Magic Hat #9: An Amateurish Beer Review

Tonight, I'm taking a break from my usual northwestern fare in order to try a brew from Vermont. According to Magic Hat Brewing Company,

#9 NOT QUITE PALE ALE

An ale whose mysterious and unusual palate will swirl across your tongue & ask more than it answers. Brewed clandestinely & given a name whose meaning is never revealed. Why[?]

A sorta, dry, crisp, refreshing, not quite pale ale whose mysterious and unusual palate will swirl across your tongue with subtle notes of fruit and a floral hop bitterness. Beyond that, we dare not tell you more, for with each sip, mysteries are revealed and still more questions raised.

Hmm. I'm not sure what to make of that, or of the beer. The label says it's an "ale with natural flavor." The smell has a sweet fruity note. The taste is strangely sweet and fruity. Honey? Maybe. Apricot? Also maybe. It's weird, rather sweet (have I mentioned that enough?), and not very bitter, but somehow not unbalanced. There's a bit of a floral aftertaste, too. I guess I'd say it's a decent fruit beer, and I might give it a try again. It's not a new favorite, but I don't hate it, and it is interesting.

Image credit: Magic Hat Brewing Company

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