Magic Hat Brewing - Hex Ourtoberfest

Tonight I've picked out a brew from Magic Hat Brewing called the Hex Ourtoberfest.  Magic Hat is located in South Burlington, Vermont, and these brewers are oddball guys that brew plenty of oddball beers.  Steve and I have only reviewed one beer from them thus far, the Blind Faith IPA from their IPA on Tour series, which turned out to be fairly average in the world of IPAs.  This Hex Ourtoberfest is a unique approach to the Oktoberfest genre, using some interesting ingredients like cherry-wood smoked malts and malted rye.  Definitely not going to be a traditional Oktoberfest! 

The beer registers a moderate 5.4% alcohol.  The label depicts a table full of demon-like men drinking pints of beer in a halloween-style bier garden - creepy and typical label from Magic Hat.  The beer is a dark, dirty-penny copper color with a light layer of lace that recedes right away.  The aroma is light and faint, with subtle notes of caramel and herbal tea, along with a spicy note and a lingering metallic smell.  You know how your hand smells after you hold a handful of pennies?  That's what I keep smelling here in the background. 

The beer starts off with a big wave of caramel malts that are simultaneously infused with spicy rye.  Behind that comes a layer of hop bitterness that carries more spices with it, along with an earthy herbal flavor.  More drinks reveal more herbs and grasses in the hop profile.  The finish leaves a sweet biscuity malt flavor that lingers for a bit.  The carbonation was on the heavier side, with a creamy texture. 

Overall Rating:  This was an odd brew from Magic Hat, I'm not really sure what to think!  It's certainly not a bad beer.  The malt backbone is pleasant, and the rye adds a nice component to brew.  There was something that seemed a little off....I can't quite pinpoint it, but it's an odd metallic-like flavor that throws things off I think.  If you're looking for an outside-the-box Oktoberfest brew, than this is a good one to try.  B-

Founders - Red's Rye PA

Red's Rye comes to us from Founders in Grand Rapids, MI.  This is a big red, brewed with Rye and a garden of Amarillo hops.  Rye tends to add a nice mild nutty/spicy malt character to beer.  Case in point was Schmaltz's Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA - that brew really showcased Rye in an IPA.  It will be a treat to see how the Rye plays in this Red. 

The label on this bottle gives the specs of 6.6%ABV and 70 IBU's.  The picture on the label depicts the mug of an old lady, possibly Red?  It's actually kind of disturbing....she looks like a crazy old grandma that could do some damage with a spatula...

This beer pours a hazy, cloudy deep amber-red color with half an inch of frothy head.  The aroma wafts out of this one - it was noticeable immediately after the pour.  Fumes of florals, grapefruit, spices, and a dry sweetness.  The taste doesn't dissapoint - very hoppy up front, and with more resiny pine in the hop profile than I expected from the nose.  The malt backbone is present but timid, hiding in the shadows, with a slightly sweet bread note.  The rye brings a dry texture, and adds an earthy, gritty bite to the finish.  Carbonation is fairly heavy but pleasant.

Overall Rating:  (4.9 out of 6.0)  This was a hoppy, juicy beer that really hit the spot.  The hops, sweet malts, and dry rye all came together to make a drinkable and delicious brew.  The alcohol is dangerously hidden - take precaution!