Magic Hat Brewing Company Meatwhistle

This is at least 500 yards of velvet goodness. Coffee, maple, and vanilla blend very nicely in the aroma. Taste is the same, very smooth, velvety, and big. This one is hard to put down. As it warms, it gets even better. The barrel aspect comes out in the finish—some char to help balance the sweetness. Mouthfeel has a very silky texture. This is a beer we would gladly enjoy in a coffee mug while camping or hanging out by a fire late at night. Not overtly sweet, this can be a full glass of fun.

Aromas of vanilla, caramel, coffee, chocolate, almond, roast malt, and bourbon-like oak notes up front. The flavor profile is much of the same with a bit more assertive oak character than the aroma with notes of vanil-la, caramel, and toasted marshmallow. The barrel qualities pair well with the base beer, and there’s a beauti-ful finish of chocolate, smoke, spice, and lingering, chewy sweetness. Noticeably alcoholic without being over-ly harsh. Fantastic complexity throughout. Definitely something to savor.

**Aroma:** “Burnt and roasty with oak and vanilla up front then nice supporting notes of sweet malt, sweet chocolate, and dark roast coffee. Dark fruit esters and a hint of alcohol in the nose.” **Flavor:** “Fruity, almost Belgian yeast profile. Plenty of oak, vanilla, and tannins. Chocolate and notes of vanilla and bourbon from the oak give way to subtle notes of raisin and caramel. Roasted flavors are restrained, yet help to balance. Alcohol is subdued but evident. Hops flavor is low, grassy, and appropriate. Warmth in the finish adds to the experience of this beer and has pleasant smoothness.” **Overall:** “A nice, well rounded barrel aged stout. The sweetness is balanced by the roast character and intermingled well together. Could use a little more body for the style. Oak character is very well balanced, not over-done. Definitely a beer worth seeking out.”