The Rebel Brewing Company Eighty Shilling

The Rebel Brewing Company Eighty Shilling

Style: Scotch Ale

Alcohol Content: 5%

From: Penryn, Cornwall, England

Purchased from: Noble Green Wines, Hampton Hill
http://www.rebelbrewing.co.uk/

"I love scotch. Scotchy, scotch, scotch. Here it goes down, down into my belly..." Ron Burgundy

The Rebel Brewing Company is a multi-award winning independent craft brewery based in Penryn, Cornwall. The brewery currently produces a range of six core beers and a craft range consisting of five rotating lines (their Chocolate Vanilla Stout, Mexi Coco was the recipient of Carma's prestigious Champion Beer of Cornwall in 2013). Currently Rebel supply over 500 outlets in Cornwall, Devon and the rest of the U.K. This number is growing very quick as their reputation continues to grow.

They also offer a brewery tour for a meager £12, where the designated driver receives a gift pack of beers to take away. Now everyone can go home happy. The subject of this review is their Eighty Shilling Scotch ale. Now if you are a fan of scotch style ales, you will no doubt notice that a large number of them are labeled as Eighty Shilling. But what does this term actually mean? We the name Eighty Shilling refers to the name of a tax charged on a 54 gallon hogshead for beer between 4-5.5% alcohol in 19th century Scotland. So onto the review.

Colour: Pours a dark chestnut neatly topped with a light tan coloured head. This head lingers for the duration of the beer and laces the glass perfectly. If you hold this beer up to the light you will notice a red hue resonating from the bottom of the glass.

Aroma: This malty bomb sings to notes of sweet caramel, dried fruit and currents. As the drink warms, hints of smoke and dark chocolate begin to resonate though the aroma profile. This drink actually smells like a high quality single malt and hopefully, it will drink like one too (especially after the week I have had).

Body: What a beautifully silky mouthfeel! This drink covers every single part of your mouth with a feeling of rich velvet and slips down the throat with an easy of a lazy sunday morning. The incredibly low carbonation ensures that this sensation stays with you sip after sip.

Taste: Very rich and incredibly sweet. The dried fruit and molasses present in the perfume return with avengeance leading a full scale assault on your tastes buds. Luckily, this onslaught of sweetness never becomes too sickly and is playfully cut though with a delicate peaty smokiness. As the drink warms, its characteristics change slightly to real notes of coffee and yeasty marmite. This is definitely not a drink to be rushed, so stoke the fire, sit back in your favorite leather armchair and relax.    

Similar to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/gordon-finest-scotch-ale.html

Different to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/redchurch-brewery-soreditch-blonde.html

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Moor Beer Company Illusion

Moor Beer Company Illusion

Style: Black IPA

Alcohol content: 4.7%

From: Pitney, Somerset, England

Purchased from: Cost cutters, Somerton
http://moorbeer.co.uk/

As you may be aware from reading my previous blogs, I am a big fan of the West county. My father grew up not far from Yeovil, so the culture and history of the glorious west has always been in my blood. As some of you may be aware, Yeovil town recently played Manchester United in the FA cup. Whilst they may of lost by an incredibly fine margin, the match has been able to showcase the best parts of Somerset culture; warmth and pure determination. As the area continues to recover from the horrendous floods of 2014, I truly hope that Yeovil's showing has helped brighten some very dark days. But what has this got to do with beer I hear you cry? Well this particular beer is brewed in one of the areas most affected areas.

The Moor Beer Company was formed in 1996 on a small dairy farm in Somerset. They originality started brewing beers that matched the local heritage of Somerset, but soon branched out upon the arrival of Justin and Maryann Hawke. Justin is a Californian native, and brought with him a tendency of fusing real ales with more aggressively flavoured beers from the United States. This has lead to an amazingly diverse range of mind boggling creations. As I always say, change is a good thing! Here is a review of their Black IPA aptly named Illusion.

Colour: This beer pours a midnight black complete with a one finger high, tan coloured head. Head is tightly packed but not creamy looking. Holding the glass up to the light, you will notice a warming red run to the beer. Looks very inviting I must say.

Aroma: As soon as you pop the cap, a floral perfume of pine and a grapefruit citrus will rise to greet you from the bottle. The use of roasted malts help to add very subtle hints of chocolate and coffee. You can smell they're present, but it does not overpower the citrus notes.

Body: On your first sip you will feel a grainy texture. Personally, it's been a very long time since I have felt such a sensation so I was rather surprised by the mouth feel. Upon further investigation, I discovered that the Moor Beer company do not use finings to clarify their beers. By shunning the use of isinglass, all Moor beer are served with a hazy/unfiltered complexion, hence the gritty residuals left behind on my tongue. Naturally, this helps to add a depth to the mouth feel which you would not normally associate with a black IPA. Not the smoothest drinker on the planet but  you will get used to it.          

Taste: On your first sip bold notes of juicy grapefruit and grapes dominate from the get go. These flavours dull over time to reveal a middle fuelled by delicate notes of coffee and milk chocolate. The finish is dry and in my opinion a little rough. Here the grainy mouth feel kicks and blends a little awkwardly with the sticky, resinous hops for my tastes. Would I drink it again? Certainly, but perhaps on draft rather than in the bottle.

Similar to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/windsor-and-eton-conqueror-black-ipa.html

Different to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/williams-bros-fraoch-heather-ale.html

For the latest news on reviews follow me on twitter @beefsbrewery or like me on Facebook at Beefsbrewery

New Belgium Brewing Company Snapshot

New Belgium Brewing Company Snapshot
Style: Wheat Beer

Alcohol Content: 5%

From: Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

Purchased From: Great British Beer Festival 2014, Olympia, United Kingdom

http://www.newbelgium.com/Home.aspx

New Belgium was established in 1991 after its founder, Jeff Lebesch, decided to take his homebrewing passion commercially. The name New Belgium originates from a bicycle trip the founders took through Belgium in the late 80's. They would cycle from brewery to brewery, sampling beer as they went (sounds like bliss to me). Almost every label has been designed by watercolourist Anne Fitch. Anne has often been credited with helping the brewery develop so quickly due to her eye catching designs. Infact this partnership has helped New Belgium become the third largest craft beer brewery in the United States.

Not resting on their laurels, in 2013 the brewery became completely owned by their employees through an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). The quirky corporate culture this generates helped New Belgium to be recognised as one of INC magazine's "25 Most Audacious Companies to work". The brewery is primarily based in Fort Collins where they produce over 700,000 barrels of beer each year.        

Colour: Pours a very pale straw yellow and is completely clear. Personally, I like to add the yeast into my wheat beers, so I naturally left a small amount of beer in my bottle and gave it a quickly swirl around. Normally this removes all the yeast that clings to the inside of the bottle, however, in the case of this beer, no yeast seems to be picked up and the drink remains crystal clear.

Aroma: Definitely not the most perfumed beer on the market, but you can pick up notes of zesty citrus fruits subtlety juxtaposed by the hints of creamed wheat. It certainly smells like a archetypal wheat beer. Perhaps this drink can now rise to the occasion.

Body: At first the body feels very rich and creamy. The incredibly low level of carbonation helps add to this depth. However, unlike the majority of the beers I review, this beer actually felt thinner in the mouth once it has warmed. It appears to become more watery as the temperature rises. The hints of citrus help to clear the slight clogging sensation on every sip. Mix this with the watery body and you have a real thirst quencher on your hands. Totally not what I was expecting from this beer.

Taste: To be honest, this is not the most flavoursome beer I have ever tasted. Sharp citrus notes completely dominate the subtle hints of creamed wheat and yeast. It all feels rather unbalanced much like the current Arsenal team. Lots of upfront zest, but no defensive body. The finish is slightly tart and ends incredibly dry. I hate to say it, but I think this beer is quite similar to Coors' Blue Moon. A thirst quenching wheat beer that has unfortunately failed to make its mark on me.

Similar to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/blanche-de-bruxelles.html

Different to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/ommegang-hennepin.html

For the latest news on reviews follow me on twitter @beefsbrewery or like me on Facebook at Beefsbrewery

Kona Brewing Company Castaway IPA

Kona Brewing Company Castaway IPA
Style: IPA

Alcohol Content: 6%

From: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA

Purchased from: Great British Beer Festival

http://konabrewingco.com/

Well Aloha everybody and welcome to another review from Beefsbrewey. As you may of guessed, this week we are reviewing a beer from Hawaii called Castaway from the Kona Brewing company. The Company was founded in the spring of 1994 by father and son team Cameron Healy and Spoon Khalsa. Setting up shop on the "Big Island" in the outskirts of Kailua-Kona, the company now distributes to 36 states and 10 countries, with more than 220,000 barrels of beer sold in 2012. After three restaurants and a airport franchise later, Kona decided to install a 229 kW solar energy generating system capable of generating 60 percent of the breweries energy needs in early 2010. This soon turned out to be one of the final investments the family in made in the brewery before handing the keys over to Craft Brew Alliance later that same year.

Colour: Pours a bright copper with a slight yellow hue. As soon as the liquid hits the bottom of the glass a depth charge of brilliant white foam will rise from the depth and stay for the duration of your drinking experience. This drink is a thing of pure beauty!

Aroma: Just like an tropical Hawaiian beach, notes of delicate flowers mix with sweet, juicy pineapple. As the drink warms, subtle hints of sweet peach iced tea and crisp pine being to shine though. A lovely fresh nose, that's ever so sweet and inviting.

Body: Whilst on holiday, I always love to kick back with a light, refreshing beer whilst I watch the surfers wipe out in the waves. Castaway IPA is the perfect match for this scenario. Refreshingly crisp, with just a slight amount of clogging on the back of the throat to help ensure you savour every sip. The soft carbonation tickles the back of your throat all the way down to your stomach. Perfection!

Taste: The pineapple from the notes nose translate through to taste. The sumptuous pineapple notes soon give way to a dry, spicy and warming finish. The warming helps to round out the flavour and includes hints of the aforementioned peach notes. Considering that this IPA contains a "meagre" six percentage alcohol content, the ABV really powers through and is actually rather surprising. As the drink warms, the blending of Galaxy, Citra, Simcoe and Millennium hops seem to get more bitter as the drink progresses. A very lively beer that I would love to drink more and more of.

Wilson!!!

Similar to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/partizan-brewing-ipa-bobek-amarillo.html

Different to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/victory-prima-pils.html

For the latest news on reviews follow me on twitter @beefsbrewery or like me on Facebook at Beefsbrewery

Weird Beard Brewing Company Chinook

Weird Beard Brewing Company Chinook
Style: Barrel Aged Brown Ale

Alcohol Content: 7.4%

From: Hanwell, London, UK

Purchased From: Real Ale Shop, Richmond upon Thames, London, England

http://weirdbeardbrewco.com/

After another busy week at work I was really looking forward to attending Craft 100 this weekend. But alas, just like my attempt to visit craft beer rising, my hopes were dashed by illness yet again. This time it was myself who caught the dreaded bug, it was my long time drinking buddy Jon. After sulking for a couple of hours i decided to pick myself up and write a number blogs over the weekend. Here is one of them, Weird Beard Brewing Company Chinook. 

Weird Beard Brewing company is based in Hanwell, West London. Like most brewers, the company’s founders, Gregg and Bryan, first began brewing beers in their kitchen’s. After winning numerous home brewing awards, the dynamic duo decided to up the ante and turn their hobby into a business. And before you ask, yes, Gregg and Bryan do sport some very impressive facial hair (Daniel Bryan would be proud!). Now as my best friend is moving into this area later this year, no doubt I will be popping in to check the beard’s and beers out for myself.

Colour: Pours a thick, dark brown with minimal head. This head will lace your glass perfectly thought the duration of your drinking experience. The also opaque liquid helps to create a sense of mystery that will intoxicate you like young mistress in a summer dress. 

Aroma: Not the most perfumed beer in the world as it only uses the Chinook hop. This hop adds a slight pine and citrus note to the aroma profile. If you get your nose right in there you will be able to pick out notes of rich molasses mixed with smoky bourbon. Slight hints of warming, dry alcohol will also rise from the glass to sting your nostrils. Very subtle aromas that are perfectly blended to draw you further into this drink.

Body: On your first sip you could be forgiven in thinking that you are indeed drinking a bourbon. The beer feels very sticky and will clog the back of your throat on every single sip. The warming alcohol will burn slightly on the way down like a good whisky should. This is definitely not a beer to rush, so sit back and relax while drinking it.

Taste: As I eluded to before, this beer has been aged in bourbon barrels. The barrels have imparted notes of sweet, smoky bourbon combined with slight hints of oak. These flavours are beautifully juxtaposed by the use of the Chinook hop. The hop provides a citrus note which helps cut through the smokiness slight to refresh your palate.  The finish is beautifully sweet to start but is followed by an intensely bitter and warming alcohol finish. This is the second bourbon aged ale I have reviewed, (the first being Founders Backwoods Bastard). Between the two, I preferred the Founders as it was slightly sweeter than Weird Beards attempt but that’s down to personal taste as this is an excellent effort.   

Similar to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/founders-backwoods-bastard.html

Different to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/arbor-ale-monsoon-saison.html

For the latest news on reviews follow me on twitter @beefsbrewery or like me on Facebook at Beefsbrewery

Maui Brewing Company Aloha B'ak'tun

Maui Brewing Company Aloha B'ak'tun

Style: Belgian Stout

Alcohol Content: 7%

From: Lahaina, Hawaii

Purchased from: The Beer Bouquet, Putney
http://mauibrewingco.com/

At some point in life every man will get the dreaded "man flu". This week was my turn to get the bug. My symptoms are as follows; Arms as heavy as lead, a nose running like a tap and a live heavy metal band playing in my skull. Just what you want over the weekend. After being drugged up to the eyeballs, I some how managed to stumble into the office. Of course one of the worst parts of being ill is that you can't drink. So as I dry out for a few days, I have to dig deep into my little black book to bring you some reviews that I have yet to write up. Here is one of them, Maui Brewing Aloha B'ak'tun.

The Maui Brewing formed in 2005 on the Hawaiian Island of Lahaina. In their nine year existence, the brewery has won numinous awards and opened a successful brewpub. I have always wanted to try their coconut porter, but alas, I can never get hold of it. So when I saw a limited edition Belgian stout by Maui, I snapped it up immediately.

Oh Aloha!

Colour: Pours a dark, oily black with a fluffy tan coloured head. This dissipates down to a few clumps of foam after a few minutes.

Aroma: Big, bold coffee and cocoa note cascade out of the glass like Niagara Falls. This is complemented by mild notes of cloves, cinnamon and spicy pepper. It's all very Christmassy I must say.

Body: Thick and oily like a traditional stout should be. The mouthfeel is incredibly similar to that of the fantastic Kernel 1890 export stout recipe that I reviewed last month. The coffee notes blend perfectly with the oily texture to coat the back of your throat. This ensure a slow, lingering drinking experience. So take your time and unwind.

Taste: This drink has an incredibly complex palate. So here goes! Massive hints of coffee and bitter dark chocolate will fill swam you taste buds. This is then swiftly cut through by a peppery, smoke filled aftertaste. This sensation comes from the addition of the hops, cinnamon and chipotle chillies. These additional ingredients add a great depth to the flavour and help to reinforce the sear quality of this brew. The only slight negative thing I could say is that there seemed to be a slight metallic/acidic aftertaste to this beer. Perhaps this comes from the the use of a can instead of a bottle. That being said, it's very rich and extremely satisfying, a perfect winter warmer.

Similar to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/ellezelloise-hercule-stout.html

Different to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/wild-beer-company-scarlet-fever.html

For the latest news on reviews follow me on twitter @beefsbrewery or like me on Facebook at Beefsbrewery

Wild Beer Company Scarlet Fever

Wild Beer Company Scarlet Fever
Style: Amber Ale

Alcohol Content: 4.8%

From: Westcombe, Somerset, United Kingdom

Purchased From: Real Ale Shop, Richmond Upon Thames

http://wildbeerco.com/

So for Christmas my girlfriend went above and beyond to get me the perfect gift. Firstly was a trip to the Duck and Waffle. If you are not familiar with this establishment, it is a 24 hour restaurant located on the 40^th floor of Heron Tower, London. Whilst there, we enjoyed a slap up meal and a cocktails to boot. The second gift meant even more to me. After talking on and on about taking my first official steps into becoming a qualified beer sommelier, Emma paid for me to attend the foundation course at London’s prestigious Beer Academy. To say I am excited is an understatement and I cannot wait to get started on the 18^th of March.  In the meantime, I will be continuing to write these blogs as a “novice”.

The idea for Wild Beer came to the founders Andrew and Brett during the Great British Beer festival. Disappointed by the lack of breweries producing ales with natural flavourings, the duo approached Arbor Ales to help them realise their vision. A few months later, a dark, barrel-aged beer cultivated with wild yeasts appeared under the name Modus Operandi (a Latin phrase, approximately translated as "method of operation"). Due to the beers success, they moved to their own brewery based on Lower Westcombe Farm in Somerset to continue their metamorphic rise. And it’s paid off, with the brewery winning the New Business of the Year Award at the Somerset Business Awards. Well done guys! The subject of this review is Wild Beer Company’s Scarlet Fever.

Got the Fever??

Colour: This drink pours a thick, rich, ruby red with a slightly tan coloured foam. Now, it took me almost five minutes to fully pour this beer as the head just kept coming and coming.  Don't be fooled into thinking that its due to heavy carbonation, as it was certainly due to multiple opening and closing of my fridge door during the festive season. The thick layer of foam will linger around for duration of the beer.  

Aroma: Although this is not the most potent smelling beer, citrus notes mixed with grass or a bouquet of freshly cut flowers are present in the nose. Sometimes it pays to have a little instead of a lot.

Body: This beer has a very refined, polished body which makes it easily accessible to all comers. The medium mouth-feel helps to create a  slight clogging effect on the back of your throat with every sip.

Taste: Tangy citrus and floral notes, slowly melt into a smooth caramel and a bready sweetness due to the use of English malts, slight reminiscent of a robust, earthy English Porter. The end is very crisp and dry, with a mild bitterness provided by the floral hops. Whilst not being the most flavoursome beer on the market, it would certainly go very nicely with the Sunday roast due to its perfect balancing of flavours. I will certainly be going back to this beer next time I visit my parents. 

Similar to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/brakspear-bitter.html

Different to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/samuel-adams-noble-pils.html

For the latest news on reviews follow me on twitter @beefsbrewery or like me on Facebook at Beefsbrewery

Weird Beard Brewing Company Hit The Fairy Lights

Weird Beard Brewing Company Hit The Fairy Lights 
Style: Pale Ale

Alcohol Content: 4.6%

From: Hanwell, London, UK

Purchased From: Real Ale Shop, Richmond upon Thames, London, England

http://weirdbeardbrewco.com/

So, Christmas 2013 has come and gone faster than you can say Santa Claus. As per usual, I became a gluttonous monster, devouring cheese by the kilo and drinking wine by the gallon. Quite frankly, I was quite pleased to “halt the assault” on my bowel’s and take it easy. After a few days of “drying out”, my inner booze hound returned. After returning to my parents, my dad was kind enough to offer me his remaining Christmas ales. With glee I picked out a beer that I had never tried before; Weird Beard Brewing’s Hit the fairy Lights. Interestingly, this was a Pale ale rather than the generic (and somewhat boring) brown beer that is produced around the festive season. As this was slightly out of the ordinary, I decided to review it. But first a bit on the brewery.

Weird Beard Brewing company is based in Hanwell, West London. Like most brewers, the company’s founders, Gregg and Bryan, first began brewing beers in their kitchen’s. After winning numerous home brewing awards, the dynamic duo decided to up the ante and turn their hobby into a business. And before you ask, yes, Gregg and Bryan do sport some very impressive facial hair. Now as my best friend is moving into this area later this year, no doubt I will be popping in to check the beard’s and beers out for myself.

Colour: Pours a bright, marmalade orange toppled with a dusting of foam. As this drink is bottle conditioned, some yeast also dropped into the glass. Naturally, this caused the drink to become cloudy like a Belgian Wit beer, so it’s best to pour this drink slowly.

Aroma: Big, bold notes of bitter orange peel present themselves straight away. This dances playfully with peppery coriander, to fool you into thinking that it’s Christmas day all over again.  When these sensations die down, a very subtle sweetness will start to revel its self, which helps to take the edge off of the orange. A very well hopped beer in my opinion.

Body: Very Light and spritzy like a good pale ale should be. The zesty orange flavouring cleanses your palate on every sip, leaving a fresh, dry sensation in the mouth.  

Taste: During the boil, fresh oranges and star anise are added to the brew kettle, which helps to both perfume and flavour the beer. For the aroma, it works very well. However, for the taste, it misses the target slightly. Granted, there is a bitter orange taste, but it feels slightly watered down or manufactured. The use of star anise helps to create a warming spiciness which compliments the dry crisp finish. Although not without its faults, it’s a perfect refresher after a Christmas dinner  and makes a welcome change to the dull, brown ales normally drank at this time of year. With a little refinement, it would fit my palate perfectly. 

Similar to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/moa-brewery-blanc.html

Different to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/flying-dog-gonzo-porter.html

For the latest news on reviews follow me on twitter @beefsbrewery or like me on Facebook at Beefsbrewery

Stone Brewing Company Levitation Ale

Stone Brewing Company Levitation Ale

Style: Amber Ale

Alcohol Content: 4.4%

From: Escondido, California, United States

Purchased from: Real Ale Shop, Richmond Upon Thames

http://www.stonebrew.com/

Stone Brewing Co. is a craft brewery headquartered in Escondido, California. Founded in 1996 in San Marcos, California, it is the largest brewery in Southern California. As of 2012, it was the 10th largest craft brewery in the United States and 17th largest brewery overall, based on sales volume.

Established in 1996, the brewery's first beer was Stone Pale Ale, which they consider to be its flagship ale.Most of their beers are characteristic of west-coast craft brews, meaning that they have a high hop content. Stone beers are bottled in 22 ounce bottles, 12 oz six packs, and occasionally 3 liter bottles (thats one big beer). The beers available in six-packs are the Stone Pale Ale, Stone IPA, Stone Levitation Ale, Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale, and Stone Ruination IPA. Stone uses 22 ounce bottles to feature their "bigger character" beers and Stone Special Releases. Compared to most brewers, many Stone brews feature alcohol percentages that are well above average. The alcohol-by-volume content of Stone brews ranges from 4.4% to well over 11%.

Is the devil in the glass?

Colour: Pours a rich chestnut brown. If you have tried Meantime's Yakima red, then you will be familiar with the colour. There's a dense white head which stays around for the duration of the drink. So far so good.

Aroma: Once poured, you can pick out notes of elderflower mixed with grapefruit cut with sweet lime. When you take your first sip, you are bombarded with fresh pine needles and gooseberries. As the drink warms you will be able to pick out hints of smoky peat which helps to add an earthy quality to this beer.

Body: Surprisingly light to drink with excellent lacing in the glass. Very smooth in the mouth and this liquid will leave a light coating on the back of your throat that will make you beg for more. Pure bliss!

Taste: This drink has a rather complex flavour profile. First, you will be presented with the tastes of sweetened citrus fruits such as lime, grapefruit and orange. These are then held together by a robust chestnut. As with most ales in this style, there is a very bitter finish with just an edge of sweetness and a hint of saltiness. This will help cleanse your palate after each sip. I really enjoyed this beer and will certainly be going back for more.

Similar to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/brewdog-dead-pony-club.html

Different to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/partizan-brewing-ipa-bobek-amarillo.html

For the latest news on reviews follow me on twitter @beefsbrewery or like me on Facebook at Beefsbrewery

Magic Hat Brewing Number 9 Not Quite Pale Ale

Magic Hat Brewing Number 9 Not Quite Pale Ale

Style: Pale Ale

Alcohol Content: 5.1%

From: Burlington, Vermont, United States 

Purchased from: Rays Wines, Ashford
http://www.magichat.net/

Magic Hat Brewing Company was formed in 1994 in Burlington, Vermont. It moved to its current South Burlington location in 1997. By 2005 it had 64 employees. In 2008 the company purchased Pyramid Breweries, makers of the Pyramid and MacTarnahan's brands, expanding to 129 employees. In 2010 Magic Hat (including Pyramid) was acquired by North American Breweries of Rochester, New York. In December 2012, the parent company was purchased by Cerveceria Costa Rica, a unit of the Costa Rican company Florida Ice & Farm Co.

Magic hat describes this beer in the following way; "A beer cloaked in secrecy. An ale whose mysterious and usual palate will swirl across your tongue and ask more questions than it answers". Has this brewery come over all Harry Potter on us or is this beer a hidden gem? Well let's find out. Expelliarmus!!!!

The Hypnotic Label of Number 9

Colour: Once in the glass, you will notice that this beer does not look like the typical pale ale. It has a light copper colour with a reddish hue. It remind me of a lighter Meantime Yakima Red. The head is very small and it literally disappears in seconds after it's poured.

Aroma: Full of crunchy biscuits, pine needles and apricot notes. The aromas from this beer are quite faint and feel rather watered down and restrained (which is a shame).

Body: Quite light and extremely refreshing due to the taste (you will read about that below). A little thin in the mouth due to the low level of carbonation and the it's slightly watery consistency. The pale and crystal malts used to create this brew unfortunately do not add to much to the body.

Taste: This is where this drink comes into its own. It is completely different from any pale ale that you will ever try. Big ballsy raspberry or strawberry notes present themselves on the first sip. The drink is also quite sweet and there are no hints of tartness from the berries. As the drink warms, rich pumpkin and tangerine notes begin to present themselves. These fruity notes are juxtaposed by a mild bitter finish which holds the drink together perfectly.

Truly Magically

Similar To: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/meantime-raspberry-wheat.html
Different To: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/partizan-brewing-ipa-bobek-amarillo.html

For the latest news on reviews follow me on twitter @beefsbrewery or like me on Facebook at Beefsbrewery