Black Magic is an imperial oatmeal stout with 11% ABV from the West York, PA based Crystal Ball Brewing Co. As the weather gets colder the in vogue beers get darker with higher alcohol levels, producing a little added warmth need in the winter months.
Being a stout, this pours true to style with a very dark color, sizable khaki head and true to the imperial style, there is a prominent boozy aroma. This boozy, almost cognac aroma continues into its flavor, a strong syrupy sweetness that pervades throughout the drinking experience.
Layered behind there flavor of roasted malt as well as a bit of bitter, dark chocolate and coffee. The rolled oats used in crafting this brew are extremely apparent in its dense, but utterly smooth mouthfeel, like a velvet canvassing your tongue.
Black Magic is an excellent snow day stout, it has all of the added warmth you’d expect from its higher ABV and you can enjoy a couple when you know you won’t be driving for the day. Plus, shoveling is terrible, but a good brew can make anything better, yes, even shoveling.
