Game Day Beer Review: New Holland Brewing Co. Black Hatter American Black Ale

 

(5.5% ABV). From a bottle, the Black Hatter appears Coca Cola black with a shaving-cream-thick head of light brown foam, which leaves behind less lacing than you might expect. The beer is very mild smelling, with the most pronounced smell being malty, roasted hops. Upon first taste, the initial roasted coffee flavor gradually disolves into a hoppy finish. The Black Hatter is decently carbonated, which gives it a lighter than expected mouthfeel.  It feels a bit safe, as if the brewers were trying not to screw this style up.  I'll give it a B.