Matt Brewing Company - Saranac Irish Red Ale

Another of Saranac's fall seasonals, this Irish Red Ale presents an attractive amber color in the glass, topped with a sizeable crop of foam. Irish reds are malt-focused beers, so it's no surprise to find the aroma oriented towards caramel with lightly bready and toasty notes. We picked up a hint of brown sugar and mild fruity esters as well, overlaid with a mellow contribution of spicy, grassy notes from the light dose of hops. On the palate this beer is malt-forward, but not heavy at all, and there's a touch of fruit that peaks through the core of caramel and mild toffee. Hops are light, per the style, but offer a bit of an herbal quality and help to dry out the finish nicely. Pair this brew with jalapeño topped burgers, or something Irish like corned beef & cabbage. Sláinte!

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.