Uinta Brewing Co.'s Dubhe Imperial Black IPA

   
     Always giddy to try a new black IPA.  It's not too common to find an imperial-style black IPA, and this one definitely deserves that title at 9.2% ABV. Its pours a very dark black but there is some brownish amber shining through on the edges.  Pouring produced very little head, though it appears to be decently carbonated.  Hops hit very heavy on the aroma with some sharp pine and pungent citrus.  Also getting a very coffee-like roastiness. The hops blend well and the malt character, while subtle, really helps to accentuate everything else.
     First impression upon tasting is that it is very spicy and piney.  Definitely getting a lot of wood character from the hops as well.  Hidden in this is some very sharp, burnt malt character and some rich chocolate.  Alcohol is evident, but it seems to mix well with the intense hop flavors.  You would never guess it was 9.2% ABV based on taste alone.  Bitterness is pretty strong and definitely seems to linger longer than anything else.  Alcohol warming.  Body is a little on the lighter side but works well with a strong carbonation.
     I've decided that all Cascadian dark ales are black IPAs, but not all black IPAs are Cascadian dark ales.  Hope that makes sense.  Anyway, this is definitely what I would consider a CDA; just has that wonderful pine/wood Pacific Northwest hop character with a splash of roast that defines the style.  Would recommend, would drink again.

Bridgeport Brewing Co.'s Ebenezer Winter Warmer

    
     Ah, Bridgeport.  I'll always have a soft spot for these guys.  Anyway, the Ebenezer pours a cloudy light brown color with some orange hue shining through.  Got about half a finger worth of tan head which quickly drained to a thin surface.  Aroma is dominated by some very toasty, bready malt.  Some caramel and sweet brown sugar are evident.  A bit yeasty. Herbal hops.
      First impression upon tasting is that is has a very toasty, almost-astringent malt quality.  Hits dry and evolves to some super sweet candy malt and subtle bread. Pretty fruity; getting some dark apple-like esters.  Hops are quite flavorful.  Ends pretty bitter with some wood and spice notes.  Dry finish.  Pretty thin body.  Very well-carbonated. 
     My biggest problem with this one is that the malt is just too sharp. It's not exactly something I would describe as rich (which is to be expected of a winter warmer).  Definitely a tasty brew, but it needs to thicken up the body and tone down the toasted malt.

Great Divide Brewing Co.'s Hibernation English-Style Old Ale

    
     It pours a pretty clear dark amber color.  Small skimming of head which seems to be sticking around from decent carbonation.  Huge malt aroma; getting lots of sweet candy and raisin.  Very rich; strong. Very toasty. Some plum-like esters mixed in.  Hops are very earthy and clean, but they are definitely taking a backseat to the malt.  Not smelling any alcohol, which at 8.7% is rather impressive.
     First thing I notice upon tasting is a very rich, dark crystal malt.  It's like a super robust caramel with a sharp sweetness.  Noticeable esters; no one particular fruit flavor seems to stand out.  I like to refer to this as "general fruitiness".  Well-balanced bitterness mixed with some spicy hop flavor.  No alcohol evident, but definitely gives off that warming sensation.  Full body; strong carbonation.
     Perfect seasonal.  Definitely the type of ale you kick back to with a fire going.  Solid for the style and just an overall very impressive brew.