Press Release: Magic Hat Brewing Company has unveiled this year’s release of Art Hop Ale – an Imperial Blonde Ale brewed with blood orange, orange peel and sage. With 8.0% ABV and 40 IBUs, Art Hop Ale delivers bright citrus flavors complimented by spice notes from the sage. Add in some of Magic Hat’s favorite hops, and it’s the perfect combination of citrus and spice layered onto a bready malt body.
“Art Hop Ale is focused on two things—Magic Hat’s passion for brewing and our commitment to the community, especially the local arts scene,” said Chris Rockwood, Head Brewer, Magic Hat Brewing Company. “Simcoe, Amarillo and Cascade hops provide bright, bitter citrus tones that enhance the fruit and are finely balanced by the sage. In addition to the beer itself, we’re thrilled to be able to involve our local arts community in bringing this beer to market, combining both the art of brewing and the art of illustration.”
The Vermont brewery teamed up again with the South End Arts and Business Association (SEABA), a local nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Burlington’s Pine Street corridor and its growing number of artists and local businesses, to host Magic Hat’s annual Labels for Libations contest. Vermont artists submitted original artwork for a chance to have it showcased on cans of Art Hop Ale. This year’s label features the original artwork of local artist and contest winner Zelde Grimm. A gallery of Ms. Grimm’s illustrations, hosted inside the Magic Hat Artifactory in South Burlington, VT, will open to the public on Friday, June 3 and run through July.
Art Hop Ale is available for a very limited time this summer. It can be found on draft at some of the best beer bars across the country and at select retailers in 4-packs of 16-ounce cans. Art Hop Ale pairs well with brie cheese and seafood dishes, especially swordfish and scallops. It’s also a great complement to cheesecake and white chocolate mousse desserts.
Art Hop Ale is the latest special release from Magic Hat, which has been part of the Vermont brewing scene since 1994. The Magic Hat Artifactory in South Burlington, Vt., offers free tours and The Growler Bar serves 8-10 beers, including seasonal offerings and experimental beers only available at the brewery.