The Matt Brewing Company - Saranac India Pale Ale

To the Iroquois, native people of the Adirondacks, the word Saranac means "Cluster of Stars." Some rightfully consider the varied selection of Saranac beers themselves to be a cluster of “stars” in the microbrew world. Saranac IPA pours an appealing dark straw to pale amber color, topped with a huge meringue-like froth. Big hops! Sharp, pungent hop aromatics leap from the glass leaving a spicy, grapefruit rind tingle in the nostrils—quite like sniffing a fresh mint sprig. Look for some floral, perfumey notes as well (also from the hops). Some sweet malt notes manage to rise up through the hops indicating this beer is going to be balanced, but definitely hops-forward. On the swallow, some clean grain notes come out, but again, floral fresh hop notes command the scene, dropping very bitter, rindy notes on the palate that linger long into the finish. As it warms, there is an unexpected, subtle champagne-like note that develops, nicely placed in the overall flavor profile. The alcohol is coaxed out a bit by the hoppy elements, enhancing the sensation of alcohol heat in this nearly 6% ABV brew and contributing to the overall dryness. The brewery recommends pairing this beer with seafood, pizza or Mexican food.

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. 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. 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.