Matt Brewing Company - Saranac Oktoberfest

Pumpkins and Octoberfest… Tis the season! Expect a sweet toasty nose with suggestions of bread dough. There are some fruity, sweet (think candied apple) and hoppy notes that jump out and push the style barrier just a bit. Coupled with the herbal, hoppy, zesty notes and toasty character in aroma (and flavor), this beer rides the line between being your traditional Octoberfest (a style of beer called Marzen) and a Vienna Lager—but to hell with style guidelines; this beer is too tasty to get hung up on that! We found it went down uncharacteristically spicy for a Marzen and then faded to a very toasty, almost Saltines-like cracker note with a proper amount of alcohol bite for the style. Look for some spitzy lemon notes in the finish. Brewery recommends partnering with hearty stew, but it works well thrown at some brats or knockwurst and sauerkraut. Prost!

The Matt Brewing Company is not only a brewery but 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 he founded what is today one of the oldest breweries in the United States (and the oldest in New York state). Today, the surname of this family-based brewing operation honors their commitment to tradition and pride. The 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. Though not earth-shattering from a global perspective (like other dramas they've endured) in late May of this year the brewery's packaging area was struck by a devastating fire that resulted in many millions of dollars' worth of damage to their historic brewery site. Thankfully, they've been able to land on their feet and are now getting back to business as usual. Not to minimize the impact of this event, but in the context of two World Wars, the Great Depression, and, worst of all, Prohibition, we're not surprised they've been able to keep it together and maintain their business. After all, it's been more than 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. As their label states, they're technically now in their "3rd century of brewing." 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.