The Hibernation Ale from Great Divide Brewing Co. has been around since 1995, but this was the first year that I was able to find it. The Hibernation is a malty, dry-hopped ale that has won both gold and silver medals at the Great American Beer Festival. Judging the beer by the label it appears to be a perfect winter beer with robust flavors and plenty of malt. Certainly a beer that when I first found it, I couldn’t wait to dive in.
Following tradition, The Bruery recently released their fourth anniversary beer. The name Fruet is a mash-up of sorts stemming from traditional 4th anniversary gifts flowers/fruit. Using the word fruit (same in French) and the clever insertion of the “Rue” last name, we get Fruet. Unlike previous years, Fruet marks the first of the series in which all bottles released were 100% Bourbon Barrel aged.
I felt it necessary to come back and revisit this brew after enjoying Curmudgeon’s Better Half. I found two bottles of the Founders Curmudgeon hanging out in the back of my beer closet with bottle dates of April 2012. Just to recap really quick for those that didn’t see the video at the time, we thought it was a nice beer with plenty of dark fruits and rich malts.
Clipper City Brewing Co., makers of the Heavy Seas brand, recently released Plank I, an Olde Style English Ale matured on yellow poplar wood. Commonly known as the tulip tree, the intent was to impart a distinct woodiness to the beer; hence the “Plank” series name. From the beer, I expect an interesting flavor from the wood with a robust, dark Old Ale profile.
Situated in Portland, Oregon is small craft brewery that’s made a name for themselves across the US, Hair of the Dog. With use of organic malt during brewing and mastering the art of bottle conditioning, HotD creates some delicious beers. Their year round Adam, an Old Ale, demonstrates their craft to the brewing process and passion for their products.
