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Happy Birthday Great Divide: 16th Anniversary Wood Aged Double IPA

We didn’t wait long to buy this beer once it hit the shelves.  Oh wait, actually we tracked it down like Locke from Lost and bought almost a case before it even made it to the shelves!  Last year’s 15th Anniversary Ale was easily one of the best of the year–crazy flavors of vanilla and tropical fruits swirled into a unique and gone-too-soon wood-aged double IPA.  This year’s version is the same type of beer, so we expected it to be essentially the same beer–but it wasn’t.  It’s actually better.  But, we’re going to do a little Crossfire-type analysis of the 16th Anniversary Ale here, and see if everybody agrees.

EW: I was a huge fan of last year’s version, and had to try the new edition.  This pours a deep ruby-brown, with minimal head–typical of wood-aged ales.  The aroma reminds me of last year’s, with hints of pineapple, vanilla and oak.  There’s a lot of bubbly carbonation that spreads the hoppy, wood-tinged flavor around like butter.  The finish has piney hops galore, and smooth wood hints.  This is a more balanced, mature ale than last year’s, and it’s a bit more reserved.  I recommend this to anybody who loves the taste of hops, and strong unique beers.   I give this a 8.5

DW: I was skeptical as always by a recommendation of a beer tasting of “pineapple juice” but I have to admit this one does deliver the goods. I wouldn’t say pure pineapple juice in a glass but you get that sweet characteristic of juice mixed with the subtle wood flavor and hoppy goodness. The alcohol taste in this one really stands out but if you know that its there you appreciate it like a nice glass of barrel bourbon. I would recommend getting your hands on a bottle if you can. As of the time of my post I saw six bottles at Rolling Oats in Saint Petersburg. If you want to get your hands on it you should try there before it’s to late. It has also been sited at The Pour House in Tampa and Sheps Deli in Saint Pete. I have to agree with Evan on this one at mark it an 8.5. Great Anniversary Ale and well worth the modest price.