Magic Hat #9:

Appearance: Bright copper-gold brew with a rocky white head that laces quickly and falls apart only after numerous tastings.

Aroma: As soon as I opened the bottle and began pouring the beer the aroma of apricot was detected. It intensified as I took the first sip. Then, after sitting for three minutes, the apricot subsided, leaving a more hoppy aroma.

Flavor: The flavor of apricot is the first sensation that subsides and lets the grain accents grow and finally a touch of hop bitterness cleanses the pallet.

Mouth feel: Medium but very creamy.

Finish: After the initial apricot flavor diminishes the finish is not unsimilar to traditional light American ale.

ABV: 4.6%

Comments: This is not the first time I have tasted this brew. However, it is the first time I have had a chance to study it. What I found was a brew that will cause “beer geeks” to shudder and folks just discovering beer to ask why they haven’t tried beer before.

            The folks at Magic Hat marketed this as a summer brew and had to revise their plans when there was a year-round demand. This says more about the United States beer consumer than most studies. They want their beers when they want their beers. Seasonal beers are not just “seasonals” for this crew. This is a crowd that will quaff Russian Imperial Stout in the summer and Wheat Beer in the winter. Go figure!

What others thought:

Beer Advocate:

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/96/299

RateBeer:

http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/magic-hat-9/1314/

RateItAll:

http://www.rateitall.com/search2.aspx?WL=10&searchstring=Magic+Hat+%239

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