Great Divide Hibernation Old Style Ale

Great Divide Brewing Company
Denver, Colorado

APPEARANCE: 2/3
Red brown in color. White head with big bubbles that laces the glass. Clear.

AROMA: 2.5/4
Sweet cream. Subtle brown sugar and molasses nose. Malty and big. No real hop aroma.

TASTE: 6/10
Hop/Malt Balance: 2.5/4: Big and malty. Hop bitterness noticeable. Subtle licorice and cherry. Woody hop flavor.
Aftertaste: 1.75/3: Boozy. Goes from sweet malty caramel to noticeable bitter finish.
Mouth-Feel: 1.75/3: Alcohol feel. Coats the tongue. Weak carbonation appropriate for style.

OVERALL: 1.75/3: Big that borders on cloying. An English old style beer. Appropriate in the dead of winter versus the heart of spring.

TOTAL: 12.25/20–I'll Try A Pint

NOTES:
Matt: If I were in an Arctic igloo in January, I would appreciate this more. For the style, not bad. One is enough.
Ben: This is better than the score indicates. Good for an English old ale although not my favorite style. Borders on the cloying side; a bit too sweet for my tastes.
Note: We reviewed this obviously on a warm April afternoon. We may have to revisit this beer during an appropriate frosty December evening.