining with the vanilla oak character, intense roasty maltiness and bold hop profile to create a whole new breed of mythical creature. It’s official, you can now have Yeti with breakfast.

Had this brew on a Saturday night with friends in their backyard sitting by an open pit fire.

The ABV is 9.5 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Imperial Stout
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Tumbler, Snifter or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 22oz Bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Pours to a black color with a big tan head that stays. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty, coffee (espresso), chocolate and molasses.
Taste - Malty, vanilla, toffee and the finish is lingering espresso and chocolate flavors.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and full body.
Drinkable - Very nice imperial stout and the oaking effect is not over powering.  Just enough of an espresso hint, not over whelming.  Give it a go you should like it....

This beer pairs well with deserts like chocolate and cheese.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A.
BeerAdvocate Rating =A-
Ratebeer Rating =100

Great Divide - Old Ruffian

This a is hefty, hop-forward Barley Wine- Style Ale. Seemingly mellow at the start with subtle fruit aromas and complex caramel sweetness, it quickly becomes aggressive with its bold hop flavors and huge hop bitterness. Ultimately, the big body, succulent sweetness and massive hop character come together to work wonders on your palate.  I had this in Reading, PA with a group of friends at Canal Street Pub, (Legacy Brewing).

The second time was in Feb 2011.

The ABV is 10.2 and the IBU rating is ??.
Seasonal - Available January through March.

Style - American Barley Wine
Glass to use - Snifter, Tulip or Goblet
Delivery 22oz bottle.

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Copper color with a light tan head that diminishes towards the end of the session, good lacing.
Aroma - Malty, sweet, faint hint of citrus and hops.
Taste - Malty and sweet as in caramel, brown sugar with a bitter hop after taste.
Mouth Feel - Thick candy coating, low carbonation and full body.
Drinkable -It is drinkable, I finished the bottle in one session.  A bit too much of the hoppy after taste for me but still very good.  The alcohol is well-hidden.

This beer pairs perfectly with cheese and deserts.  Mostly cheeses.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A

BeerAdvocate Rating =A

Ratebeer Rating = 99

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