Magic Hat Jinx

Formerly brewed at Magic Hat Brewing Company
Style: Smoked
South Burlington, Vermont USA

Serve in Dimpled mug, Lager glass, Stein

send corrections   |   shelftag   |   edit barcodes   |   add pic

Label says "Peat-smoked seasonal"; website calls it a "SeptemberOctoberNovemberFest" beer. Label says "An ale inspired by the doctrines of medieval chemists." Uses peat-smoked whiskey malt, among many others. Pours a deep caramel, crystal clear with a good bit of bubbles rising to the top creating about an inch thick bubbly head that lasts and eventually fades to a thin cap. Carbonation very sprightly and a good swirl brings the head back quickly. Nose is subtle, but I deteted sweet malt and fruit aroma -- maybe grape and raisin. The beer tastes strongly of caramel and coffee; chocolate; maybe a slight hint of a sweet bourbon bite. Obvious roasted flavor, roasted raisins if that’s possible, or maybe roasted red peppers, with a bitter and very earthy aftertaste. Good mouthfeel, satisfying but not syrupy. Fairly drinkable though the bitter aftertaste does give me pause. A really interesting beer -- subtle and elusive.

Probably my favorite Magic Hat. I recommend A fresh growler from the brewery. Out of a bottle just does not taste the same. Its a very pleasant color of warm brown like maple syrup. It has a full and sticky off white head that smells of scotch and hopps. The taste is similar to the smell. There are hints of scotch and smokiness, brown sugar and carmel. But the addition of the hops balances it all out perfectly. I am not to keen on sweet beers. I prefer IPA’s and bitterness. But the sweetness and scotch flavors are balanced just right by the hops. One of my favorite seasonal beers to drink throughout the fall.

Beautiful pour and a taste that reminds me of a New England autumn. Nice head out of the bottle is a nice touch.