Every year, the
Matt Brewing Company of Utica, New York gives the fans of it’s Saranac brand
of beers a Christmas present: a 12 pack sampler of beers, many of which are
only available at Christmas time. Many breweries do this, of course, but few
give you 12 beers in one sampler! This year’s 12 Beers Sampler will give you
one bottle each of the following:
Saranac Irish Stout
Saranac India Pale Ale
Saranac Belgian White
Saranac Scotch Ale
Saranac Traditional Lager
Saranac Black Forest
Saranac Black and Tan
Saranac Pilsner
Saranac Adirondack Amber
Saranac Pale Ale
Saranac Caramel Porter
Saranac ESB
It is the ESB I am reviewing tonight. The label describes Saranac E.S.B.
thusly: ”Bitters are popular pub ales in England and are closely related to the
more well known pale ales. Saranac Extra Special Bitter has a rich, malty
taste balanced by the pleasant bitterness of Willamette hops. The finish is
dry with a hint of the foral (sic) English Fuggle and spicy Saaz hop.
Enjoy!”
Bitters actually are not closely related to pale ales, they are pale
ales. Or, more correctly, pale ales are the bottled version of bitter. ESB (Extra
Special Bitter) is a bigger pale ale, hoppier and maltier, though
neither should be out of balance. The increased malt and hops should accent
each other, but should also compensate for each other. The end result should
be a beer slightly bigger in body and hoppiness than a pale ale.
Orange-amber color, thick creamy head, light malty nose. The palate is
rather smooth, light malt and a touch of fruit are present, then the hops
take over in the finish. It’s the Saaz that dominate with their unique spicy
buzz in the finish, and though it’s subtle, it does seem odd in an English
Style Ale. This isn’t an extremely bitter beer, but it is a nicely balanced
one.
Enjoyed this evening with meatloaf and mashed potatoes, would also go nicely
with shepherd’s pie I can imagine.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For
reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.