Magic Hour
Halcyon Brewing Company

Poured from a crowler into a Seattle Beer Week pint glass. Pours a medium to dark brownish orange with a two finger light khaki head with good retention and lacing. Aroma of dry caramel malt, brown and rye bread, raisins; mild hops. Flavor is dry caramel malt, rye and brown bread, raisins, a touch of nuts and lightly citrus hops with light bitterness in the finish. Medium bodied with light to moderate creaminess. I picked this one after getting a taster that I enjoyed more than other altbiers I've had. Although the malt body is traditional, with bready, lightly caramel malt and dark fruit, the hops were brighter and appealing to me. Most alts I've had have classic noble hops and I thought this used more West Coast style hops; it turns out to be hopped with liberty and sterling hops, both North American descendants of noble hops and one has cascade in its heritage. For my taste, this gives it a more refreshing taste with a touch of citrus rather than grassiness. This is an easy drinker with a lot of flavor character for a moderate ABV ale.