East Coast Transplant looking for Magic Hat

[pmartin3]

This is my first post, thought I'd get that out of the way.
I moved to California form New York about two years ago and I miss some of the great beer that I could get back there. Looking for Magic Hat or Cooperstown Brews. Can anyone help?

[Bruno_78]

If I remember correctly about magic hat, they don't distribute much outside of new england. Correct me if I'm wrong.

You might try emailing the company, see if they offer it in your area, and if not, prod them to expand their distrobution. I may do the same.

[fretlessman71]

I'm sure you'll find a New Englander who's willing to send some your way for some of those fine West Coast brews. Welcome to the boards!

Hey - can you give me an idea of what #9 tastes like? Very curious.....

[Bruno_78]

Originally posted by fretlessman71

Hey - can you give me an idea of what #9 tastes like? Very curious.....

If I had to explain it, you wouldn't understand.

Seriously, this is one you should really try. I like trying all of the magic hat brews, because I never know what I'm going to get!

[fretlessman71]

So it's like a box of chocolates, then..... :)

I just want to try it with fries and Heinz Ketchup!

[tarapin]

I can get Magic Hat just let me know which one and how much. I am looking for brew from Marin County or Bear Republic maybe we can swap. You can PM me. :D

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Hey - can you give me an idea of what #9 tastes like? Very curious.....

Pale Ale with some fruity (apricot) notes - a big seller for MH but probably my least favorite of their beers.

Cheers!

[goon2]

Hi pmartin3,

It will be pretty hard to find that Beer in SY. I am guessing they do not distribute further than New York.

There are a couple of places in LA/Orange County that MAY be able to get it, or also try Sandy's Liquor in SLO.

"Down the Hill," here in Santa Barbara, you may be able to get San Roque or Ray's (on the Mesa) to special order it.

Edit:
I almost forgot: the Omegang is available at most good beer stores such as San Roque and Ray's. Even Trader Joes has it.
Also, check your Private Messages...

I hope this helps!
--Goon

[newportstorm]

Best to seek info at the source. Link to their redesigned site (hope the link works):

http://www.magichat.net/elixirs/availabilty.php

Looks like no further west than PA and no further south than MD (assuming the site is up to date).

Cheers!

[chazwicke]

I was going to say that I can get it in MD and DE. I believe I have also seen it in a few specialty paint stores in DC and Virginia. Maybe not. I like some of their beers too. I know I have complained about this before but the sixpack artwork makes it difficult to tell which style is which. Newport posted which styles went with which names a while back and that has been helpful.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I know I have complained about this before but the sixpack artwork makes it difficult to tell which style is which. Newport posted which styles went with which names a while back and that has been helpful.

The basics you might see in stores/pubs:

-Blind Faith: English IPA
-Humble Patience: Irish Red (nitro on draft - nonnitro in bottle)
-#9: Pale Ale (apricot)
-Fat Angel: Pale Ale
-Mother Lager: euro-lager (Pils)
-Heart of Darkness - Stout
-Jinx: Smoked beer
-HiPA: American IPA
-Hocus Pocus: American Wheat beer
-Ravell: Porter (vanilla)
-Participation: English Brown Ale
-Single Chair: American Pale Ale

Specials you might see:
-Thumbsucker: Imperial Stout (aged in bourbon barrels)
-Braggot: um...Braggot
-Chaotic Chemistry: Barleywine (aged in bourbon barrels)
-Feast of Fools: raspberry Stout (sold only at brewery?)

Then there are the obscure beers that most will not encounter (Envy, Batch 'XXX', etc.), beer fest specials like Anti Oxidant Acid Ale (PLEASE bottle this!!) or draft specials like Nailbiter (T-sucker's non barrel aged brother). BA has list of "all" of their beers:

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/review/96/

Cheers!

[Bruno_78]

I believe the Braggot is a fermented honey beverage. I dont' think it's a mead, but similar at least.

I tasted it at the EBF last weekend and enjoyed it.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by newportstorm

Anti Oxidant Acid Ale (PLEASE bottle this!!)

AMEN!!! That may be the best Magic Hat beer I have EVER tasted.

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by newportstorm
Pale Ale with some fruity (apricot) notes - a big seller for MH but probably my least favorite of their beers.

Cheers! I wonder how this would compare to Pyramid Apricot Ale?

[Stodbrew]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
I wonder how this would compare to Pyramid Apricot Ale?


Not even close. The Magic Hat has just a hint of apricot flavor/aroma. The Pyramid is, IMO, apricot with a hint of beer. Way too sweet for my taste, and might even be good over a plate of pancakes.

[threecb]

Isn't Pyramid's based on an American Wheat?

Anyway, the apricot in #9 is very subtle, but still present. I think it's decent. When I first started getting deeper into craft beer, it was one I drank frequently. Not so much anymore.

[newportstorm]

Yes, the fruit flavor is not overpowering but enough so that I'm not a fan - never been an apricot fan (fresh, dried, etc.). Strangely, I like the apricot/hops interplay in DFH Aprihop - stellar beer, imo. To each their own.

Cheers!

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by threecb
Isn't Pyramid's based on an American Wheat? You may be right... it's been awhile. Had to say that I did enjoy the Pyr. Apricot, even though it was pretty heavy on the fruity side. I did my level best to take it for what it was, and not what I thought it was supposed to be. Having said that, I haven't bought any in years.

[chazwicke]

The DFH would be the best of the 3 IMHO.

[nashvillerider]

I know this thread is a few years old.

UPDATE: Majic Hat is now available in North Carolina. Dain's Place in Chapel Hill sells only microbrews and stocks just about every variety. Also has Circus Boy on tap.