On December 17th of 1998 I wroite the following about Saranac Belgian White:
There are a number of great breweries around the world which can be cited as refutations to the argument that great beer can't be made in large breweries. In the United States, one of the first that comes to mind for me is Matt Brewing in Utica, New York, makers of the Saranac brand. Saranac beers are reasonably priced, always tasty, and readily available.
Belgian White is brewed with oats, wheat, and barley malt, lightly hopped and spiced with coriander and orange peel. It's a faintly cloudy orange in color, and nicely carbonated: a thick bubbly head quickly forms from a gentle pour of the beer. The nose is spicy as would be expected, with the coriander most apparent. The palate is crisp and refreshing with plenty of citric orange character and coriander, a hint of vanilla, and a light dose of refreshing wheat. The finish is fairly clean though the spices definitely linger.
This is a really nice beer overall, which makes it a shame that currently you can only get it in the Twelve Beers of Christmas gift box (a nice selection of beers, by the way). I think this beer would be a prime candidate for a year round selection.
Saranac Belgian White pours to a cloudy white color with a creamy white head
and a spicy fruit nose that hints at blueberries. The palate is citric and
spicy, the orange peel and coriander are readily apparent. The body is
smooth and creamy, and the finish is nicely balanced. There’s a hint of
vanilla, and a light dose of refreshing wheat. The finish is fairly clean
though the spices definitely linger.
Perfect with pumpkin pie or vanilla ice cream.
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.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
(G)=Growler