One of the beers I brought to Octoberfest 2007 was Orlio Organic IPA. I had no idea who Orlio Organic was at the time, but later learned that they are part of Magic Hat brewing in Vermont. The logo just kept catching my eye in the store, much like the eye of Sauron (from the Lord of the Rings). It caught my attention, but I hated it. It looked like a bad beer trying to look popular.

But, I’ve made that mistake before with Southern Tier’s Phin and Matt’s Extraordinary Ale passing up on it for a long time because of the marketing approach. I tried and liked it. No… loved it. I wasn’t about to make that mistake again.

We all tried the Orlio Organic IPA at Octoberfest 2007 and we all liked it. Everyone seemed surprised that we all liked it, too. I don’t know if we were suspecting less because it was organic, or because none of us had heard of it before, or because of the label.

I’m not a big fan of Magic Hat beers, but not knowing what the Orlio brand was gave them a fresh start with me and thus I bought a 6 pack of their common ale the other day.

I was looking forward to the Common Ale, but I was already disappointed during the pour. The head on this beer fizzed out like a Diet Coke. (I had to snap this photo quickly before the head disappeared - see photo below) I began to prepare my brain for something of less substance. It was weak in body as expected, despite its beautiful clear, copper color. It had a peculiar aroma, something that reminded me of other Magic Hat brews, and the primary reason I’m not a big fan of Magic Hat. All of Magic Hat’s beers seem to a perfume like essence to them; I’m sure there is an expert beer taster who can suggest what this is I’m perceiving. (a common hop among them perhaps?)

In summary, the Orlio IPA was great and enjoyed by many, but I don’t think the Common Ale will pass the mustard with my friends. Orlio Organic also has a black lager, but I think I will pass, for now.

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