Saranac ESB

Review Date   11/13/2000

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.