#9 (Magic Hat)

It only seems fitting that Magic Hat would have a flagship beer that is a "not quite pale ale" infused with apricot. You really can't expect anything less from such an eccentric group of people. Nevertheless, this was my first introduction to Magic Hat back in the day and I was a big fan.

Things have changed a bit when it comes to my palate. I am not such a fan of sweet, fruit laden beers. I do love the taste of apricots so that could be a big reason why I was originally drawn to this one.

Pours super clean, clear and rather dark apricot in color (can I call it that?). Anyways, this is a nice amber colored beer with absolutely no imperfections in the glass. Its super clean with a nice thick white head. The smell is actually kind of like hay infused with fruit syrup. I can't think of a better way to describe it. The actual apricot smell is not overly detectable, its a sweet fruit smell but to make it out as a apricot would take some skills.

Taste is immediately sweet and fruity with a drying slightly hoppy aftertaste. Its definitely apricot-ey once it gets in your mouth. But, I think that is a good fruit for beer. Its not overbearing or overly sweet and doesn't take all the other qualities of the beer away. I guess once you are over the apricot taste of this beer, there isn't a whole lot left. Its not a bad beer, it is what it is. If you've never had it, give it a shot. There are worse fruit beers out there and if you went by the amount of beer sold, this one is a winner for Magic Hat!

If you like Magic Hat's #9 be sure to check out these closely related beers:

Dogfish Head Aprihop

Pyramid Apricot Weizen

Middle Ages Apricot Ale

BEER FACTS

Name: #9

Style: Pale Ale, Fruit Ale (Apricot)

Brewery: Magic Hat Brewing Company

Location: Burlington, Vermont, USA

Container: 12 oz. bottle

Malts: Pale & Crystal
Hops: Cascade & CTZ

ABV: 4.6%

IBU’s: 18