Thoughts on Matt Brewing Co. beers?

I feel most Saranac's are really decent beers. Although I really like the High Peaks Series Imperial IPA and Imperial Stout. Maybe not world class but very good beers.

 

I used to drink a lot of Saranac, and it definitely got me into craft beer. Before I started drinking Saranac, when I had money for good beer, it was whatever English or Irish beer I could find. The rest of the time I drank Labatts or Molson. Saranac's mix packs were a good way to affordably check out different styles of beer at a time I definitely couldn't afford to buy the imported versions, if I could even find them. Sure, most of their beers aren't above average, but in general they aren't below average, either, and they're pretty affordable, especially in Central NY.

I haven't had much since my recent return to CNY, since I've been getting more into what Middle Ages and Empire are doing, and since there is so much other stuff available here now. But I am glad to see that they finally started selling six packs of the Black Forest. Eventually one of those will find its way into my fridge.

 

Nice i have never seen it. I will have to keep an eye out for it.

 

My understanding is that Matts brews the Costco bear for East coast Costcos but that there is another brewery used for West Coast Costcos.

 

They didn't brew Pomegranate Wheat last year. I've heard it could come back in the future at some point.

 

I remember this one... even though I wasn't quite old enough to enjoy it at the time

I believe #s 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10 (and maybe either 2 or 8) were part of their year-round lineup at the time... so the pack included their 6 "regular" beers plus 6 seasonals. In subsequent years, they've given 2 each of 6 seasonals instead, which I think is a better approach.

 

One of the first craft brews I ever had was Saranac's Maple Porter. Man, was that a delicious brew. I haven't seen it in a long time, I think it was a seasonal.

Their White IPA and Pumpkin Ale are solid beers. For the price point, I think they make decent beers.

 

Yes, and I miss that. I do understand that it may not have been easy to put together production wise though.

Those saranac mix sixers or twelves are great when you are trying to get beer for alot of people with a wide variety of tastes. Never had a drain pour from them. As many posters already said, the Black Forest is always good.

 

I went to fairly large liquor store the other day looking for the Spring variety pack and the guy said they are getting them next week. On Saranac's website it says they are availible in Jan. so I have no idea why stores are so slow in getting them.

 

Had the High Peaks Lemon Ginger Saison the other day and it was excellent.

 

You are correct: I bought some Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout this year and it is labeled as Brewed by Brooklyn Brewing Company Utica, NY. So this beer is indeed contract brewed by F.X. Matt.

F.X. Matt is indeed a quality contract brewery.

I had some of their White IPA beers last year and I thought they were good.

Cheers!

 

I am a huge fan of Matt, especially at the low price point. Black Fo Fo is indeed stupendous. The White IPA is a killer grapefruit monster, and was the first unfiltered IPA I've tried. I pick up 12pax of Saranax all day like its my job

 

I think the Black Forest was only in seasonal packs at the time and the India Pale Ale was year-round, but was only available in the various mix packs (Trail Mix and all or some of the seasonals). As I remember it, all the other ones you mentioned were regularly available in six-packs at the time.

 

Saranc's a solid brewery, their stuff is avg to a lil above avg. but they offer such a large sampling at least a few are purty tasty !

 

Probably the best one I`ve had, but used to really like the Big Moose, now I only think most of their stuff is decent, wasn't really thrilled with caramel porter.