Remember snow days as a kid? I sure do. Watching the white stuff pile up outside, hearing on the radio that school is canceled, playing outside all day and having your mom bring out a cup of steaming hot cocoa? These were my first thoughts on sipping Magic Hat Winter Mingle, which they describe as stout with vanilla. It’s a November through January winter seasonal from Vermont’s Magic Hat.
I didn’t drink my bottle on a snow day, however. I saved it for the heat of July, for my annual Christmas in July celebration. I’m glad I did, too, as the beer was wonderful and reminiscing on a cold day from my childhood helped to dispel the brutal July heat. At least somewhat.
From the label:
The ancient ritual of brewing a distinctly rich and flavorful beer is performance to behold. Our mysterious mélange of time-honored ingredients harmonize with chaotic chemistry, humble patience, and blind faith to create this unique beer to share in the rousing company of kindred spirits. Cheers!
Ingredients from the website:
Brewed with Pale, Caramel 80, Chocolate, Munich, Roasted Barley Malts, Apollo, Goldings Hops, with a touch of Tahitian Vanilla.
Magic Hat Winter Mingle has an alcohol content of 5.8% by volume with 30 IBUs. It runs a very reasonable $8.99 a six-pack in bottles.
Magic Hat Winter Mingle pours to a jet-black color with a thick creamy head and a rich roasty nose with hints of vanilla. Taking a sip, the beer immediately hits you with deep rich roasty chocolate notes laced with fluffy vanilla all leading into a roasty bitter finish. Hot cocoa with tiny marshmallows? That’s what I get.
As wonderful in July as in December, Magic Hat Winter Mingle is a roasty chocolaty vanilla treat at a bargain price. I’ll be looking for more this December. You should, too.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft