Heart Of Darkness - Magic Hat Brewing Company

shand

Florida

4.13/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Heart of Darkness has a beautiful deep brown pour that borders on black. The aroma is also very nice, there's a solid amount of roastiness with chocolate, coffee and oatmeal tones behind it. The taste has a well integrated roast and oatmeal thing going on at first, with some herbal hops in the background. More coffee tones come through on the finish, with a bit of chocolate backing up everything. The mouthfeel could be a little smoother, but is spot-on with the thickness. Overall, this is a very solid stout. Very enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2012 01:00:12 | More by shand

AlCaponeJunior

Texas

4/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Part of a sampler six pack.

Very black with a nice one finger tan head that lasted the whole glass and left good lacing.

Aroma is chocolate, coffee, some roastiness, butterscotch, and a little molasses.

Flavor is very nice. The chocolate is milky, there's some nice roasty malt character with a little burnt, a little coffee, and a lightly bitter finish.

Body is pretty thick and rich, yet easy to drink, with a dry finish and smooth creamy carbonation.

A damn fine beer. I'll have to see if they have sixers of this one at my local store.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2012 22:37:19 | More by AlCaponeJunior

BEERMILER12

Maine

4.08/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A: Pours a near pitch black color with 2 fingers worth of tannish brown head

S: Nice and roasty, with plenty of charred malts and some bitter dark chocolate. Also get some light coffee notes

S: Follows the nose. Very roasty with a light note of MH yeast followed by a wave of bittersweet chocolate and coffee. Finishes slightly astringent and bitter

M: Medium-full bodied with moderate carbonation. Smooth

O: A very solid English stout. The roasty notes help to keep sweetness to a minimum and make the drinkability even better. The chocolate and coffee notes are very pleasant as well. One of my favorites from MH

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2012 05:51:19 | More by BEERMILER12

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

4.2/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This was one that I was pretty glad that they re-released. The beer poured out as a nice deep brown color with a thin cream colored head on top. The retention is very thin with a bit of lacing on the glass. The smell of te beer has a nice aroma of toasted oats and other roasted malts. The taste has a nice rich roasted flavor to it, the oats shine really well in this beer. There is a subtle chocolate note in there also. The mouthfeel is creamy, not overly thick but nicely carbonated and drinkable. Overall it was a good beer. One of the best I've had from Magic Hat in a long time.

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2012 21:59:24 | More by Knapp85

dbrauneis

New Jersey

3.95/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Pours an opaque jet black in color with some light hints of dark amber along the edges and moderate amounts of gentle carbonation near the surface. The beer has a two finger tall dark tan head that slowly reduces to a thick film covering the entire surface of the beer with a thicker ring at the edges of the glass. Moderate amounts of lacing are observed.

S: Moderate aromas of roasted, almost burnt malts with some notes of chocolate as well.

T: Moderate flavors of chocolate, roasted, and some almost burnt malts. Light amounts of bitterness that lingers in the finish.

M: Slightly heavier than medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Relatively smooth but not as smooth as I expected for the style.

O: This beer is easy to drink but I was hoping for just a little more smoothness in the body and a little more complexity to the flavor.

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2012 21:43:25 | More by dbrauneis

axeman9182

New Jersey

3.7/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12 oz bottle, poured into my Brooklyn Brewery tulip after being allowed to warm slightly.

Heart of Darkness pours solid black. A finger and a half or so of mocha foam crowns the beer, even managing to spill out of the glass a little bit. The nose is very nice, based around a roasty coffee aroma. There's also a noticeable smell of star anise that joins the picture. The flavor profile starts out similarly well, with the taste of coffee that's had a bit of cream added to it. The anise is a bit more muted here, drowned out somewhat by a slightly jarring hop presence. The bitterness clashes with the roasty malt character, and the earthy, herbal finish is a little bit overbearing. The mouthfeel is just a little bit short of great. The body is a hair too dry, and the carbonation is noticeably zippy. Both are just off though. I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised by Heart of Darkness, Given my lack of fondness for many of the other Magic Hat brews I've had. This one is pretty solid.

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2012 03:22:39 | More by axeman9182

barczar

Kentucky

3.65/5  rDev -7.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours an opaque black/brown with ruby highlights and a dense half inch mocha head that leaves sheets of lacing.

Chocolate, coffee, roast malt, and malted milk balls, with a bit of an acrid note form the aroma.

Flavor is roast malt dominant throughout, with a somewhat acrid finish. Coffee grounds and an underlying chocolate flavor hit mid palate and longer into a slightly dry, bitter end. There's a stale character that is somewhat offputting.

Body is on the light side, with low carbonation and a hint of astringency at the finish.

Decent brew, but the acrid character hurts the experience, along with that stale hop character.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2012 00:34:58 | More by barczar

KTCamm

New Jersey

4.13/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 ounce bottle poured into a pint glass.

Pours jet black, ring of brown foam. Layer remains on top. Big rich roasted nose. Espresso loaded. Dark chocolate too. Creamy roasted flavor. Dry finish. Very flavorful. Ever so slight bitter in the close. Quite tasty. Magic Hat really pulled this one off.

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2012 12:07:51 | More by KTCamm

ColdWaffles

Pennsylvania

3.78/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a standard pint glass.

Appearance: Pitch black with a tannish head. Want the head on a stout to stick around a little longer, personally.

Smell: Roasty, malty.

Taste: Taste is pretty good, this is really easy to drink. Pretty rich, very creamy, slight roasty/coffee quality to it.

Mouthfeel: This is probably where it drops off a bit for me. The carbonation on this one is a little stronger than I'd expect and it cuts the good creaminess of this.

This is pretty good overall. Not sure if I'd go back to it a lot, but definitely quality.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2012 23:51:15 | More by ColdWaffles

bambam2517

Arizona

3.5/5  rDev -11.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12 oz. bottle kept at 40F.

A - Drank mine straight from the bottle, friend poured his into a pint glass so we could check it out. Very dark body, weak carbonation and a lackluster foam. Dark in color but not as opaque in comparison to the other stouts we have been going through.

S - Mostly roasted malts, a slightly sweet smell reminiscent of dates to me.

T - Sweet and malty, but doesnt really pack a punch. Best quality is that its muted, not offensive in any way.

M - A bit watery for a stout, but it finishes nicely and doesn't hang on the palate. An easy drinker that I could session on a cold night sitting around with friends.

O - As a beer, its one i wouldn't turn down but wouldn't seek out. As a stout, a little disappointing for me. Reminds me more of a dark English ale.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2012 19:39:11 | More by bambam2517

Treyliff

West Virginia

3.93/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured into a snifter

A- pours pitch black with a one finger light tan head and some short-lasting lace

S- dry, with some vinous aromas, charred dark fruit, and a bit of butterscotch

T- right off I notice a astringent tartness, then the other flavors begin to emerge. Notes of day old coffee, bittersweet chocolate, charcoal, campfire, some burnt toast and finishes dry with a bit if hops and a smoky/charred linger

M- medium body, med-low carbonation, slightly creamy mouthfeel and dry finish

O- this was the first Engkish stout that I have tried, it's a very interesting style. I was quite surprised how tart it was and the charred notes were certainly noticeable. Pretty interesting and definitely worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2012 03:45:56 | More by Treyliff

JoeyBeerBelly

New York

4/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12oz bottle served in a snifter.

L - black with a tan head that thinned to a layer leaving plenty of lacing behind.

S - roasted coffee with a hint of chocolate.

T - rich roasty flavors with espresso coffee bitterness on the finish.

F - medium bodied with mild carbonation and a smooth feel.

O - a good example of the style.

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2012 01:30:26 | More by JoeyBeerBelly

ThisWangsChung

Maryland

3.48/5  rDev -11.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12 oz bottle into a pint glass.

A: Pours a dark brown color with good opacity. The one finger tan colored head fades quick, unfortunately.

S: Roasted barley, licorice, hazelnut, and bittersweet chocolate. It's a typical stout aroma with little deviation from the norms of the style, but the execution is good.

T: This seems to be fairly licorice dominated, with the roasted malts sneaking up on the finish. Surprisingly, it has a touch of complexity to it, with occasional hints of coffee, raisins, and chocolate. It's not blowing me away, but I still enjoy it.

M: A very clean stout in general. The thick and creamy body gives way to both dryness and a lingering roasted aftertaste, alongside a touch of astringency. Far from the heaviest stout in the world - but it doesn't try to be.

O: Really not bad at all. I tend to avoid Magic Hat, but this one's good/cheap enough for me to possibly consider getting a 6 pack of.

Serving type: bottle

12-18-2012 21:29:24 | More by ThisWangsChung

patpbr

Ohio

4/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This one pours dark with a nice head that lasts. The smell is roasted, coffee, chocolate. The taste follows the smell with a roasted flavor and chocolate. A bit of sweetness is a nice addition. Body has a creamy feel. Magic hat did a great job with this one. A drinkable and flavorful Stout.

Serving type: bottle

12-18-2012 01:26:33 | More by patpbr

nofalltoofar

Pennsylvania

4.6/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle poured into Imperial pint glass

A: Almost black with a thin white head that dissipates quickly.

S: Dar, sweet, honey and oats with caramel

T: Bitter and hoppy, slightly sweet with notes of honey, caramel, chocolate and coffee

M: Pleasantly carbonated, not excessive. Smooth but still slightly thick, not oily or watery

This is a wonderful beer. I got it on sale for $31. I expected it to be more drinkable for a stout, but it is definitely on the savory side. It is a great winter beer for the fireside and a pipe.

Serving type: bottle

12-18-2012 01:21:25 | More by nofalltoofar

rlee1390

Indiana

4.08/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A-Clear ruby/brown when pouring, black in the glass, one finger tan/brown head, some carbonation.

S-Starts with roasted malt, some burnt notes, chocolate and coffee and faint vanilla, oats.

T-Nice and roasty, slight burnt notes, chocolate and tad bit of coffee, meshes well. Dark fruits, slight vanilla and oats

M-Medium bodied, creamy, some carbonation.

O-Magic Hat mad a great beer, something of theirs I fully enjoyed. Keep this up Magic Hat.

Serving type: bottle

12-17-2012 19:34:42 | More by rlee1390

Amalak

New York

4.33/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A. A deep chocolate black color. It has a tan head that leaves some lacing behind.

S. Nice nutty malt scent.

T. This has a nice balanced burnt taste, not over the top. It has a toffee undertone. There's a hint of hop in there.

M. It has a smooth carbonation to it. Medium bodied.

O. Very lovely stout. It isn't overbearing in anyway. If a high alcohol taste and over the top burnt flavor is more your style, this isn't it. But it's a great, balanced beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2012 21:03:03 | More by Amalak

stxp

New York

3.45/5  rDev -12.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

appearance: solid black, dark chocolate milky foam, thick head

smell: nutty, hearty bread, slightly clean ester

taste: very nutty brown, minimal roast, some coffee, caramel notes, not much hop

mouthfeel: thin at first, gets very filling with warmth, not roasty until finish, slightly toasty linger

overall: nice easy stout, not overpowering roast or bitterrness, nice dark color, balanced mouthfeel

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2012 19:20:41 | More by stxp

JasonL

3.88/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I decided to buy the magic hat winterland 12 pack which comes with four different magic hat brands. I went for the stout first since I really like stouts and the flavors induced inside them. For a stout I was expecting a lot more flavors and this did disappoint me a little bit. It does have that nice coffee roasted stout flavor but I was expecting a better aftertaste. The aftertaste was a little bland but I do like the first initial flavor of coffee notes. This stout is a good fast sipper though because most stouts are high in alcohol and this one isn't. Overall this is a good stout but not one I would buy on a regular basis. I would prefer Sierra Nevadas Narwhal Imperial Stout.

Serving type: bottle

12-15-2012 21:40:47 | More by JasonL

Minkybut

Virginia

3.03/5  rDev -23.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

I poured this average beer into my tumbler at 45 degrees. The beer was very gark and poured a really dark head. I was hopeful. The beer did not really have much of a smell to me maybe coffee hits. The beer was smooth but I got to say for a Stout, it was pretty tasteless I thought. Good lacing was present but I prefer taste. I will not buy again.

Serving type: bottle

12-14-2012 17:58:51 | More by Minkybut

mattbk

New York

3.6/5  rDev -8.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: This poured nice and thick, with pretty creamy head, a very nice start. Black, opaque.

S: Roast, but acrid, milk sugar, maybe a bit of hoppiness. No chocolate or coffee.

T: Strong roast, not bad, a bit acrid as was the nose. No lactose in the taste, no caramel either, but a bit sweet, not too too bitter from the roast. It's not bad, fairly one dimensional though.

M: Like the mouthfeel, medium heavy, a bit dry though.

O: A decent stout, not over the top or very interesting, but solid.

Serving type: bottle

12-12-2012 01:41:05 | More by mattbk

Jimmys

Pennsylvania

2.88/5  rDev -26.9%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3

12 oz bottle into long-stemmed chalice. 0913 on the neck of the bottle. i assume this is the best before date.

A: body is pretty black. head is frothy and a light brown hue. retention is great with some good lacing clumps left behind.

S: acrid roasty aroma. very acrid. smells dry. i find the acidity to be a bit off-putting.

T: starts quick. similar to the nose, the roasted malt is a bit burnt and almost stings the palate. chocolate and coffee flavor lingers into the finish.

M: definitely a mild carbonation that works well with the brew.

D: the acidity of the roast is a bit too much for me. both in the nose and on the palate. unfortunately unenjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2012 02:42:40 | More by Jimmys

jsulko

Illinois

3.73/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Bottle poured into a snifter glass.

Pours a dark black with brownish tones. Slght brownish head.

Smell is coffee with a slgith sweetness. Not a ton going on there.

Taste is dominated by the coffee with a bit of sweetness. Bitter coffee aftertaste on the finish.

Not a ton going on with stout which is surprising based on some of the scores.

Not a stout I would revisit.

Serving type: bottle

12-10-2012 04:15:14 | More by jsulko

Jomolieri

Virginia

3.18/5  rDev -19.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Good beer. Good flavor. But it's forgettable.

It's got a nice lingering bittersweet chocolate but lacks a strong creamy touch and sweetness that I would've liked and I think would've made it a bit more stand out.

The flavors are all fairly subtle compared to other stouts such as the Victory Love Stout.

The body is medium but seems a little weak.

Overall I'd recommend it as a casual beer but nothing that I'll savor every sip of.

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2012 04:52:02 | More by Jomolieri

tdm168

North Carolina

4/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - black with some brown edges; thin, brown head

S - coffee, roasted malts

T - big coffee flavor, roasted malts, faintly bitter

M - medium bodied, smooth, well carbonated

This was a well flavored beer with a huge coffee presence. It's also easy to drink. This would make a really good stout for a session. It's also reasonably priced making it a first choice for me when I want a sixer vs. a bomber.

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2012 02:22:09 | More by tdm168