Magic Hat Brewing Company

Client Brewer in Rochester, New York, United States 🇺🇸
Owned by FIFCO USA
Associated Venue: Magic Hat Brewing Company - Out of business

Established in 1993

Closed in 2025

Contact
445 St Paul St, Rochester, NY, 14605, United States
+1(802) 923-1421
consumeraffairs@nabreweries.com
Description
The idea of Magic Hat began where so many good ideas before it began: in a bathtub. This bathtub, located on Vermont’s Goddard College campus and devoid of a plaque of recognition, is where Bob Johnson brewed his first batch of beer. After years of honing his craft, Bob was finally ready for the big time. Soon after he realized his readiness, he re-met Alan Newman, a serial entrepreneur with whom Bob had worked in a past life. Bob told Alan of his plans and before a handshake could take place, the two were jet-setting to the West Coast for research.

Upon their return to Burlington, Bob and Alan began their search for a space to call their own. That search landed them in an abandoned factory on Flynn Avenue in Burlington’s South End, where Bob would finally brew Bob’s First, Magic Hat’s debut ale and, soon after, the first batches of #9, Fat Angel and Blind Faith.

Admin Note: In July 2020, Magic Hat sold their production facility and broke ties with the state of Vermont. All beers are brewed at the FIFCO owned Genesee Brewing facility in Rochester, NY.
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Clarkvv

4.1
Clarkvv (16760) reviewed #9 from Magic Hat Brewing Company 23 years ago
Appearance - 4 | Aroma - 5 | Flavor - 3 | Texture - 6 | Overall - 3.5

Light, bubbly nose with no hint of. . .anything until the body, which is extremely light and tasteless. I had to stretch to pretend i tasted some apricot. This could be one of the most tasteless yet inoffensive beers. Reminded me much like a cool tasty glass of spring water.

Tried on 12 Jul 2002 at 13:28

omhper

5.6
omhper (45152) ticked Jinx from Magic Hat Brewing Company 24 years ago
Appearance - 6 | Aroma - 6 | Flavor - 4 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 5.5

Red brown, light maltiness, somewhat oily and smokey. Slightly metallic.

Tried on 24 Feb 2002 at 11:40

omhper

7.4
omhper (45152) reviewed Heart of Darkness Stout (-2006) from Magic Hat Brewing Company 24 years ago
Appearance - 10 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 6 | Overall - 7.5

Dark black with dark brown foam. Very burnt and dry, but short, flavour. Dangerously drinkable.

Tried on 01 Feb 2002 at 02:59

Oakes

4.8
Oakes (33770) reviewed YMP from Magic Hat Brewing Company 25 years ago
Appearance - 4 | Aroma - 5 | Flavor - 5 | Texture - 4 | Overall - 5

They brought this specialty to the Vermont Brewers Festival in 2000. It was kind of light, with a touch of malt and lemongrass. Of course I guessed the secret ingredients wrong.

Tried on 02 Jan 2001 at 22:21

Oakes

6
Oakes (33770) reviewed Blind Faith from Magic Hat Brewing Company 25 years ago
Appearance - 6 | Aroma - 6 | Flavor - 6 | Texture - 6 | Overall - 6

Amber-beige colour. Light woody hop notes in the aroma with a whole grain bread background. Moderate bitterness. Quite woody. Slightly watery texture. Ok, but that’s it.

Tried on 02 Jan 2001 at 22:16

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