All this Dave Matthews Band talk on Facebook has got me thinking jam bands. And when it comes to drinking, that means Magic Hat.

To keep up traditions I picked up Participation — Magic Hat Brewing Co.’s election-themed fall seasonal pack. This civic-minded variety pack contains four ales that represent a combination of styles not commonly found in the same case. I’ve got to be honest with you: If a limo door opened and these four ladies, or gentlemen, were inside, you would have difficulty picking who to call dibs on. Participation is available at Tops and Wegmans for $15.99.

It wouldn’t be a Magic Hat variety without its flagship #9, the Not Quite Pale Ale. It has a unique flavor palette that is difficult to define because #9 is a pale ale like “Thriller” was a pop album — there’s something special about it. It uses an apricot accent to spice up its flavor palate. The brewers use two different hop varieties to give a mild bitterness that makes up the bottom of the taste. The pale ale is 5.1 percent alcohol by volume and exceptionally refreshing. A 24-ounce #9 is a nice way to class up a run to Graby’s before it closes on a Tuesday or Sunday night.

hI.P.A. is the fall stop on the “I.P.A. on Tour” series. This particular India Pale Ale has hops to spare with a lot of bite. There is a strong bitter taste that starts with the bouquet and finishes with a malty ending. This ale is paler than others, which seems to be a trend with the Magic Hat family of beers. hI.P.A. is 6.7 percent ABV.

Hex is an acquired taste. If you’ve never had one before, I recommend you drink something lighter before having a second. By your third, though, which is conveniently the number that comes in the box, you will be a Hex fan. Hex uses five different varieties of malt to provide a wide base of flavors. It’s the best fall seasonal I’ve sampled so far this year, and it is 5.4 percent ABV.

The twist ending to this seasonal variety is the inclusion of Hocus Pocus, a sporadically brewed pale wheat-style ale. This light-bodied style of brew is usually typical of summer seasonals, but is included in Participation because of the pack’s election theme. Hocus Pocus is a sweet beer with fruity accents, low hop flavors and a malty aftertaste. The flavors balance one another well — unlike the presidential candidates — and you’ll want another when your glass is empty. Hocus Pocus is 4.5 percent ABV and is only available sporadically.

– Compiled by Dylan Sorensen, staff writer, djsorens@syr.edu