May 22, 2013

Magic Hat HiCu

I’ve had a few vegetable based beers in my time, but I don’t recall one having any cucumber in it, or at least, not with this strong of a cucumber character. I’m always up to try anything at least once, so when this sample of Magic Hat’s new seasonal, HiCü (pronounced like haiku) arrived the other day I was intrigued. Not really all that excited, but intrigued. And now that I’ve had it, I’ll give the brewery a nod here and say that it’s not half bad.

HiCü is a sessionable 4.2% ABV brew that’s made with English ale yeast, a variety of malts (Pale, Wheat, Caramel) and a combination of Apollo and Zeus hop varieties along with the addition of cucumber and hibiscus. While the cucumber dominates both the nose and flavor of this beer, the hibiscus presents itself more so in the floral nose than on the taste buds, though it does help accentuate the 32 IBU hop bite.

Appearance

HiCü pours a golden amber in color with a fairly resilient, off-white cap of foam.

Aroma

A solid cucumber scent dominates the nose as floral hibiscus, lightly toasted bread and grains settle in the background as support. There’s a light amount of hoppy citrus in the mix, as well.

Taste

The cucumber’s presence is pretty damn strong as soon as it hits the tongue. It dominates a flavor that includes hints of grapefruit and grains throughout while hints of hibiscus and caramel linger in the background. A soft malt sweetness accompanies the cucumber as a lightly crisp mouthfeel prickles the palate. A lingering hop bitterness that feels more biting than the listed IBU peaks and then fades gently.

Overall

I wouldn’t say that this is my favorite beer from Magic Hat, nor would I really go out of my way for it, but I will admit that for as strong as the cucumber flavor is initially — the palate is quick to adjust — it’s not all that bad. The beer is refreshing and has an overall Spring time freshness that is appropriate for the season. It’s an interesting beer that I would recommend if you are in the mood for something different. As for me, I think once is enough.

Rating: 3.25/5

This is a review of a promotional sample from the brewery.

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