The Beer Garden

SHAWN’S REVIEW

• Taste: 3
• After Taste: 3
• Label: 3
• Buzz Factor: 2

Pours into your glass with a light amber color and zero head. Taste is a bit sour with a lemony flair to it. I liked this more the first I had it, after round 2 however I wasn’t as impressed. The fruity flavor is spicy and pleasant, but more taste can be had elsewhere. The label has a cool dirty look with a mysterious “circus boy” interacting with the fun font.

• Taste: 2
• After Taste: 2
• Label: 3
• Buzz Factor: 2

I dig the Magic Hat Brewing Company, really I do. Their beers, their labels, their marketing — everything seems to fit together for a very strong brand identity that helps promote their quality product. But I really just think they missed the mark with this beer. The first few times, I enjoyed it, but any more it just seems really strong and somewhat acidic to me. It’s got a strong bite to it that I just don’t want when drinking a Hefeweizen. I’m sorry guys, I’m just not feeling it.

As for the label, it’s what you would expect from Magic Hat - well done. Although I admit that I didn’t see the actual little “Circus Boy” sillouette until Shawn pointed it out.

SHAWN’S REVIEW

• Taste: 4
• After Taste: 3
• Label: 2
• Buzz Factor: 2

This nectar pours out a nice cloudy orange color with a decent snow white head. It has a taste of fruity citrus goodness and is hella refreshing in today’s heat wave. The aftertaste is a bit malty though, which I find a bit offensive. I would still give this spicy concoction a recommendation though, especially on a warm summer day.

The label has a decent illustration, but it is repeated three times on the bottle, which is just a waste of space.

• Taste: 4
• After Taste: 2
• Label: 2
• Buzz Factor: 1

I really enjoy this beer — It’s fresh, light and refreshing. I was first introduced to this beverage this summer when a friend, coworker and fellow cyclist, ordered it at the local watering hole after a long ride. The next week, after riding with the same crew, I decided to try one for myself. If I remember correctly, the bartender served it with an orange slice which brought out even more of the “fruity” flavor, but I can assure you that it still tastes great even without the orange.

I agree with Shawn about the label. The little monk is a nice touch (although I’ve never quite understood the connection between monks and beer — I guess they need SOMETHING to keep them busy), but he appears on both upper and lower labels as well as the bottle cap. A bit overkill, if you ask me. Oh, and green bottles kind of creep me out.