Jake’s Beer of the Month: Magic Hat’s Roxy Rolles from Trader Joe’s

Magic Hat’s Roxie Rolles isn’t your typical six pack. Magic Hat is always up to tricks with its beer, and Roxie really threw me for a loop. Its dark, mahogany color and sweet, malty aroma had me prepared for a classic porter or dark amber flavor: mild, slightly sweet and laced with caramel and nut flavors. What I got was a mouthful of citrus hops with hints of dark malt in the background. At first I was surprised, and then I was pleasantly surprised. The Roxie is a beautiful beer. It pours a deep coffee color and produces an abundant, aromatic tan head. It quickly levels off and keeps a fine lace all the way to the bottom of the glass. The chestnut brown brew started to really evolve into a delicious beer once I got used to the contrast between its color and flavor. The bitter hops kept my taste buds fresh and alert. With each sip, I could taste more of the delicate malt flavors dancing in the depths of the Rolles. The dominant hops provide grapefruit and a light floral flavor that I will describe as sharply earthy. Stay with me on this one—it is a delicious beer and very difficult to describe. There aren’t many brews like this one on the market.