Time for Hibernation

Posted by Angie Rayfield Oct 12, 2007

It’s a fall tradition, and it will be back on October 15th. Great Divide will release this year’s installment of Hibernation Ale, a yearly tradition since 1995.

Over the years, Hibernation has won several awards. Competing in the Strong Ale/English Style Old Ale category at the Great American Beer Festival, it took the Gold Medal in 1997 and the Silver Medal in 2003, and took the Silver Medal at the 1998 World Beer Cup. It also took the Silver Medal at the 2006 GABF in the Aged Beer category, with the 2005 Vintage.

Great Divide’s founder, Brian Dunn, says, “This is one of our best beers for aging. As good as the beer is fresh, its malty richness and layered hop flavors go through some wonderful changes over a year’s time. The hops pull back, the malts become more rounded, and the beer develops a nice caramel character you don’t find in the fresh version.”

Fans will be glad to learn that Great Divide increased Hibernation production this year from 500 to 700 barrels. Hibernation is brewed each summer and dry hopped, then aged for two months before release. It will only be available for about two months, so move fast to get yours.

I’m going to try again this year to age some Hibernation. I’ve tried in the fast, but never had any success – not because the beer doesn’t age well, but because I end up drinking it. Maybe this year I should get an extra case?