Magic Hat Vinyl
Vermont’s Magic Hat Brewing has been one of those company’s whose products tend to make the random appearance in the beer fridge throughout the year. In the Summer a sixer of Circus Boy has shown up in the past, while their flagship #9 has also settled in from time to time. Never really remaining in constant rotation, I’ve always bought Magic Hat’s beers on a whim — they are a solid standby for when I can’t find something in particular that I’m looking for.
Having the opportunity to sample Vinyl, a 5.1% ABV amber lager, I could see a beer like this having more staying power on the shelves of my beer fridge. I could easily picture myself enjoying a bottle or two of this brew after a long Spring day playing outside, hiking, biking or what have you. It’s got a refreshing character that is ideal for those slightly warmer April and May days.
Appearance
Vinyl pours a clear amber in color with a one finger, off-white head.
Aroma
A clean lager smells wafts up as expected with a solid malt character, light caramel, a touch of fruit (apple?) and a subtle citrus hop presence.
Taste
This crisp, clean lager starts off with a solid bit of lightly roasted malt up front that transitions smoothly through caramel and grain on its way to a lightly biting hop finish. The hop character isn’t overly bitter, but adds a nice counterpoint to the slightly sweet malt component. It’s a tasty brew that is well balanced and has a refreshing edge about it. At a relatively low level of alcohol, the beer is easy drinking.
Overall
Like I said in the intro, I could certainly see a couple of six packs filling up space in the fridge when this seasonal beer is released. It’s a clean, easy drinking lager that’s balanced nicely between malt/hops, quite approachable and full flavored.
Rating: 3.75/5
This is a review of a promotional sample received from the brewery.