Sunday, August 24, 2008

Sunday Night Suds - Saranac Belgian White Ale





Tonight's Sunday Night Suds beer review looks at Saranac Belgian White, yet another interesting brew included with the Beers of Summer mix box.

As devotees of this page are aware, I am actually a big fan of the Saranac beers brewed by the FX Matt Co. While I can't say that every variety is a hit, they more often then not produce a brew worth talking about. Interestingly, I received an e-mail from one of the better Long Island beer stores (Big Z in Huntington) that they were having a Saranac sponsored beer tasting this past Friday and Saturday. While I could not attend the Saturday event, I was sorely tempted to go to the Friday tasting, not to try the beers since there was no way I could get a designated driver to take me home, but really just to meet the Saranac people and properly thank them for the beer they produce.

But back to the Belgian White. The brew notes on the Saranac website indicate that they brew the beer with oats, wheat and barley malt. The use of oats is unique to Witbier (of which the Saranac Belgian White models itself after) as I am unaware of any other variety which uses oats in the brew process.

The beer itself is a lighter taste than a classic Witbier or Hefeweizen, in fact I would compare it favorably with the "original flavor" Blue Moon (as opposed to the seasonal varieties). It has moderate carbonation and a rich amber color with a little bit of foam that stays well beyond the pour. It goes very well with meat dishes such as steak, barbecue and Asian food. It would probably go well with pizza too, I just have not had the opportunity since you only get two bottles in the summer box and they are not offered in six packs of their own.

Saranac Belgian White Ale is under the Kosher Supervision of the Vaad of Detroit as are all beers brewed by Saranac. For the experts' take on the Belgian White please click here http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/99/1462 .

As always, please remember to drink responsibly and to never waste good beer unless there is no designated driver.

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