Try This Brew! Magic Hat Brewing Co.

     Magic Hat Brewing Company is a really cool brew that has been creating a lot of buzz lately. It was recently voted in the Top 10 Biggest U.S. Craft Breweries by MSNBC.com, along with some names like Sierra Nevada, Samuel Adams, and Harpoon Brewery. Magic Hat has some really interesting beers that I think everyone should check out.
     The first brew is their most popular, called "#9". Plain and simple, it's just a really good beer. It's a nice, crisp pale ale that can be enjoyed by everyone. Definitely check this out! "Circus Boy" is another brew by Magic Hat that is brewed year round. It is considered an American Hefeweizen brewed with Apollo hops.
     There are some really good seasonal brews that are made by the Vermont brewery that are only available for a limited time. Since spring has come upon us very early this year (70 degrees today?!) let's talk about the spring brew, "Spring Vinyl". This is a really cool amber lager that is a little darker than a pale ale but still delicious nonetheless. This lager is only available from January 15th to March 31st so get out there and pick this up before the month is over!
     Beer has always been a stigma when it comes to the ladies. I always felt that with women, you either love beer or you hate it. The summer ale by Magic Hat can be enjoyed by everyone because of its great taste. It's called "Wacko" and it is delicious. It has a crisp but sweet taste that definitely quenches thirst whether you're at the beach or the bar. You can pick this brew up between April 1st and July 31st. Personally, I can't wait to pick up a bottle of "Wacko" and relax on the beach when classes are done!
     Magic Hat also makes really cool variety packs that have a little something for every type of beer lover. There's a "Spring Fever" pack, a "Summer Scene" pack, and my personal favorite, the "Night of the Living Dead" case. This case comes with four different beers- "#9", "Hex", "HI.P.A.", and "Humble Patience." All of the variety packs come in a really cool box.
     There are a few bars on Long Island where you can taste some of these brews including The Nutty Irishman in Bay Shore, The South Beach Saloon in Smithtown, The Roadhouse in Bohemia, and the Village Idiot Pub in Patchogue. If you're ever in any of these bars, definitely try out a Magic Hat beer and for more info, visit www.magichat.net. Enjoy!

-John Tancredi