Single Chair Ale - Magic Hat Brewing Company

Billolick

New York

2.68/5  rDev -19.8%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

32 ounce growler fill.

Pours light straw, hazed , unimpressive lack of a head, just a thin off white collar and no lace left behind. Boo

I cant smell a thing...Boo

Thin flavor, just the faintist hint of hops and malts.

Very unimpressed with this one. Never been a big MH fan, and I never have any sort of expectations for their beers, but this is truly a new low.

Serving type: growler

07-07-2011 04:02:34 | More by Billolick

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

3.95/5  rDev +18.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Brought a growler home from Vermont after visiting the brewery. The beer poured out as a clear golden color with a good looking white head on top. The smell of this beer is almost a splitting images of #9 without the apricot. The same goes for the taste... remove the apricot flavor and you have Single Chair. I found it to be interesting that they were nearly the same brew in my opinion. I like #9 and I found Single Chair to be good also. This was nice to have back at home because it's one of their brews that isn't distributed. Overall, enjoyable refreshing brew

Serving type: growler

07-03-2011 05:17:12 | More by Knapp85

MagicHatFan

Massachusetts

4.05/5  rDev +21.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This is one of my favorite beers. I had it once on tap at a nearby bar and loved it. I then couldn't ever find it again. I finally went to the Magic Hat Brewery and brought home a growler. I described it recently as Bud Light's high class cousin.

This beer is a light golden color with a foamy white head that lingers on the glass. Its taste is smooth and not too hoppy. It's the kind of beer that would be excellent to drink on a nice summer evening at a barbecue.

Serving type: growler

10-17-2010 01:22:54 | More by MagicHatFan

lbkornlb14

New York

3.08/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Just returned from big z beverage in Huntington. Bought a growler of this magic hat single. Was described as "#9 w/o apricot". Immediately upon opening I got the whiff of a budweiser-esqe beer. Beer pours a nice golden color and retains nothing but a millimeter or so of head. No lacing. Boring type flavor. Think budweiser but a little better. I guess I was expecting more out of magic hat. Malty and a slight hop finish. You really have to look for it. Overall not impressed. Drinkability however is excellent on a hot day.

Serving type: growler

06-14-2009 20:32:26 | More by lbkornlb14

Brad007

Vermont

4.38/5  rDev +31.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a light gold color with a one-finger head into my pint glass.

Aroma is full of grainy malt and light hop bitterness. A bit sweet as well, like a pils.

Taste is smooth and full of grainy malt and very light hop bitterness. Not too sweet. As the review below says, I can agree that it seems like No.9 without the apricot.

Mouthfeel is somewhat dry and the hop bitterness shows up more at the back of the throat. Again, smooth and decently drinkable.

I have to admit that I didn't like this beer when I had it at the brewery a few months ago. However, it really is underrated. I could drink pints of this because the low ABV makes it easier to enjoy.

Serving type: growler

01-31-2009 20:28:53 | More by Brad007

soccerman7

Vermont

3.63/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance - A straw, pale color almost honey. a decent head that subsided quickly leaving rings.

Smell - grassy and malty with no hops presence. almost a faint white wine character.

Taste - Pale malts up front with an almost wheat finish. Grassy but not funky. just enough hops that malt doesn't go over board.

Mouth - A very easy ale. Smooth with a malty linger.

Drinkability - A very nice and simple ale. Definitely pleasant and food friendly. something very straight forward from magic hat.

Serving type: growler

10-21-2008 22:18:18 | More by soccerman7

deltatauhobbit

Maine

4.05/5  rDev +21.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I believe this beer can only be bought at a ski resort in Vermont and the Magic Hat Brewery. I had it at the brewery on-tap and upon trying, immediately bought a growler.

One of Magic Hat's better brews and is similar to #9, Hocus Pocus or Circus Boy in that it has a strong floral scent and taste to the beer. Decently hopped, but not over done and not overwhelmingly bitter.

Serving type: growler

12-03-2007 02:51:39 | More by deltatauhobbit

rickcampie

Rhode Island

3.98/5  rDev +19.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

the single chair is light in color with little laceing not to hoppy in flavor, mabey could use a liitle more, but overall very drinkable and smooth finishing. ome fruity undertones, not what youd expect from a pale style ale. but overall very good would drink lots of

Serving type: growler

02-19-2007 23:22:32 | More by rickcampie

scriabin

Massachusetts

3.43/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A beer named after the legendary single chair at Mad River Glen deserves a legendary taste. This is a decent beer that goes down smooth but I was expecting the holy grail of beers. Pours clear with a golden color and a decent head for an APA. A bit on the bitter side with kickin' hops although not as overhopped as your typical APA which is a good thing. It is a very quaffable beer that I could drink all night. Still, for me it doesn't quite live up to some of MH's other fine brews such as the sadly unavailable heart of darkness

Serving type: growler

05-23-2006 00:28:42 | More by scriabin

jmz62565

Connecticut

3.83/5  rDev +14.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Bought this at the brewery in Burlington. This pours a clear yellow straw with a large 2 finger white foamy head. The smell is hoppy with some earthy floral scents, it's not all that strong. The taste is citrus hoppy with some slight malt sweetness that's very refreshing and good. The m/f is light,but the aftertaste is abit watery. This is a good brew that I can see having a few pints tailgating or at home watching football.

Serving type: growler

03-17-2006 00:36:23 | More by jmz62565

necoadam

Connecticut

3.88/5  rDev +16.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Half-gallon growler straight from the brewery. Poured out a clear straw color with a good amount of head on this one. Left good lacing as well. Smell was a tad on the hoppy side with some light sweeten malts in the background. Taste was pretty clean, but had some grains, floral hops and malts all blending in. Mouthfeel was light-medium and had some good carbonation. Good brew to drink in the summer time.

Serving type: growler

12-15-2005 13:55:51 | More by necoadam

StonedTrippin

Colorado

3.48/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

somewhat less than a pale ale in my opinion. pours almost clear beach sand color with a one inch white head that dies out after a couple minutes. the small is qute malty, but on the lighter end of the spectrum. no hops to really speak of aromatically. flavor is a bit more balanced than the nose. this is just an easy drinking session beer, with nothing to really set it apart. the hops only present themselves in the finish, which is mildly bitter. feel is fine, lighter in body and well carbonated. i tend to like my pale ales with a little more going on, fuller body, more hops etc., but if you want a nice cruisy drinking pale ale, this could be your beer.

Serving type: on-tap

06-16-2012 15:23:01 | More by StonedTrippin

jtierney89

New Jersey

2.3/5  rDev -31.1%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

On tap pours a very clear gold color with a lasting bright white head smell is floral subdued and dry grain like extremely crisp body is a little thin but not super watery crisp cold sliced apples come to mind on the palette flavors are subdued and not over the top floral hop presence brings about a nice dry finish to balance the slight amount of helles lager like sweetness that is also present in the beer subtle notes of dried pares along with a caramel sweetness somewhere in the middle easy drinking but nothing special at all.

just noticed I really had to dig for those flavors. A certain grainy macro beer flavor is present as well and takes away from the subtle notes that are difficult to find anyway. not a huge fan.

Serving type: on-tap

01-27-2012 01:03:26 | More by jtierney89

Jayli

Massachusetts

3.2/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Had on draft at The Rusty Nail in Stowe, VT 12/9
Served in a pint glass

A: This beer pours a light golden color with a 1/2 inch of sudsy head. Head recedes at a moderate pace, leaving nice wispy sheets of lacing.

S: Nose is sweet, muted fruit, grainy and bready.

T: Taste starts with grainy notes and light caramel malt. Touches of sweet corn in the finish.

M: Light bodied, moderate carbonation, crisp with a slick finish.

O: Goes down ok, somewhat tasty, not filling, mild kick, not a great representation of style. This would be a good alternative to BMC, but not something I would seek out.

Serving type: on-tap

12-21-2011 17:50:11 | More by Jayli

Arenbeer

Connecticut

3.03/5  rDev -9.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

12oz bottle into a tumbler glass

No date on bottle

A- Pours a lemonade yellow with 1 finger of bright white head that sticks around due to tons of carbonation streaming up from the bottom of the glass.

S- Pale malts with an almost wheat aroma that's very bready and maybe some skunk. No hops at all other than a slight earthiness but not in your face like most APA's.

T- Are you sure this isn't a lager? Lots of fruity esters from what seems like the yeast. Once again the mouth is coated with bready malts, possibly wheat and an almost corn like taste. Not good.

M- Light bodied with a good amount of carbonation and a mouth coating wet finish.

Skål!

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2011 20:58:42 | More by Arenbeer

BierFan

Michigan

3.55/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12 ounce bottle into a pint glass.

Hazy golden body with a thin white head. Almost no lacing. The smell is somewhat tart. Mild yeast flavor and pale malts on the tongue. Good mouthfeel.

Doesn't really impress greatly but it's a fine ale for a simple style.

Serving type: bottle

09-20-2011 07:09:46 | More by BierFan

Lauthaha

Michigan

4.22/5  rDev +26.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 12 ounce bottle into a beer mug.

Appearance: Pours a light golden color with great transparence. Head is super-frothy and pours very high, while heavy carbonation visible through the glass bubbles its way up through the head and out of the beer. Head dimples down nicely, with some light, bubbly lacing as it recedes.

Smell: Grassy, bitter hop character accented by some very gentle floral tones. Some mild sweetness with the malt.

Taste/Mouthfeel: Beer has a perfect level of carbonation; keeps things active but doesn't overpower. A great malt base takes hold on the tongue, and a gentle herbal spiciness dots through the malt. Very nice APA.

Overall: Not over-the-top, out-of-this world awesome, but hey...it's a good beer.

Serving type: bottle

09-13-2011 04:33:23 | More by Lauthaha

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

2.23/5  rDev -33.2%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

First had: on tap at Casey's, Newtown Square, PA

Poured into a pint glass, a clear, very light, straw yellow with a finger and a half of foamy white head, that laced well and receded to a thin layer after a minute or so. Aroma was very light, but grains and floral hops were noticeable. Very light in taste too, almost like an adjunct, light sweet malts, and crisp hops; crisp and clean overall, but not very flavorful and a bit watery. Light-bodied and quite drinkable for even the most conservative drinker, but not something I'd ever get again...just too bland and light for me.

Magic Hat just isn't that good.

Serving type: on-tap

08-27-2011 22:54:44 | More by Rifugium

CHickman

New York

2.63/5  rDev -21.3%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Pours cloudy bright yellow color with creamy 2 finger snow white head that's full of bubbles that faded kind of slow and left a creamy layer on top and good lacing sticking to the sides; pours out of a bottle like it came from a tap.

Smells of wheat, roasted grains, yeast, hay, grass, corn husk and earthy tones and some metallic funk; this smells like a grain silo. It is really a very odd aroma that smells like it was mixed in a health food store.

Tastes like it smells, with wheat, roasted grains, yeast, hay, grass, corn husk, light sweet malt, caramel, flowers or light floral hops, lemon, wood chips, earthy tones like peat moss and some metallic funk; a strange beer that's part Belgian and part wheat beer, and yet kind of like a cleansing shake. It’s more grains than beer in the nose and I don’t think I like it.

Mouthfeel is light and crisp with light carbonation, a light body and a dry grainy finish that's almost tart. Not sure I really like this as it seems like it was too healthy or earthy for me. Another strange Magic Hat beer.

Serving type: bottle

08-26-2011 04:18:52 | More by CHickman

jondeelee

Massachusetts

2.88/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Single Chair begins with a smooth, malty nose that bears a remarkable resemblance to hot buttered French bread--the quality kind served before a meal in fancy restaurants. Beneath that is a slightly sour (in comparison) layer of fresh wheat, smelling like wet wheat fields, as well as light, sparkling fruit esters such as berry and apricot.

On the tongue, the beer opens with a strong wheat and grain note, resembling biscuits, toast, and Grape Nuts cereal rolled into one, as well as a hint of rice cereal. A slight bitter bite at the edges tells of hops, but there is little taste to that hop presence. Very light fruit esters--again, apricot and berry--linger at the extreme edges. Mostly, however, the taste is grains, and the beer thus resembles sucking on fresh malt. Mouthfeel is medium-light, and carbonation is medium to medium-high.

Overall, while this is still far better fare than, say, a Bud, the beer lacks any distinctive characteristics, and also lacks diversity in its flavor profile. A few more sugars and fruit esters would have helped here, or at least another handful of hops.

Serving type: bottle

08-11-2011 01:41:43 | More by jondeelee

ShrinerMcBitey

Florida

3.6/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: 12 oz bottle with best by date on neck, hard to read. Pours light golden, cloudy suspension like. initial head a little better than 1 finger that settles down to a thin head but hangs around for almost the entire beer. Minimal, but some, lacing

S: Faintly floral, faint citrus

T: Kind of biscuity with slight citrus hop bite. Pretty well balanced. Malt mostly an undertone.

M: Slightly astringent but not drying. Good.

Overall I like this "Golden Beer". It's not super memorable, but is an easy drinker with enough flavors to keep you satisfied.

Serving type: bottle

08-04-2011 21:57:35 | More by ShrinerMcBitey

TheHopMonster

New York

3.95/5  rDev +18.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Appearance:

Pale golden color with a thick white head and fast rising bubbles. Looks very clean and refreshing lets see if it is.

Smell:

From the moment I put the brew in front of me I could smell this beer. I can pick out some tree fruits such as pears, bananas, and some spice notes like a faint hint of white pepper. Some hop notes with mild floral characteristics.

Taste:

Clean and refreshing as I predicted. Buttery biscuits with a clean floral juiciness that's nothing like I have experienced before. I can almost pick out hints of ginger and fruit zests.

Mouth feel:

Really clean and easy to drink for an ale. Easy on the stomach too, I could drink many of these. I just wish it had a little more aggressive character to it

Overall:

Excellent summer beer. Refreshing without sacrificing taste. I wouldn't mind having another one of these. Well done MH

Serving type: on-tap

08-01-2011 22:22:06 | More by TheHopMonster

twiggamortis420

Texas

2.7/5  rDev -19.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

12 oz bottle with a best by stamp of SEP302011. Pours a lightly hazed, gold color with a bubbly white head. Retention is good and lacing is not.

Nose is fruity and floral hops with a light grain and biscuit malt background. Straightforward and simple.

Taste is quite tart, was not expecting that at all. Lemony and grainy with a mild floral hoppiness. Lots of carbonation, little bit of zest here and there. All in all, this beer is unremarkable. Glad I only got a single of this, and as an APA (as classified here) a pretty big disappointment.

Serving type: bottle

07-30-2011 18:17:33 | More by twiggamortis420

morebeergood

Massachusetts

3.28/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Picked up a single at Trader Joe's. Poured from the bottle into a standard pint glass. Golden yellow color. Small white head, but it fades away quickly. Decent carbonation. Smell was grassy and musty. Taste was adequate, with enough hops at the very end to give this beer a slight kick of flavor. Decent amount of malt lends the beer a fairly good base. The beer really doesn't stand out either way. Not bad, nothing great. Not worth putting down money for a six pack. There are better tasting APAs out there.

Serving type: bottle

07-30-2011 03:59:24 | More by morebeergood

cbutova

Massachusetts

3.65/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A- Slightly hazy pale golden body into a pint glass. Foamy white head forms to about a finger in size and retains decently. Small white ring leaves only a bit of lace.

S- Has a peach/apricot note that reminds me a lot of #9. Thats mostly what I get from s fairly faint overall aroma.

T- A nice apricot note layed onto a hoppy pale flavor. Hops give notes of lemon zest, pine, herbal and peach. I also pick up some bread, light malt, corn and sweets.

MF- Creamy light-end body with high carbonation. Silky feel with a somewhat bitter finish.

A good pale ale with nice fruit flavors. Kind of reminds me of #9, doubt they meant that though.

Serving type: bottle

07-29-2011 02:03:52 | More by cbutova