Matt Brewing Company - Saranac Harvest Ale

We're excited to bring this brew to you, as it's a brand new fall seasonal beer that hasn't yet even been released to the public as of this writing. For this wheat ale, the folks at Matt Brewing Co. have sourced locally-grown white wheat from Ithaca, NY to provide the beer's distinct wheaty "twang". On the pour, expect quite a bit of haze in this brew, as it is unfiltered as many wheat beers tend to be. On the nose, look for the wheat and pale malt notes to be bolstered by a prominent citrusy quality thanks to the use of Japanese Sorachi Ace hops, which are known for their distinct lemony character. We found Harvest Ale light in body with those wheaty and lemony notes standing out nicely on the palate and both contributing to a pleasant, mild tartness in the finish. Try this brew with shrimp scampi over pasta, or a plate of nutty, earthy cheeses like Fontina or Camembert.

The Matt Brewing Company is not only a brewery, it’s an institution. This is one of the most industry-respected, accomplished, award-winning breweries in the country, with a heritage dating back to the 19th century—exceedingly rare in the world of U.S. craft-brewed beer. Francis Xavier Matt arrived in the States in 1878 (only 13 years after the end of the American Civil War, and just shortly after the nation's 100th birthday). The man put in several years of work gaining 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 sparsely populated Adirondacks of New York, where in 1888 he founded what is today one of the oldest breweries in the United States (and the oldest in New York state).

Today, the name of this family-based brewing operation honors their continued commitment to tradition and pride. Matt Brewing Company 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 wide range of distinctive, flavorful beers under the Saranac brand and others. It's been 125 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 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.