Matt Brewing Company - Saranac Black & Tan

Like any good B&T, the distinct flavors from both components—Saranac Irish Stout (Black) and Amber lager (Tan)—hold their own while also complementing one another quite well. Expect distinct stout notes, with a roasty bitterness in the aroma that blends with the strong malt aroma supplied by the German-style amber lager. The flavor is quite malty with roasted espresso notes, a touch of dark cocoa, and a bitterness in the finish that fades to sweet malt aftertaste. If you’re not a fan of the full-bodied, full-flavor of a regular Irish stout, this would be a good starting point from which to work up from as it retains the distinct roasty character of the stout while taming it with a German-style sweetened amber lager malt. Goes nicely with steaks, hearty stews, soups or clams/oysters.

Originally from the Black Forest region of Germany, Francis Xavier Matt I chose to settle in the Adirondacks where he founded what is today one of the oldest breweries in the United States. He arrived in the U.S. in 1878 (a mere 13 years after the conclusion of the American Civil War!) and put in several years of brewing experience at the already established Bierbaur Brewery. By 1888, “F.X.” as he liked to be called, reorganized the floundering brewery to create The West End Brewing Company which quickly became one of the largest and most successful breweries in the Northeastern U.S. Today known as the Matt Brewing Company, the brewery has survived numerous world-altering events, from World War I (1914-1918), to Prohibition (1920-1933), to World War II (1939-1946). 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. Management of the brewery spans four generations—a rare feat in the world of U.S. microbrewed beers since most were founded within the past 30 years. This practice of family run breweries is more common to the master breweries of Europe, such as those found in Bavaria, and is a tradition that F.X. Matt I clearly brought with him to the states. It’s been more than a century since F.X. created the first of his brewery’s malty treasures and set in motion 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, call 800-765-6288 or check out their web site at www.saranac.com.