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About Numbrcrunchr
Hoptical Illusion
Submitted by Numbrcrunchr on Mon, 02/15/2010 - 17:33
Beer Style:
Almost Pale Ale
Serving Style.:
Bottle
Alcohol Content:
5%
Where Purchased?:
LCBO
I have before me a bottle (now empty) of Hoptical Illusion. It has a funky new-age label, describes itself as "Almost Pale Ale" and has a cute slogan under the cap. Next to it, I have a bottle (also empty) of Magic Hat #9. It too has a funky new-age label, describes itself as "Not Quite Pale Ale" and has a cute slogan under the cap.
I did not drink them side-by-side, but I reckon they taste much the same. Hoptical Illusion has that sharp citrus (grapefruit) flavour typical of Vermont beers, just like #9.
I cannot believe this is mere coincidence. Not that I am complaining: I make an annual pilgrimage to Vermont and try to taste as many of the local brews as I can. It is a beer drinkers' heaven, especially if you like bitter beers. #9 has an IBU rating of 20: not too sharp, but certainly crisp and refreshing. Just like Hoptical Illusion.
Magic Hat describe #9 thus: "A beer cloaked in secrecy. An ale whose mysterious and unusual palate will swirl across your tongue and ask more questions than it answers. A sort of dry, crisp, refreshing, not-quite pale ale. #9 is really impossible to describe because there's never been anything else quite like it." That just about sums up Hoptical Illusion as well, apart from the last comment.
If Flying Monkeys are setting out to copy Magic Hat beers, then I eagerly (and impatiently) await the release of: Roxy Rolles, Odd Notions, Circus Boy, Lucky Kat, Chaotic Chemistry and all the rest.
Highly Recommended.
Other reviews of this Beer
Other reviews of this Beer
Flying Monkeys Hoptical Illusion
Click on the Title to Comment on this review.| reviewed by: Bruce Ticknor  | Serving Style: 355 ML Bottle Where Purchased: Picked up at Brewery Beer Rating: |
Flying Monkeys Hoptical Illusion
A dark copper coloured beer with a medium sized but short lived off-white head.
The aroma is biscuit, maple syrup or brown sugar and citrus.
Feel is medium rich, smooth and creamy.
This one is in the American India Pale Ale style but is more subdued in the hop balance than many of the American versions.
There is still a lot of citrus hops but they are built on top of a solid malt base of biscuit and brown sugar tastes. Some grass notes come through and the blend is quite well balanced.
The hops add a very bright feel to the beer and it makes a great summer BBQ drink.
Flying Monkeys Hoptical Illusion
Click on the Title to Comment on this review.| reviewed by: John H.  | Serving Style: 355 ml. bottle Where Purchased: At the Brewery Beer Rating: |
Flying Monkeys Hoptical Illusion
Pours dark copper with a thin white head.
Dough, maple syrup and a hint of citrus make up the aroma.
Nice creamy mouth feel.
Great malt flavor balanced very well by the citrus hop flavor.
Well done.
We are strong supporters of Ontario Craft Brewers. Ask for them at your local LCBO in Ontario or better yet, visit one or all of their breweries. You will be glad you did.
Flying Monkeys Hoptical Illusion
Click on the Title to Comment on this review.| reviewed by: beerbabe  | Serving Style: 355 ml. bottle Where Purchased: From another thirsty taster Beer Rating: |
Flying Monkeys Hoptical Illusion
Dark copper in color with a thin white head.
Aroma is citrus and new mown grass. Very pleasant.
Slightly creamy on the tongue.
A nice drinking beer for the summer.
Definite citrus flavor with a hopped finish, which I find refreshing. Hops are evident but not overpowering.
Submitted by Bruce Ticknor on Fri, 07/10/2009 - 07:30.
I like it when some of my local brewers start experimenting. I am going to have to try this one and keep watching for anything new they might be planning.
I like their new name as well, "Flying Monkeys" has a nice whimsical sound to it.
Submitted by John H. on Fri, 08/14/2009 - 07:09.
I went to a convention last weekend and I decided to take a 24 of Hoptical Illusion with me for all to taste.
Of the nineteen people eighteen were very impressed and the lone dissenter just said it wasn't what She was used to.
Submitted by john on Tue, 08/18/2009 - 11:06.
I have some chilling as I type. Just waiting for a decent hour to try it. Okay. It's noon. Time to try it.
consistency
Funny thing about this beer is that I have had at least 3 of 12 that had no hops flavor at all. Also a friend of mine had the same thing. consistency seems to be an issue so far. Otherwise I really enjoyed the ones that had hops.
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