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Hibernator

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Hibernator is a Scotch ale built on a rich malt base highlighted by notes of caramel and toffee. A Vermont winter classic made to take the bite out of a cold night, it is dark amber at 6.0% ABV and part of the seasonal lineup of Long Trail, the Vermont brewery in Bridgewater Corners that has been brewing since 1989.

ABV
6%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter
Malt-forward bitterness
SRM
dark22
PaceTwo or Three
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
caramelmaltytoasty
caramel
malty
toasty
Aroma
The nose leads with pronounced caramel and toffee notes, supported by a underlying maltiness that suggests toasted grain and subtle stone fruit.
not found:hoppy,roasted,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Hibernator

◎ Appearance

Hibernator presents a deep amber hue with warm copper undertones, reflecting its robust malt bill. The beer displays good clarity with a modest off-white head that settles to a thin collar, leaving delicate lacing on the glass. Carbonation is gentle and restrained, appropriate to the style's contemplative character.

deep ambercopper tonesfine lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with pronounced caramel and toffee notes, supported by a underlying maltiness that suggests toasted grain and subtle stone fruit. Noble hops provide a quiet herbal frame without dominating the bouquet. The overall impression is warm and inviting, with no sharp alcohol detection despite the 6% ABV.

caramel, toffeetoasted grainnoble hops

◐ Taste

The palate opens with sweet caramel and malt character, developing a soft toffee impression through the mid-palate. Bitterness remains low and integrated at 20 IBU, serving to balance the inherent sweetness rather than assert itself. The body is full without heaviness, and a smooth, nearly velvety mouthfeel carries the flavors through to the finish.

caramel dominantlow bitternessvelvety mouthfeelfull-bodied

◑ Finish

The finish is clean and medium in length, with residual caramel and a faint toasty note fading gracefully. No harsh alcohol bite or astringency remains, leaving the palate warm and satisfied.

clean, medium finishtoasty fade
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
76
Taste
79
Appearance
77
Finish
78
Serve at 12–16°C

Serve at 12–16°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Hibernator

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About Scotch Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Scotch Ale?

Scotch Ale is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Scotch Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same caramel, malty, sweet character as Hibernator will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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