Magic Hat Chaotic Chemistry

Brewed by Magic Hat Brewing Company
Style: Barley Wine
South Burlington, Vermont USA

Bottled: 11/13/02
Batch: 1
Bottle: 51
Brewer: Todd
Hazy medium amber coloring. Small white head that disappeared almost immediately with no lacing at all, which is kinda expected for any cask-aged strong ale. Woody, earthy nose, quite obviously cask aged with a light hop aroma balancing nicely. Medium-heavy body. When cold, the flavor is a perfect blend of maltiness, bitterness (from both the hops and the cask) and alcohol. Nothing overpowers here at all, I guess the oak and hops are the most present but not by much. As it warms the hop bitterness becomes more pronounced. The oak adds a whole new level of complexity. The alcohol is hidden nicely among everything else, doesn’t taste like 10.8% ABV. The aftertaste was a noticeable hop bite that quickly dissipated into very slight bourbon burn, which was quite pleasant, and probably attributed to the casks and the alcohol content. I plan to buy at least one more of these (if I can find it, quantity is incredibly limited) and sit on this for a few years.

I obtained bottle 48 of this beautiful elixir! Amazing flavor, it’s got a little hop to it with a nice alcoholic finish, with the added oak taste of the cask aging, and the color in the glass is amazing! It will give you a nice warm fuzzy after it settles in.

Mouthfeel is almost the consistency of tomato juice. Very heavy. Extrememly malty and sweet, with almost a single malt kind of feel, save the paint thinner alcohol taste. I think this is the best barley wine I've had to date. Brewed to the english style, which is the way I like 'em, yo. Hot Damn!!!!!!!

Had my first experience with Magic Hat Chaotic at Max’s Taphouse on May 30th, 2008 during our trip to see the Red Sox play in Baltimore. After partaking in a few other beers, I had originally wante dto try the JW Lees Barley Wine, but the bartender gave me a smapling of the Magic Hat instead saying it was his favorite and based on my other orders thought I would enjoy this one better. BOY WAS HE RIGHT! this ’beer’ was absolutely amazing, unbelievable aroma, and nice ’kick/bite’ to the after taste. Enjoyed slowly and sipping, do not try to chug this beer or take large gulps, you will ruin the flavor and the experience. My experience was with the Magic Hat Chaotic 2000

After reading the first words of the last two posts....I feel damn guilty. Damn guilty. So thanks to Clarkvv for a bonus bottle from a trade. Batch 3 bottle 476, bottled 11.1.04. The smell reminds me of Sam Adams Triple Bock, and I think thats a good thing. Very heavy of wood and bourbon notes, some light soy sauce, raisin, figs, sugar, caramel, molases.. the list just keeps going on. The flavor is divine, all around smooth and equally complex as the aroma. It really comes off first to me as a sweeter molases malty flavor then has a more tangy mouthfeel with figs, vanilla and dark grapes in the mix. This is definately one of the most enjoyable drinking experiences Ive had. Again, thanks to Clarkvv.

Aroma: very complex--butter, kelp, leather, tulips, strawberries, oak barrels, brown sugar, carmel malts, yeast, bourbon, honey, and red wine tannins
Appearance: murky light brown, bubbly, small white head
Flavor: light brown sugar, carmel, dark wood/fruits, citrus/orange peel, orange blossoms, butter--very complex flavors
Palate: very creamy, mellow, dry hoppy aftertaste
Overall: quite yummy!

Sampler at Capone’s. Pours a deep caramel with a tiny beige head. Aroma of strong bourbon notes, caramel, candied malts and dark fruit. Taste of sweet caramel over a nice bourbon blend. Hints of vanilla, dark fruit and candied malts. Nice warm finish. Excellent !!! Thanks Matt for letting me try this one.

Rating #1000. 2004 bottle, courtesy Ibrew2or3. Ruddy caramel reddish brown color, with a bubbly head and a small ring of lacing remaining on the glass. Aroma is big, bright caramel and raisins, with some currant, tons of wood, and a healthy, big heat presence throughout. Very smooth flavors; sticky caramel, wood, spicy elements, and dark fruit present big time. Medium-bodied, extremely drinkable, and has held up well, and aged perfectly, after all these years. Would love to crack open a bottle of this every year for the rest of my life.