Matt Brewing Company - Saranac Black Forest
-
ABV:
5.30% -
Int’l Bittering Units (IBUs):
20 -
Serving Temperature:
42-50° F -
Suggested Glassware:
Pint Glass -
Malts:
2-Row, Caramel (others) -
Hops:
Mt. Hood, Hallertauer
Since the brewery's founder was from the Black Forest region of Germany, it's no surprise that the Matt Brewing Company crafted a Bavarian Black Lager, also known as a schwarzbier, and named it Black Forest. Expect sweetish malts and caramel on the nose, with light fruitiness. This medium-bodied lager presents light caramel flavor on the palate with notes of maple syrup and a mild-bitterness breaking late, providing nice balance. The brewers recommend Chicken Mole or grilled chicken dishes with this beer. Overall, a fine domestic example of the rarely encountered schwarzbier style.
Francis Xavier Matt arrived in the U.S. way back in 1878 (a mere 13 years after the conclusion of the American Civil War!) where he put in several years of brewing experience at the already established Bierbaur Brewery. Originally from the Black Forest region of Germany, "F.X." as he liked to be called, settled in the Adirondacks of New York where he founded what is today one of the oldest breweries in the United States (and the oldest in New York state).
Today known as the Matt Brewing Company, the brewery has survived numerous world-altering events, including two World Wars and Prohibition. After the days of Prohibition had passed, F.X., then 74, was joined by his sons Walter and Frank, and a tradition of family brewing ensued. Under the leadership of the third and fourth generations of the Matt Family (Nick and Fred, respectively), the Brewery has earned a reputation as one of the most respected specialty brewers in the country, producing a variety of distinctive, flavorful beers.
It's been nearly one hundred and twenty years since F.X. created the first of his brewery's malty treasures and established the legacy that is the Matt brewing tradition. Today, each of their brews is a flavorful testament to time-tested recipes and their literally generations of experience.
For more information about the brewery and scheduled tours, give them a call at 800-765-6288 or check out their web site at www.saranac.com.
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