On the second day of Christmas...

Magic Hat brought to me: a 12 oz. bottle of Howl, their winter seasonal brewed in the style of a schwarzbier.

I've never been a big fan of Magic Hat. The ubiquitous No. 9 never interested me. Circus Boy is drinkable, but there are way better examples of the style out there. Same goes for Lucky Kat, their IPA. But 'tis the season for forgiveness, so I went into this tasting with a clear mind and an open heart.

Howl pours quite dark with hints of red peaking through as it's held to light. Some solid head perched on top, a finger or two of fluffy off-white foam that sticks around for the duration. A sniff reveals notes of chocolate, coffee and some toasted grain, along with a whiff of caramel. Taste is much the same -- nice balance of chocolately sweetness and roasted malts, not sweet but definitely not dry. Just enough bitterness lingers on the tongue to warrant taking another sip, then another one soon after. This stuff has a little body to it, but it's light enough to be eminently drinkable. The 4.6% abv doesn't hurt, either. All said a pretty tasty beer, and it paired nicely with these:
Magic Hat, you have redeemed yourself. And I don't think it's just the Christmas spirit in me talking.