Roxy Rolles (Magic Hat Brewing Company - Vermont)

Look, man, I’m all over these Magic Hat seasonal offerings.

We tried to defend Circus Boy (it was alright, but it’s probably the 14th best Hefeweizen we’ve tried - though we’re partial to the Hefe and it scored well regardless), and Jinx was a blockbuster smash. The Kat was aight, too. Now, we’ve got our mitts on their winter season-ale (clever), the Roxy Rolles.

Jeepers, dude. The freaking malt. They’ve got the scorched earth smell to them, as if to say “we know you’re freezing, this ain’t hot cocoa, but it’s the best you’re gonna get.”

You’re going to notice right away that there’s the trademark magic hat fruit bouquet and your caramel winter smell is all over the nose.

That taste is rather hoppy. This isn’t your typical citrus hop assault, there’s a great deal of balance in the brew by some wood hops and herbal overtones.

For when you go outside and can’t finish a coherent thought because the wind sears your nose with icy frigidity, feel free to take a generous sip of this decent amber ale.

Rating: 3.5 pints