Mad Hatter Ale

New Holland Brewing Company
Holland, MI

Available: MI, IL

A combination of Cascade and Centennial hops is used in both the kettle and an ample amount for dry hopping. This beer also has an abundant malt bill to balance out the hop character. The beer was first created on the 10th of June and is named after the Louis Carol drawing of the Mad Hatter, who has a tag on his hat with “10/6” written on it.

Alcohol by weight: 5.5
Color: n/a
Bitterness: 50
Gravity: 1058

Spectacular. The aromatics alone are worth the price of admission. Of course, I am a "hophead," but hey--that's what I like best about me, and maybe, I'm a bit "mad," too. As one inhales the bouquet, the temptation to linger is almost overwhelming. It is truly a step into dreamland. But then, the beer itself makes me glad not to have lingered too long. The dryness of Mad Hatter enhances the intensity of the hops. What more could one ask? This is a very lovable brew. Hot food and hot weather--both need the services of a fine hoppy ale.
- Fred Eckhardt

The beer pours hazy honey-amber, with a dust-storm of yeast kicking off the bottom. It has a beautiful, piney American hop aroma. A thin whack of scouring bitterness strikes first, deftly backed up by robust semi-sweet malt. The finish is clean, dry and hoppy, and leaves the palate buzzing. The hops linger. A very nice job indeed. Anyone can throw extra hops in the kettle; the trick is achieving an appetizing balance. It’s all right here, along with your daily supply of B vitamins. A fine American IPA to accompany your shrimp quesadilla.
- Garrett Oliver

Attractive, full, pinkish-amber, color. Very fruity aroma. Like tropical fruit trees in a hothouse. Scenty and sweet for a moment, then drying. Reminiscent of dried orange peels. Lightly oily palate. Oily, malty, dryness. Quite aggressively dry and astringent. Perhaps a suggestion of orange zest. Like biting an orange that has not been peeled. Needs rounding in the middle.
- Michael Jackson

Fred Eckhardt
Fred Eckhardt lives, writes about and drinks beer in Portland, OR. He is the author of The Essentials of Beer and Sake (USA).

Garrett Oliver
Internationally recognized brewer and expert on traditional beer, Garrett Oliver is the brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery and the author of The Brewmaster's Table.

Michael Jackson
Author of Ultimate Beer, the Simon & Schuster Guide to Beer and numerous other works on drinks, Jackson has created legions of converts to fine beer.