Matt Brewing Company - Saranac Hoppy Hour Hero moe.saic IPA

Created in collaboration with the band moe., and featuring Mosaic hops (see what they did there?), Hoppy Hour Hero presents an inviting medium copper-amber color topped by a robust head of foam that laces the glass nicely as it recedes to a persistent collar. Being a double IPA, we of course expect very bold hop aromas from this brew, and we’re not disappointed. Atop an undercurrent of caramel, look for a complex hop profile including soft floral notes joined by pineapple- and mango-like tropical fruits, citrus, stone fruit, pine, and a wispy touch of berry. As we expect for a double IPA, Saranac has imbued this brew with a robust malty core and a corresponding mild impression of sweetness, providing structure and a bit of balance to the big hop contribution and subtle booziness. At 75 IBU, there’s certainly a firm hop bitterness here, but there’s also a ton of aromatic flavors at play as well: candied citrus and tropical fruit, floral potpourri, herbal spice & pine, and a touch of earth. For a good food pairing, it’s important to stick with boldly flavored dishes that can stand up to the big flavors in this beer. A snack of sharp aged cheeses should work nicely, but for something more substantial we’d recommend baby back ribs with a spicy BBQ sauce, or citrus-marinated carne asada. Cheers!

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 128 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.