Magic Hat No. 9: 23

Aroma: 4 Visual: 3 Taste: 7 Finish: 9
Total: 23

Magic Hat is a very good micro brewery out of Vermont. They seem to be putting out a large amount of good quality craft beer. My first and best affair with Magic Hat is with their Number 9. Not knowing what to expect, I was blown away the first time when I had it on tap. But that was a night of good friends and food. So, here is a more objective review.

Number 9 is a pale ale. It has a very light malty aroma with a hint of sweetness. It pours with a full head. The color is a light amber and slightly cloudy. It has a nice tang when it hits the tongue. Then hits a mild hoppiness. Nothing overpowering. Finally you get some sweetness at the back of the tongue. It goes down smooth and finishes pretty cleanly. A nice linger of hops and some fruit. New web site says the beer is cloaked in mystery. Not long ago they used to tell you what the mystery is. They use a bit of apricot in the beer. This is what adds its sweetness. If you concentrate very hard you can sort of taste it. But otherwise you would never know. This is no fruit beer. It is a very refreshing brew good for a hot day. Though my love affair with Number 9 was hot at first, it survived the test of time with a very respectable 23 overall. I wish it weren't so cloudy and went either lighter in color or a more deep amber. It's medium amber isn't terribly appealing. It could also use a bit more bite up front but it finishes so smoothly and cleanly. It's a great beer to appreciate just one or for a more extended session. Excellent.