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Saranac Dry Hop Lager
Matt Brewing Company, Utica, NY
Glass: Nonic 

The Pour: Lively, the carbonation explodes from the bottom of the glass forming a thick, three-finger head, white and foamy. The head quickly diminishes to the beer surface with a loud crackle as the bubbles pop. Left in the wake of the head breaking down is a one-finger thick lace.

Color: Copper red, slightly transparent enough to allow you to view the carbonation rising up the sides of the glass.

Aroma: Peppery, herbal, and earthy (wood, hay, grass), most likely created by the Opal and Mittelfrueh hops used. Slight notes of citrus accent the aroma but aren’t dominating. These scents of citrus (orange and lemon) compliment the peppery and earthy scents. 

Taste: Slightly bitter but not overwhelming, created by the combination of hops used to create this lager: Mittelfrueh, Perle, Saphir, Opal, Taurus. A bittersweet herbal taste of floral and citrus is the main taste profile. Underlying hints of herbs and pepper are tasted. 

Palate: The taste comes together with a slight sugary aftertaste combined with malt characteristics (i.e. bread, biscuit, white baking flour). Each of the four taste senses are triggered: Sweetness, salty from the herbal characteristics, very mild sour which doesn’t pucker your lips or does it negate your enjoyment of this lager, and finally a satisfying bitterness which all together creates an enjoyable lager with the taste profiles of a Pale Ale.

Reviewer Notes: A slight lace was left on the sides of the nonic glass. The aftertaste is pleasant; it doesn’t leave you wanting to clean your palate with food or a different style of beer. If you’re choice of lager is Budweiser, then Dry hop Lager is a good transitional beer into more dominate hop-driven craft beers.

Brewers Notes
(via www.saranac.com):
Saranac Dry Hop Lager is brewed with North American and German malt using Perle, Mittlefruh and Saphir hops in the kettle. In aging, we dry hop with Opal, a new variety known for its citrus and herbal characteristics, and Taurus, a unique new variety with wonderful aromatic qualities. Lagers aren't typically dry hopped, but we wanted to showcase a lager blooming with hop flavor and aroma. You'll experience a medium body with subtle malt notes to round out this uniquely hopped brew. Cheers!

Beer Style: German Lager
Malt Selections: North American 2 Row and German Specialty Malt
Hop Selections: Perle, Mittlefruh, Saphir, Opal, Taurus
Food Companions: Enchiladas, chili, white cheddar,
fruit trifles or cobblers
Alcohol By Volume: 6.0% 
Original Gravity: 14.0
IBUs: 30

1/16/2014 12:16:53 pm

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