Saratoga Lager
Mendocino Brewing Company

Saratoga LagerSaratoga Lager
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From:
Mendocino Brewing Company
 
United States
Style:
Märzen
ABV:
6%
Score:
81
Avg:
3.53 | pDev: 13.88%
Reviews:
48
Ratings:
132
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Aug 03, 2022
Added:
Nov 27, 2002
Wants:
  3
Gots:
  28
Brewed in the grand tradition of Vienna Lagers in Austria and Marzenbiers of Munich, Saratoga Lager is a smooth, medium bodied lager with a pale copper color and a rich aroma. German hops and Munich malt impart an intriguing balance between light, soft bitterness and a refreshing sweetness.
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Ratings by moodenba:
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Reviewed by moodenba from New York

3.92/5  rDev +11%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Saratoga lager draft beer at lunch in early December 2017. Serving temerature was about 45-50.

This is an excellent amber lager, probably meant to compete with the likes of Anchor Steam, Brooklyn, Sam Adam, Yuengling and Blue Point toasted lagers. I think it's better than any of those beers -- probably comparable to Great Lakes Elliot Ness. It is hoppier than a typical maerzen/octoberfest.

The beer is a deep amber color with an off-white head. There is adequate lacing as the beer is drunk. The beer has a full bodied malty mouthfeel. The hoppiness quickly catches up with the maltiness. A traditional hop bitterness lingers, and this is an important part of this drinking experience. No tropical or fruity notes in this beer.
Dec 04, 2017
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 3.69 by chrishiker1409 from New York

Aug 03, 2022
Photo of GuyFawkes
Reviewed by GuyFawkes from Illinois

3.67/5  rDev +4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
From old, undated notes. Poured from the bottle.

A murky, rusty red hue.

Khaki head; strong lace.

Caramel & roasted corn nose.

Medium mouthfeel.

Smooth caramel & grilled corn, perhaps? Skirts with a macro finish, but there's enough flavor & heft to avoid that detestable fate.
Sep 08, 2019
 
Rated: 3 by 1971bernat from Virginia

Jan 02, 2018
Photo of Brian_L-2056
Reviewed by Brian_L-2056 from West Virginia

4.34/5  rDev +22.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours a deep orangish red color with very little off white head. Smells like honey or molasses. Initial flavor is definitely Marzen like with a light crisp finish. Little to no lacing to speak of and only slight carbonation. I really like this brew so I hope that I can find it again this fall when all the other Marzens come out.
Jun 03, 2017
 
Rated: 3.44 by Antc2382 from New Jersey

May 29, 2017
 
Rated: 3.5 by SonictheBeerhog from New York

Apr 09, 2017
 
Rated: 2.75 by Noelito76 from New York

Jan 26, 2017
 
Rated: 3.25 by ShepardCommander from Virginia

Oct 29, 2016
 
Rated: 3.2 by Jstarr2517 from Connecticut

Sep 15, 2016
 
Rated: 3.81 by EdgarGerik from Venezuela

Aug 14, 2016
 
Rated: 3.59 by Squire from Mississippi

May 25, 2016
 
Rated: 3.95 by bordoz from New York

May 06, 2016
 
Rated: 3.65 by ems_backpack from Massachusetts

Apr 25, 2016
 
Rated: 4.01 by Anglophile1117 from Massachusetts

Mar 27, 2016
 
Rated: 4.19 by kkmiller76 from New Jersey

Mar 07, 2016
 
Rated: 2.99 by breardon1776 from New York

Feb 07, 2016
 
Rated: 2.79 by corybills from Texas

Jan 29, 2016
Photo of scotorum
Reviewed by scotorum from Massachusetts

3.92/5  rDev +11%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
MENDOCINO SARATOGA LAGER 11/4/15

Still another new single from the mixed sixpack I put together while on a trip in NY state. I picked this one because it is a product local to eastern NY state, and the old fashioned label art of a horserace was interesting and appealing. This Mendocino brewery, as opposed to the California one, we do not see beers from in my neighboring state.

Poured from the 12 oz. bottle into a Lawson's stemmed tulip.

a: Gorgeous clear copper/ruby but lacking much head or lacing.

s; Mild caramel malt

t; Follows the nose, especially as it warms. Sweet finish.

m: Medium, good body, decent carbonation tingle.

o: Starts out rather mild but becomes more malty and therefore tasty as it warms. An above average Marzen/Octoberfest entry, definitely sessionable, although I only bought one.
Nov 04, 2015
 
Rated: 2.5 by nathanmiller from New York

Oct 02, 2015
Saratoga Lager from Mendocino Brewing Company
Beer rating: 81 out of 100 with 132 ratings