A neutron walks into a bar and orders a beer. The bartender pours it a pint of Magic Hat +/-, and sets it on the bar in front of him. “How much do I owe you?” the neutron inquires. “For you, there’s no charge,” the bartender replies.

I guess that might make Magic Hat +/- (or Magic Hat Plus Minus if you will) a beer it’s easy to sit on the fence about. You could take it one way or the other, or like it more or less. After all, if you weigh the pluses and minuses, it all comes to nothing anyway. I think.

Actually, Magic Hat +/- is a beer that’s currently on hiatus. Magic hat calls beers like Plus Minus “Reclusive Rarities”, not currently brewed, but who knows? Maybe we’ll see them again. “A special group of beers that were here one day, gone the next, and when they’ll return is anyone’s guess” as Magic Hat says. I first tried Magic Hat Plus Minus in spring of 2012 if memory serves, and took the tasting notes you’ll read shortly then. Somehow, I never posted a full review though.

Magic Hat Plus Minus is an English Mild in style of strength 4.2% by volume. It’s brewed with English Ale yeast according to Magic Hat (Ringwood I assume), Northern Brewer hops, and Maris Otter Pale , 2-Row Pale, , Chocolate, Special B,  Victory, and Cara 45L malts. I got it in a Magic Hat 12-pack sampler for $12.99.

Magic Hat +/- Plus Minus pours to a medium brown color with a thick, creamy head formation and a decidedly sweet chocolate chip cookie nose. The soft, sweet cookie malt flavors are apparent as you sip, along with chocolate, brown sugar, and dark fruits. There’s a hint of butter as well. The beer finishes on the sweet side for sure, and is easily quaffable at 4.2% ABV. It’s a fine English Mild for me, and chock full of delightful soft dark maltiness I could drink it all night. The moderate alcohol content helps me have an extra one if I am so inclined.

Will we see Magi Hat Plus Minus again? I sure hope so.

Home