Mardi Gras
Magic Hat Brewing Company

Before they crossed over this beer from a weizenbock (?) to a porter, they were engaging in a weird mashup of style issue in its marketing. Amber in color, 1/2" off white head.

I thought the artwork was dope, but at the same time, their descriptors left me wondering what the fuck is this bottle of beer they are trying to kick down. There is caramel here, I'm not really picking up wheat though. Some toffee and dark fruit notes in there.

Would not bang again. I'm not a magic hat fan.

 

 

Really cool looking purple bottle, "says flavored not quite pale ale on it." Huh? Light brown color, wow, I totally thought with the name mardi gras, it would be something much less challenging in appearance, easygoing, much less what it says on the label. Love how they say "3/4 pint."

Caramel comes across in the aroma and the taste, a little rough around the edges, not a mess, but, there's definitely a lot going on here from a spicy hop presence with apricot to a pepper feel and nuts.

I had no idea what I was in for on this one. Was a cool adventure, but not my kind of beer when I wanna be outdoors.

On tap many times around Burlington in March of 2005 (and going back years for that matter,) including Higher Ground, Nectars, Manhattans, Three Needs, RiRas, and American Flatbread.

Served a beautiful deep amber with a sexy tan headskie. There is a rich flavor in this beer which makes one crave more and more of it. Party!!! This is one of Magic Hat's most special beers and is reason alone to make the trip to the capital of the east coast of New England during Mardi Gras festival. Great music, great party, and great beer! Go MH go!

But seriously, this is one of the most wonderful weizens from a brewery not well known for wheat styles. Don't pass up a chance to taste this one!

1/2 gallon growler fresh from the brewery.

Foamy, lightly tan head that's glued to the sides of the glass. Whispy lacing with above average strength. Near opaque, caramel-light auburn in color.

Dark chocolate, light mocha. Slightly earthy/musty odor; a whiff of alcohol as well. Also, hints of pepper adding some spice. Light apple tartness but not nearly as much fruitiness or tartness indicative of the style.

Light coffee, dark chocolate; very earthy tasting at first. A spicy/muddy malt character, not quite roasted. Light apple, orange sourness with some pepper. Dry finish with an earthy and light chocolate aftertaste. Flavorwise, this weizenbock leans toward the chocolate maltiness end of the spectrum rather than the citric-tartness that both categorize the style.

Thick, medium bodied; A touch prickly on the palate, but it coats the palate well.

Very unique, especially for a magic hat brew. The abv is well hidden which makes this brew rather drinkable. Worth a try when it's available.

A rich chestnut color with a thick oatmeal-colored head. Aromas of malt, caramel, and fruit. Mouthfeel is creamy and thick. Can almost feel the weight of it on the tongue, but it still tickles as it rolls over. Flavor is a bit sweet, but a bit spicy and tart all at the same time. Malt and fruit flavors are rich, full of plum and spiked with some raisin. Finishes with some toffee, and a bitterness lingers, but I can't tell if it's hops poking through or the fruity tartness. Surprisingly potent ABV, but doesn't hurt the flavor.

I had this on tap, and i can't imagine a better beer for mardi-gras in Burlington. The beer pours quite dark red/black, and is a little on the opaque side ? but is still quite attractive. It's a rich, warming beer with strong chocolate and caramel flavors, a mild hopping, and a pleasant but subtle yeast flavor. I didn't notice the taste of the alcohol, but wouldn't be surprised if it was a bit strong.