Hades Ale | Great Divide Brewing Company
Brewed by:
Great Divide Brewing Company
Colorado, United States | website
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 7.80%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by ArrogantB on 06-11-2007
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 373 | Ratings: 719
3.7/5 rDev +0.3%
poured into a chalice, color is gold, head is bright white and dense. lingers well.
smell is subdued, subtle bread and toast, hint of yeast off flavors
taste is somewhat flat, light bread and toast and wheat with yeast pepperiness, but muted.
mouthfeel is a bit sharp given the flavor experience, biting and lingering.
★ 321 characters
poured into a chalice, color is gold, head is bright white and dense. lingers well.
smell is subdued, subtle bread and toast, hint of yeast off flavors
taste is somewhat flat, light bread and toast and wheat with yeast pepperiness, but muted.
mouthfeel is a bit sharp given the flavor experience, biting and lingering.
★ 321 characters
4.47/5 rDev +21.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 4.25
Nearly perfect crisp light golden color with fantastic clarity. White two-finger head rises and quickly falls. Little lacing.
Nicely spiced, clovey, a touch of dry banana, crisp.
Airy, light, no bitterness, smooth, easily drinkable, not overly spiced, heavy carbonation is nice and not too distracting, sweetness is leveled and not over taking. Very well blended
Solid ass brew! Very well thought out and well placed flavors. My only draw back was the cold harsh carbonation. Everything else rocked. Highly recommended.
★ 523 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 4.25
Nearly perfect crisp light golden color with fantastic clarity. White two-finger head rises and quickly falls. Little lacing.
Nicely spiced, clovey, a touch of dry banana, crisp.
Airy, light, no bitterness, smooth, easily drinkable, not overly spiced, heavy carbonation is nice and not too distracting, sweetness is leveled and not over taking. Very well blended
Solid ass brew! Very well thought out and well placed flavors. My only draw back was the cold harsh carbonation. Everything else rocked. Highly recommended.
★ 523 characters
4.16/5 rDev +12.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Picked up the Brewers' Picks mainly for this, though I like the Titan and get the Collette pretty regularly. Figure I'll just suffer through the three Denver Pale Ales in there (just kidding, actually looking forward to trying those again, as well).
Poured from a bottle into a goblet, light amber, really no head to speak of, just a thin sheen of small bubbles across the top and a modest collar. Totally clarified, light effervescence.
Smells sweet, yeasty, definitely get that Belgian yeast and some spice. Bottle says noticeable hops, but I'm not noticing it as much as they seem to think I should. A little boozy. Flavor follows suit, with more hops, biscuit and malt presence. Definitely sweet, with a nice boozy edge.
Overall, why did they take away the six packs, again? Seriously, this stuff's really good, worth getting the brewers' picks to try it if you haven't. Recommend if you like their Collette and Orabelle.
★ 934 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Picked up the Brewers' Picks mainly for this, though I like the Titan and get the Collette pretty regularly. Figure I'll just suffer through the three Denver Pale Ales in there (just kidding, actually looking forward to trying those again, as well).
Poured from a bottle into a goblet, light amber, really no head to speak of, just a thin sheen of small bubbles across the top and a modest collar. Totally clarified, light effervescence.
Smells sweet, yeasty, definitely get that Belgian yeast and some spice. Bottle says noticeable hops, but I'm not noticing it as much as they seem to think I should. A little boozy. Flavor follows suit, with more hops, biscuit and malt presence. Definitely sweet, with a nice boozy edge.
Overall, why did they take away the six packs, again? Seriously, this stuff's really good, worth getting the brewers' picks to try it if you haven't. Recommend if you like their Collette and Orabelle.
★ 934 characters
4.09/5 rDev +10.8%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
I really liked this. Had it out of the brewer's variety pack, poured into a pilsner glass. The color is a lighter gold with just a slight touch of haze, not a lot of head. Super light flavor with some nice clove and spice. The mouthfeel was pretty mild. Really worth a go on a summer day/night.
★ 294 characters
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
I really liked this. Had it out of the brewer's variety pack, poured into a pilsner glass. The color is a lighter gold with just a slight touch of haze, not a lot of head. Super light flavor with some nice clove and spice. The mouthfeel was pretty mild. Really worth a go on a summer day/night.
★ 294 characters
3.95/5 rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Poured from 12 oz bottle into Corsendonk glass.
Gold color with small head...some lace.
Aroma of anise, liquorice, candy sugar, malts.
Medium carbonation and rather penetrating mouthfeel.
Flavors of a very dry cream soda with herbs. Some malt sweetness but also funky yeast esters going all over including bitter citrus, light aspirin, cream of tartar, white pepper. Overall very big and bold body with some bite!
★ 413 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Poured from 12 oz bottle into Corsendonk glass.
Gold color with small head...some lace.
Aroma of anise, liquorice, candy sugar, malts.
Medium carbonation and rather penetrating mouthfeel.
Flavors of a very dry cream soda with herbs. Some malt sweetness but also funky yeast esters going all over including bitter citrus, light aspirin, cream of tartar, white pepper. Overall very big and bold body with some bite!
★ 413 characters
4.04/5 rDev +9.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
served in a St. Bernardus glass.
Bought the 6 pack today after contemplating it every time i went to the liquor store over the past few weeks. Had never had anything from Great Divide before, but was intrigued by the sub-$10 relatively strong belgian 6.
the look honestly reminded me of a cheapo beer, with the exception of pretty good lacing as the glass empties. Light, straw colored with an almost non existent head.
The smell reminded me of any classic belgian style. Grainy, but slightly sweet, with alot of funky belgian yeast presence.
The taste is what really got me though. I didnt have high expectations for it after the nose and look, but it caught me totally by suprise. Smooth, a slight refreshing bitterness, and the belgian yeast I constantly crave. This will probably turn into a good regular 6 I will be purchasing on a regular basis to sit beside the new-brew-try-ers.
Overall this was a great beer for the price. I will be trying more of the Great Divide brews because of this. Great first impression
★ 1,024 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
served in a St. Bernardus glass.
Bought the 6 pack today after contemplating it every time i went to the liquor store over the past few weeks. Had never had anything from Great Divide before, but was intrigued by the sub-$10 relatively strong belgian 6.
the look honestly reminded me of a cheapo beer, with the exception of pretty good lacing as the glass empties. Light, straw colored with an almost non existent head.
The smell reminded me of any classic belgian style. Grainy, but slightly sweet, with alot of funky belgian yeast presence.
The taste is what really got me though. I didnt have high expectations for it after the nose and look, but it caught me totally by suprise. Smooth, a slight refreshing bitterness, and the belgian yeast I constantly crave. This will probably turn into a good regular 6 I will be purchasing on a regular basis to sit beside the new-brew-try-ers.
Overall this was a great beer for the price. I will be trying more of the Great Divide brews because of this. Great first impression
★ 1,024 characters
4.16/5 rDev +12.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured out of a 12 oz brown bottle into a large snifter style glass. Bottling date of September 2012, but this style shouldn't have any problem holding up for several months.
Appearance - A sunny lemon yellow body with a stark white head of about 3/4th fingers head from an aggressive pour. Slightly cloudy, but that seems more from the temperature change than from any sediment. Head dissipates after a few minutes, leaving silky but sparse lacing.
Smell - Dominated by banana-like esters, clove and gentle spiciness. Hint of yeast in the background to support the fruit and spice notes.
Taste - The esters take a back seat to yeast and fresh sourdough. I even get some distinct funkiness which transitions to a faint kiss of bitterness on the finish.
Mouthfeel - Medium-bodied and slightly viscous. Pleasantly contrasting carbonation.
Overall, one of the better American-made Belgian Strong Pale Ales I've had. You can sense the tribute to Duvel, but it still establishes a character all it's own. Definitely a beer I would drink over and over if it was readily available.
★ 1,079 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured out of a 12 oz brown bottle into a large snifter style glass. Bottling date of September 2012, but this style shouldn't have any problem holding up for several months.
Appearance - A sunny lemon yellow body with a stark white head of about 3/4th fingers head from an aggressive pour. Slightly cloudy, but that seems more from the temperature change than from any sediment. Head dissipates after a few minutes, leaving silky but sparse lacing.
Smell - Dominated by banana-like esters, clove and gentle spiciness. Hint of yeast in the background to support the fruit and spice notes.
Taste - The esters take a back seat to yeast and fresh sourdough. I even get some distinct funkiness which transitions to a faint kiss of bitterness on the finish.
Mouthfeel - Medium-bodied and slightly viscous. Pleasantly contrasting carbonation.
Overall, one of the better American-made Belgian Strong Pale Ales I've had. You can sense the tribute to Duvel, but it still establishes a character all it's own. Definitely a beer I would drink over and over if it was readily available.
★ 1,079 characters
3.91/5 rDev +6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into a snifter.
A: Clear pale yellow with one-finger, white, foamy head that lasted a couple minutes and left a nice film. Great lacing.
S: Belgian yeast and spice. Mild.
T: Moderate sweetness and light bitterness. Bananas and Belgian yeast. Subtle spice. Flavors are well rounded. Not overwhelming but not too mild either.
M: Medium bodied with fizzy carbonation. Crisp and slightly warm going down.
O: Nice Belgian Strong Pale Ale. Another great beer from Great Divide.
★ 483 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into a snifter.
A: Clear pale yellow with one-finger, white, foamy head that lasted a couple minutes and left a nice film. Great lacing.
S: Belgian yeast and spice. Mild.
T: Moderate sweetness and light bitterness. Bananas and Belgian yeast. Subtle spice. Flavors are well rounded. Not overwhelming but not too mild either.
M: Medium bodied with fizzy carbonation. Crisp and slightly warm going down.
O: Nice Belgian Strong Pale Ale. Another great beer from Great Divide.
★ 483 characters
3.65/5 rDev -1.1%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A- Slightly hazy light golden body with a small white head that quickly disappeared.
A- Fruity and spicy belgian yeast aroma. Nice alcohol kick.
T- Strong spicy malt flavor with a nice hoppy bitter finish. Alcohol in the finish as well.
M- Medium-light body and moderate to high carbonation.
D- Nice enjoyable brew.
★ 319 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A- Slightly hazy light golden body with a small white head that quickly disappeared.
A- Fruity and spicy belgian yeast aroma. Nice alcohol kick.
T- Strong spicy malt flavor with a nice hoppy bitter finish. Alcohol in the finish as well.
M- Medium-light body and moderate to high carbonation.
D- Nice enjoyable brew.
★ 319 characters
4.03/5 rDev +9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A: light golden with great clarity and a long lasting white head of rocky bubbles that leaves some lacing. A larger head would be nice but it is likely the fault of my glass.
S: The overall impression of the aroma is spice from the yeast and hops. A moderately-strong fruity and spicy Belgian yeast aromas of pepper, oranges, peaches and a touch of ginger. There is a moderate Continental hops aroma being a spicy and a bit floral.
T: Strong complex spice flavors mostly pepper with a little ginger and all-spice. There is a moderate fruitiness of oranges, pears and apricots. There is a some malt flavor and a moderately-strong hops bitterness with a moderate spicy hops flavor. The balance is firmly bitter with a very dry finish and a lingering hops bitterness.
M: A medium-light bodied beer with moderately-strong carbonation.
O: A Belgian Pale Ale with a pronounced spice character derived mostly from the yeast with the hops lending a hand.
★ 952 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A: light golden with great clarity and a long lasting white head of rocky bubbles that leaves some lacing. A larger head would be nice but it is likely the fault of my glass.
S: The overall impression of the aroma is spice from the yeast and hops. A moderately-strong fruity and spicy Belgian yeast aromas of pepper, oranges, peaches and a touch of ginger. There is a moderate Continental hops aroma being a spicy and a bit floral.
T: Strong complex spice flavors mostly pepper with a little ginger and all-spice. There is a moderate fruitiness of oranges, pears and apricots. There is a some malt flavor and a moderately-strong hops bitterness with a moderate spicy hops flavor. The balance is firmly bitter with a very dry finish and a lingering hops bitterness.
M: A medium-light bodied beer with moderately-strong carbonation.
O: A Belgian Pale Ale with a pronounced spice character derived mostly from the yeast with the hops lending a hand.
★ 952 characters
3.52/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
This brew was served from a bottle at Jembetat Gallery and Café in Rochester, NY. It arrived in a hefe glass showing a straw yellow coloring. No real head was visualized, but a white film of bubbles lay across the liquid’s surface. Spots of lacing were left here and there as the beer disappeared, but no other lacing surfaced. No sediment or haze was noted, and carbonation appeared highly active. The aroma gave star, banana esters, light adjuncty grain, faint caramels and butters, chalk, flour, and baker’s yeast. On the back there was the warming bite of phenolic clove and dried strawberry sugars to cut the drying twang of grain. Our first impression was that the beer was chalky and bitter to the end, following a robust, grapey sweetness at the outset. As we sipped, bittering grain, sour lemon tea, strong phenolic clove, and fusel booze started things off. The middle peaked with soured citrus, of both grain and hop, with a wheaty dryness. The finish was bitter and chalky, with lemon rind bite, spicy notes of clove, esters of bubblegum and banana. A bready coolness calmed the palate by the end, as the beer warmed. The aftertaste breathed of bittered grain, grassy and citric hops, souring yeast, and musky woodiness. The body was medium to thick, and the carbonation was higher, making each sip very bubbly and bright to the palate. There was light coolness, and an initial metallic coating to the sip, with slurp, smack, cream, and pop being decent on the finish. The mouth was left with a final dry, crisp bite, with light astringency. The abv was appropriate, and the beer drank okay on account of the, at times, excessive bitterness.
Overall, what we enjoyed most about this brew was the nose. There was soft sweetness of white sugar, light gingerbread, and big banana and bubblegum esters. These mixed nicely, getting you interested from the start. It did, however, lose points on the excessive bitterness and surprising booziness at the end of the flavoring. Each sip felt nice going down, but mouthfeel was otherwise less contributory. This beer is decent for the style and, at times, overly robust in all the wrong places.
★ 2,152 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
This brew was served from a bottle at Jembetat Gallery and Café in Rochester, NY. It arrived in a hefe glass showing a straw yellow coloring. No real head was visualized, but a white film of bubbles lay across the liquid’s surface. Spots of lacing were left here and there as the beer disappeared, but no other lacing surfaced. No sediment or haze was noted, and carbonation appeared highly active. The aroma gave star, banana esters, light adjuncty grain, faint caramels and butters, chalk, flour, and baker’s yeast. On the back there was the warming bite of phenolic clove and dried strawberry sugars to cut the drying twang of grain. Our first impression was that the beer was chalky and bitter to the end, following a robust, grapey sweetness at the outset. As we sipped, bittering grain, sour lemon tea, strong phenolic clove, and fusel booze started things off. The middle peaked with soured citrus, of both grain and hop, with a wheaty dryness. The finish was bitter and chalky, with lemon rind bite, spicy notes of clove, esters of bubblegum and banana. A bready coolness calmed the palate by the end, as the beer warmed. The aftertaste breathed of bittered grain, grassy and citric hops, souring yeast, and musky woodiness. The body was medium to thick, and the carbonation was higher, making each sip very bubbly and bright to the palate. There was light coolness, and an initial metallic coating to the sip, with slurp, smack, cream, and pop being decent on the finish. The mouth was left with a final dry, crisp bite, with light astringency. The abv was appropriate, and the beer drank okay on account of the, at times, excessive bitterness.
Overall, what we enjoyed most about this brew was the nose. There was soft sweetness of white sugar, light gingerbread, and big banana and bubblegum esters. These mixed nicely, getting you interested from the start. It did, however, lose points on the excessive bitterness and surprising booziness at the end of the flavoring. Each sip felt nice going down, but mouthfeel was otherwise less contributory. This beer is decent for the style and, at times, overly robust in all the wrong places.
★ 2,152 characters
3.83/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
A: The beer is clear yellow in color and has a moderate amount of visible carbonation. It poured with a finger high dense white head that gradually died down, consistently leaving a thin coating of bubbles on the surface and down the sides of the glass.
S: There are aromas of earthy yeast in the nose along with some hints of floral hops and spices.
T: The taste is similar to the smell but the spices are a little more prominent and faint hints of alcohol, bitterness and biscuit malts are also evident.
M: It feels medium-bodied, clean and rather dry on the palate with a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: This beer is relatively easy to drink considering its strength and would make for a good strong pale ale to drink on a summer day (if you want something with a little more strength compared to a saison).
★ 813 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
A: The beer is clear yellow in color and has a moderate amount of visible carbonation. It poured with a finger high dense white head that gradually died down, consistently leaving a thin coating of bubbles on the surface and down the sides of the glass.
S: There are aromas of earthy yeast in the nose along with some hints of floral hops and spices.
T: The taste is similar to the smell but the spices are a little more prominent and faint hints of alcohol, bitterness and biscuit malts are also evident.
M: It feels medium-bodied, clean and rather dry on the palate with a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: This beer is relatively easy to drink considering its strength and would make for a good strong pale ale to drink on a summer day (if you want something with a little more strength compared to a saison).
★ 813 characters
4/5 rDev +8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This beer pours up very pale straw with a thin head, not much retention, lots of delicate lacing, and a generous amount of tiny carbonation bubbles constantly rising from the bottom. The smell is honey, cinnamon, floral, malt, and biscuit. Taste mainly follows the nose with a subtle honey flavor up front followed by spicy hops on the finish. Mouthfeel is nice with good carbonation. Overall I tend to like beer a bit more powerful, but this offering is quite nice even if it is a milder flavor. Strange that a beer this mild would be called Hades though.
★ 556 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This beer pours up very pale straw with a thin head, not much retention, lots of delicate lacing, and a generous amount of tiny carbonation bubbles constantly rising from the bottom. The smell is honey, cinnamon, floral, malt, and biscuit. Taste mainly follows the nose with a subtle honey flavor up front followed by spicy hops on the finish. Mouthfeel is nice with good carbonation. Overall I tend to like beer a bit more powerful, but this offering is quite nice even if it is a milder flavor. Strange that a beer this mild would be called Hades though.
★ 556 characters
4.3/5 rDev +16.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Poured from 12 oz. bottle into a Duvel Tulip glass. Bottled Aug 10 2012.
Appearance: Pours a clear golden orange with a moderate amount of bubbles. About two fingers of white head that quickly fade into a thin patchy layer. Leaves a decent amount of lacing around the glass.
Smell: Quite a big Belgian aroma. Belgian yeast and funk with big hints of cloves, banana, lemon zest, pear, apple, orange, white grape, and some coriander. Some fairly grassy hops and light hints of grapefruit esters. Big presence of candied sugars. Also some soft malts along with hints of caramel. A pretty sweet but spicy smelling ale.
Taste: Like the smell hints, a complex, sweet, and spicy Belgian style taste. Spicy and funky Belgian yeast with clove and coriander spices. Big notes of fruits including banana, lemon, orange, pear, apple, white grape juice, and a little grapefruit. Fairly grassy with a mix of earthy and citrus hops. Big taste of candied sugar. Towards the finish is a quite noticeable taste of malts with some notes of biscuit, crackers, and caramel. A very good taste.
Mouthfeel: Medium body with a medium to high level of carbonation. Spicy and juicy feel that is fairly smooth. Alcohol is hidden pretty well.
Overall: A really good take on this Belgian style. Good use of Belgian yeast and spices. Fruit taste is solid.
★ 1,333 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Poured from 12 oz. bottle into a Duvel Tulip glass. Bottled Aug 10 2012.
Appearance: Pours a clear golden orange with a moderate amount of bubbles. About two fingers of white head that quickly fade into a thin patchy layer. Leaves a decent amount of lacing around the glass.
Smell: Quite a big Belgian aroma. Belgian yeast and funk with big hints of cloves, banana, lemon zest, pear, apple, orange, white grape, and some coriander. Some fairly grassy hops and light hints of grapefruit esters. Big presence of candied sugars. Also some soft malts along with hints of caramel. A pretty sweet but spicy smelling ale.
Taste: Like the smell hints, a complex, sweet, and spicy Belgian style taste. Spicy and funky Belgian yeast with clove and coriander spices. Big notes of fruits including banana, lemon, orange, pear, apple, white grape juice, and a little grapefruit. Fairly grassy with a mix of earthy and citrus hops. Big taste of candied sugar. Towards the finish is a quite noticeable taste of malts with some notes of biscuit, crackers, and caramel. A very good taste.
Mouthfeel: Medium body with a medium to high level of carbonation. Spicy and juicy feel that is fairly smooth. Alcohol is hidden pretty well.
Overall: A really good take on this Belgian style. Good use of Belgian yeast and spices. Fruit taste is solid.
★ 1,333 characters
4/5 rDev +8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Hades opens with a strong Belgian nose, heavy with banana and clove, and bearing strong touches of pineapple, pear, white grape, cherry, and heavy syrup fruit cocktail. It’s immediately apparent that there are a lot of sugars in here, as not only are there plenty of fruit esters to go around, but brown sugar, candi sugar, and light caramel as well. Such sweetness is barely kept in check by hints of French baguette, toasted wheat, and floury white bread dough, as well as a mere smattering of grapefruit from the hops. As a whole, the nose is obviously heavily biased toward fruit and clove, and while a bit more complementary aromas would have been nice, the beer has still been obviously crafted well.
On the tongue, the first notes are a massive banana and clove blast, followed almost immediately by pineapple, cherry, pear, and white grape. The 7.8% ABV is also immediately apparent in a vodka-like tinge, giving the beer a strong cocktail feel, and slightly burning the tongue. Brown sugar and caramel add further sugars, and the bready notes here lend an undercurrent of toast crust, wheat dough, and floury baguette. There’s also a peppery spiciness, which combines with the alcohol to create further heat. Some rosewater and pine, as well as grapefruit rind, come from the hops. The aftertaste is a continuation of the strong fruit sugar and clove flavors, with extra pepper and burn from the alcohol, and lingers on the tongue for a long time. Mouthfeel is medium, and carbonation is medium to medium-high, further adding to the burn.
Overall, this is good beer, and certainly one of the stronger-tasting Belgians on the market. The sheer volume of flavor in here, especially present in the variety and complexity of sugars, is impressive. Unfortunately, the beer gets slightly carried away with these notes, especially as they combine with the heavy alcohol burn, and the result, while delicious, is at the same time slightly overwhelming and distracting, creating a sensation of vodka-soaked fruit cocktail. Worth trying, but beware the burn.
★ 2,063 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Hades opens with a strong Belgian nose, heavy with banana and clove, and bearing strong touches of pineapple, pear, white grape, cherry, and heavy syrup fruit cocktail. It’s immediately apparent that there are a lot of sugars in here, as not only are there plenty of fruit esters to go around, but brown sugar, candi sugar, and light caramel as well. Such sweetness is barely kept in check by hints of French baguette, toasted wheat, and floury white bread dough, as well as a mere smattering of grapefruit from the hops. As a whole, the nose is obviously heavily biased toward fruit and clove, and while a bit more complementary aromas would have been nice, the beer has still been obviously crafted well.
On the tongue, the first notes are a massive banana and clove blast, followed almost immediately by pineapple, cherry, pear, and white grape. The 7.8% ABV is also immediately apparent in a vodka-like tinge, giving the beer a strong cocktail feel, and slightly burning the tongue. Brown sugar and caramel add further sugars, and the bready notes here lend an undercurrent of toast crust, wheat dough, and floury baguette. There’s also a peppery spiciness, which combines with the alcohol to create further heat. Some rosewater and pine, as well as grapefruit rind, come from the hops. The aftertaste is a continuation of the strong fruit sugar and clove flavors, with extra pepper and burn from the alcohol, and lingers on the tongue for a long time. Mouthfeel is medium, and carbonation is medium to medium-high, further adding to the burn.
Overall, this is good beer, and certainly one of the stronger-tasting Belgians on the market. The sheer volume of flavor in here, especially present in the variety and complexity of sugars, is impressive. Unfortunately, the beer gets slightly carried away with these notes, especially as they combine with the heavy alcohol burn, and the result, while delicious, is at the same time slightly overwhelming and distracting, creating a sensation of vodka-soaked fruit cocktail. Worth trying, but beware the burn.
★ 2,063 characters
3.77/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours very pale blonde, light haze, a little under a finger of white head, little lace as well. Smell is quite malty and biscuity initially, belgian yeast and banana follows, spicy and fruity, mostly apple, quite nice and better as this neared the end. Taste is spicy with clove and banana, yeasty and doughy flavours and a little bit of alcohol, fruity, some earthy hop flavours and a dry bitterness overtop of a light sweetness. Medium carbonation, medium bodied fairly nice feel. Solid belgian pale but nothing about it really stands out, still a drinkable brew.
★ 565 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours very pale blonde, light haze, a little under a finger of white head, little lace as well. Smell is quite malty and biscuity initially, belgian yeast and banana follows, spicy and fruity, mostly apple, quite nice and better as this neared the end. Taste is spicy with clove and banana, yeasty and doughy flavours and a little bit of alcohol, fruity, some earthy hop flavours and a dry bitterness overtop of a light sweetness. Medium carbonation, medium bodied fairly nice feel. Solid belgian pale but nothing about it really stands out, still a drinkable brew.
★ 565 characters
3.92/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
A- Yellow, golden colored body. Small soapy head which didn't stick around for very long. I expected this to be bigger on the appearance presentation.
S- Citrus fruit, orange peel, lemon zest, hops, honey and a piney lingering aroma.
T- Nice presence of fresh oranges, apricots and some zest to give it a nice balance. Not hoppy or bitter like your average Pale Ale. This one is definately on the sweeter side.Candy like taste.
M- Medium odied, semi-dry finish.
Unique taste to compared to others of this style. Stands out from the rest and is worthy of taking up a side shelf in my fridge.
★ 595 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
A- Yellow, golden colored body. Small soapy head which didn't stick around for very long. I expected this to be bigger on the appearance presentation.
S- Citrus fruit, orange peel, lemon zest, hops, honey and a piney lingering aroma.
T- Nice presence of fresh oranges, apricots and some zest to give it a nice balance. Not hoppy or bitter like your average Pale Ale. This one is definately on the sweeter side.Candy like taste.
M- Medium odied, semi-dry finish.
Unique taste to compared to others of this style. Stands out from the rest and is worthy of taking up a side shelf in my fridge.
★ 595 characters
3.2/5 rDev -13.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
[Suggested Glassware: Trappist Glass]
The pour was a clear medium yellow with a small (less than 1 finger) white creamy head that diminished down to a thin film with a small collar and had some excellent sheets of streaky lacing.
The aroma was of a grain malt and a soapy Belgian yeast with notes of banana, citrus (lemon), pears, apple, a bit of clove and a mild alcohol presence.
The taste was mildly sweet and lightly acidic with notes of banana, apple and maybe pear early on, becoming very yeasty with a good note of citrus and a slight spicy/sour alcohol ending. The flavor lasted for a decent while following the swallow, with a slight sourness left behind to linger taste buds.
Mouthfeel was light in body with a dry and slightly watery texture and a medium carbonation.
Overall a bold, tasty brew with a decent alcohol infused citrus/fruity taste. That blended along with a yeasty sourness, makes this a nice refreshing quite drinkable Belgian Ale...
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★ 1,007 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
[Suggested Glassware: Trappist Glass]
The pour was a clear medium yellow with a small (less than 1 finger) white creamy head that diminished down to a thin film with a small collar and had some excellent sheets of streaky lacing.
The aroma was of a grain malt and a soapy Belgian yeast with notes of banana, citrus (lemon), pears, apple, a bit of clove and a mild alcohol presence.
The taste was mildly sweet and lightly acidic with notes of banana, apple and maybe pear early on, becoming very yeasty with a good note of citrus and a slight spicy/sour alcohol ending. The flavor lasted for a decent while following the swallow, with a slight sourness left behind to linger taste buds.
Mouthfeel was light in body with a dry and slightly watery texture and a medium carbonation.
Overall a bold, tasty brew with a decent alcohol infused citrus/fruity taste. That blended along with a yeasty sourness, makes this a nice refreshing quite drinkable Belgian Ale...
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★ 1,007 characters
4.09/5 rDev +10.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12 oz.
Pours a light clear lemon gold, two inches of sudsy white head dissipates slowly.
Smells of grassy malts, tart citrus, lemongrass, coriander, and champagne.
Tastes like slightly bitter grassy malt mixed with tart lemon citrus and semi-sweet white grape juice.
Medium body with a very light sting of carbonation over the tongue.
Great, light-feeling fruity saison-like brew. Has some unique elements to it and hides its strength. Memorable and worthwhile, would definitely have again.
★ 497 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12 oz.
Pours a light clear lemon gold, two inches of sudsy white head dissipates slowly.
Smells of grassy malts, tart citrus, lemongrass, coriander, and champagne.
Tastes like slightly bitter grassy malt mixed with tart lemon citrus and semi-sweet white grape juice.
Medium body with a very light sting of carbonation over the tongue.
Great, light-feeling fruity saison-like brew. Has some unique elements to it and hides its strength. Memorable and worthwhile, would definitely have again.
★ 497 characters
3.55/5 rDev -3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
A - bright yellow with a loose layer of white, bubbly head that fades quickly
S - yeasty, lightly fruity
T - lightly malty, fruity, a bit sweet, yeasty
M - medium bodied, smooth, well carbonated
This is a decent Belgian ale. Unfortunately, it's a bit one-dimensional and boring. Highly drinkable and smooth, it's worth a try. For me though I'll pass in the future.
★ 368 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
A - bright yellow with a loose layer of white, bubbly head that fades quickly
S - yeasty, lightly fruity
T - lightly malty, fruity, a bit sweet, yeasty
M - medium bodied, smooth, well carbonated
This is a decent Belgian ale. Unfortunately, it's a bit one-dimensional and boring. Highly drinkable and smooth, it's worth a try. For me though I'll pass in the future.
★ 368 characters
3.3/5 rDev -10.6%
look: 1.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Looks nothing like a Belgian, more like an overproduced American macro. Very light, straw golden color. Extremely clear. I'll give it an extra half point for the nice, bright white head. Fair retention, but no lace. Very disappointed in the look.
Good enough smell, with the standard Belgian spices, as well as the Belgian yeast and a good supply of malt. Slightly floral scent.
Lots of pepper spice. The malt comes through. Hoppy finish.
Somewhat complex in that you get a few different feels, mostly bitter and spicy. Mid sip produces a buttery feel. Medium bodied. A little heat from the alcohol.
Ended up much better than the appearance. Fairly drinkable, but not something I'd want to have again.
★ 706 characters
look: 1.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Looks nothing like a Belgian, more like an overproduced American macro. Very light, straw golden color. Extremely clear. I'll give it an extra half point for the nice, bright white head. Fair retention, but no lace. Very disappointed in the look.
Good enough smell, with the standard Belgian spices, as well as the Belgian yeast and a good supply of malt. Slightly floral scent.
Lots of pepper spice. The malt comes through. Hoppy finish.
Somewhat complex in that you get a few different feels, mostly bitter and spicy. Mid sip produces a buttery feel. Medium bodied. A little heat from the alcohol.
Ended up much better than the appearance. Fairly drinkable, but not something I'd want to have again.
★ 706 characters
3.5/5 rDev -5.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
This pours out a really nice, bright and golden yellow with 2 1/2 fingers of fluffy white head.
The aroma is mainly coriander, citrus notes and Belgian yeast.
The taste has a lot of the coriander, citrus, lemon and Belgian yeast notes along with some nice spicy notes and fruits like apple and pear. Really easy to drink and very refreshing.
This is a good example of this style.
★ 384 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
This pours out a really nice, bright and golden yellow with 2 1/2 fingers of fluffy white head.
The aroma is mainly coriander, citrus notes and Belgian yeast.
The taste has a lot of the coriander, citrus, lemon and Belgian yeast notes along with some nice spicy notes and fruits like apple and pear. Really easy to drink and very refreshing.
This is a good example of this style.
★ 384 characters
3.55/5 rDev -3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Served from tap into a Trappe Door tulip. Poured a nice golden color with a three finger pure white head that subsided to one finger very slowly. Maintained decent lacing throughout the glass. The aroma was comprised of sweet malt, spices, fruit, subtle banana, and floral notes. The flavor was of sweet malt, spices, wheat, fruit, and banana. It had a light feel on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this was a pretty decent brew. Surprisingly this one was rather fruit forward upon investigation. While this is definitely good for drinkability it does wear on you after awhile as there was no real balance in it to counter-act this. I would have loved to see just a hint of citrus or bitterness going on to make this one a little more balanced. The alcohol is nowhere to be found though if that is more your thing. Worth trying if see it sitting around on the shelves.
★ 880 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Served from tap into a Trappe Door tulip. Poured a nice golden color with a three finger pure white head that subsided to one finger very slowly. Maintained decent lacing throughout the glass. The aroma was comprised of sweet malt, spices, fruit, subtle banana, and floral notes. The flavor was of sweet malt, spices, wheat, fruit, and banana. It had a light feel on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this was a pretty decent brew. Surprisingly this one was rather fruit forward upon investigation. While this is definitely good for drinkability it does wear on you after awhile as there was no real balance in it to counter-act this. I would have loved to see just a hint of citrus or bitterness going on to make this one a little more balanced. The alcohol is nowhere to be found though if that is more your thing. Worth trying if see it sitting around on the shelves.
★ 880 characters
3.73/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Poured from a bottle into a pint glass at The Lincoln Room in San Diego on June 9, 2012. Had about a finger of head. Color was basically golden. Light gray lacing with good retention on the sides.
Smelled cloves, banana and Circus Peanuts, the usual for me and the majority of Belgian ales. Also got apple, pear, light lemon notes and some spices which I couldn’t recognize.
Tasted pretty similar to the nose. Got cloves, banana, Smelled cloves, banana, apple and pear. Nothing too crazy.
Light-to-medium body. Thin texture. Above average carbonation. Abrupt finish.
Ehh, nothing to great about this beer which is a bit disappointing considering Great Divide and what they put out there.
★ 694 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Poured from a bottle into a pint glass at The Lincoln Room in San Diego on June 9, 2012. Had about a finger of head. Color was basically golden. Light gray lacing with good retention on the sides.
Smelled cloves, banana and Circus Peanuts, the usual for me and the majority of Belgian ales. Also got apple, pear, light lemon notes and some spices which I couldn’t recognize.
Tasted pretty similar to the nose. Got cloves, banana, Smelled cloves, banana, apple and pear. Nothing too crazy.
Light-to-medium body. Thin texture. Above average carbonation. Abrupt finish.
Ehh, nothing to great about this beer which is a bit disappointing considering Great Divide and what they put out there.
★ 694 characters
Hades Ale from Great Divide Brewing Company
3.69
out of 5
based on 719 ratings.
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours crystal clear straw colored under a sudsy white foam cap. Bread and yeast on the nose and palate with light fruit. A very creamy rich texture with a medium light body and above average carbonation.
★ 203 characters