Saranac Belgian Ale
Matt Brewing Company / Saranac Brewery

Saranac Belgian AleSaranac Belgian Ale
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From:
Matt Brewing Company / Saranac Brewery
 
New York, United States
Style:
Belgian Pale Ale
ABV:
5.9%
Score:
77
Avg:
3.34 | pDev: 14.37%
Reviews:
237
Ratings:
290
Status:
Active
Rated:
Jul 02, 2017
Added:
Oct 27, 2005
Wants:
  3
Gots:
  5
No description / notes.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by InDreams:
Photo of InDreams
Reviewed by InDreams from Maryland

2.85/5  rDev -14.7%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
I enjoy Saranac for their variety packs and for their reasonable (read cheap) prices. Other than that, I feel most of their beers approach the style without necessarily getting it head on, and few are exceptional. This particular beer came with their Winter Beer Sampler ($12 by me), and I poured it into a snifter.

First impression was a little bland. Poured a clear, amber color with very little head. Minimal lacing. The smell is very mild, but if anything it's not bad. Maybe a little fruity, maybe some spices. My first impression on the taste was American Pale Ale rather than anything Belgian. Second time around I got some hints of the Belgian style it was attempting, but nothing exceptional. Kind of dry, tastes of clove and malts. Somewhat sweet but the fruitiness of a Belgian is lacking. Very watery with a light body, but good carbonation. I'd say, for the price, and the fact that it's not offensive in any way, it's pretty drinkable.

All said, if you're looking for a real, quality Belgian Pale Ale, this is not your beer.
Nov 01, 2005
More User Ratings:
Photo of Lone_Freighter
Reviewed by Lone_Freighter from Vermont

3.31/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
It pours a bright clear golden color leaving a very clear body and a half inch white foamy head in my chalice. Small inner valleys appear within the head and light rapidly moving carbonation is seen rising. The smell was the banana and clove up front with light fruitiness in the background. The taste was sweet and kinda grainy with the fruitiness coming back more so in a citrusy sort of way. It leaves a dry aftertaste and a sticky finish. The palate is light with nothing harsh on the tongue, a really nice smoothness is felt all around, kinda creamy. Overall, this is adequate for me and for the style.
Jul 02, 2017
 
Rated: 2.5 by jzlyo from Iowa

Dec 13, 2014
 
Rated: 3.36 by stevehagy from New York

Nov 22, 2014
 
Rated: 3.25 by Hellpop65 from Kansas

Nov 09, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Electros from Canada (ON)

Sep 18, 2014
 
Rated: 2.5 by rw1992 from North Carolina

May 12, 2014
 
Rated: 2.75 by Johnroby from Ohio

May 12, 2014
 
Rated: 3.25 by wisegreensoul from Idaho

May 01, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by Durandal_777 from Pennsylvania

Apr 23, 2014
 
Rated: 3.25 by smurphy493 from New York

Mar 08, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by buzzy from Pennsylvania

Feb 24, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by MichaelStoutBeard from New York

Jan 08, 2014
 
Rated: 3.25 by jaydoc from Kansas

Jan 05, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by chrishiker1409 from New York

Dec 05, 2013
 
Rated: 3 by muskiesman from New Jersey

Nov 22, 2013
 
Rated: 3 by Stignacious from New York

Nov 18, 2013
 
Rated: 3.25 by bsm80x from New York

Oct 24, 2013
 
Rated: 3.25 by harpus from Alabama

Oct 10, 2013
 
Rated: 3 by Cooker_stp from New York

Aug 18, 2013
Saranac Belgian Ale from Matt Brewing Company / Saranac Brewery
Beer rating: 77 out of 100 with 290 ratings