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Magic Hat conjures up some autumn goodness

It’s November, and while it may seem like Christmas and the holidays are right around the corner, we still have plenty of autumn time left before it turns really cold. The cavalcade of “Octoberfest” beers designed to celebrate the season have been rolling along. Just about every major brewer, and micro comes up with their version of a hoppy beer, at times bitter beer that epitomizes what fall is all about- warm days, chilly nights, eating lots of crisp apples, and a good beer to match.

Magic Hat brewing company has come up with two beers that symbolize their version of the season.

Roxy Rolles is the first one. It sort of smells like candy, like what an autumn beer should smell like. The smell of passion fruit is quite noticeable. It also has a smell of coffee (that’s probably the caramel I’m smelling), but it’s definitely fragrant.

On first taste, it is bitter but is tempered by the fruit sweetness. It’s not as bitter as I thought it would be. I’m really surprised I like it, as I’m much more partial to witbiers, hefeweizens, and pale ales. It’s a strong enough taste that it would be great with a steak, something heavy that could help balance out the beer.

It has a deep amber color, a very pretty, deep ruby red. The head is substantial, and the body was medium to light, leaning toward medium.

There’s still enough freshness to it and doesn’t get too heavy. The aftertaste isn’t heavy either but it’s noticeable, without lingering too long. It’s crisp as well. Roxy Rolles is a pretty complex beer.

Magic Hat Roxy Rolles

The second fall beer was Odd Notion. The head of this one is a deep brown color, like chocolate, and the beer itself is very dark brown. This one doesn’t smell good to me. First sniff reminds me of chemicals. The PR notes Magic Hat sent with the beer say it’s supposed to smell like spice with strong roasted notes. When it’s first in your mouth the beer tastes like chocolate at first, then finishes with the roasted taste, like a very deep-roasted chocolate stout. It’s heavier than Roxy Rolles. The aftertaste of Odd Notion hangs around much longer, and is much more bitter. Overall though, the beer is not done badly; it’s just not something I would seek out again.

Magic Hat's Odd Notion Fall 2009

For those who like heavy beers that eat like a meal, they will like Odd Notion. For those who prefer beer to go with dinner or appetizers, they’re better off picking Roxy Rolles.

Whichever one you choose, enjoy it while it lasts!

This entry was posted on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 2:01 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.