Review

Magic Hat
Circus Boy Beer

Magic Hat Brewing Co. (North American Breweries Inc.), South Burlington, Vermont, USA.

Magic Hat Brewing Co. 

Magic Hat was established in Burlington in 1994 and in 1997 moved to their current larger site in South Burlington. In 2004 Pyramid brewing (Seattle, Washington) bought MacTarnahan's Brewing (Portland, Oregon) and in 2008 Magic Hat bought both of these breweries to create Independent Breweries United of Vermont. In return North American Breweries Inc. (from Rochester, New York) acquired all three of these breweries in 2010.

Tours at Magic Hat (including self-guided) are available year round, see website for hours. The Growler Bar onsite has all the current beers available plus some experimental brews.

Hefeweizen or American Wheat Ale.

Apollo hops, lemongrass, pale malt and wheat.

American Hefeweizen.

Based on a German Hefeweizen but with lemongrass added towards the end of production and is unfiltered.

Color is pale golden yellow with a cloudy haze. Has a small white head that dies quickly, with little or no lacings visible, and light constant bubble carbonation.

5.5 Degrees SRM

11.25 Degrees Plato

4.5% ABV (9 Proof).

15 IBU

The origin of the name is unknown.

$1.65 per 12 oz bottle. Available all year round in the USA. Try online at: Ancona’s Wine & Liquors, Get Wines, Short Hills Wine or Sunset Corners.

Bottle poured into glass.

Pours cloudy, as you should expect for wheat ale, so gently rouse it to agitate the yeast settlement before you open and pour.

On the nose is citrus and sweet honey bread. On the palate is wheat, citrus, yeast and a little hop with a dash of spice or pepper. The short aftertaste is dry and refreshingly tart, with a lemon soapy water finish and faint minerals.

Smooth easy drinking, great all year round but this beer is particularly good for summer. The finish is not necessarily to everyone’s liking, however we enjoyed it and particularly like the light refreshing lemon flavor. Often served with a slice of lemon, if this is not to your taste then omit accordingly.

Unknown.