Brewery: Matt Brewing Company, Utica, NY

Brewery Description:“Our classic German lager has a perfect balance of caramel malt sweetness. Look for a rich, amber color and medium body.”

Brew Style:German Amber/Vienna, 5.5% ABV

Recommended Glassware: Lager, Flute, Pilsner, Dimpled mug, Stein

The Ugly Truth: Well, back again with the 2nd to last bottle of Saranac.  Almost done with it, then I can get back to some better beer.  But all is not lost, as the Adirondack Lager turned out to be a pretty decent beer.  The brewer has it down as a German Amber or Vienna, but other places has it as a German Pilsner.  Based on the style guide I consult on a regular basis, I’m going with the brewer and calling this a Vienna.

The AL poured a fairly deep golden color with a light head on it with low retention.  The head wasn’t very characteristic of the style, which typically sports a stonger and longer lasting one.  Color was fairly clear with some mild carbonation rising from the bottom of the glass.  Moderate to strong malt aroma, with a toasted character to it without a discernable hops aroma.

As for the taste, I actually really enjoyed it.  It was probably the best of the mix pack I’ve had so far.  Overall the flavor was crisp and really refreshing.  The taste didn’t blow me away, but its was pretty striaghtforward and a pleasent surprise.  There was some moderate malt flavor to start with, not too storng.  Body was medium to medium-light, with the carbonation coming through in the taste.  The lager finishes clean and crisp with a dry hops flavor to the aftertaste that balances the malt out nicely.

Overall, pretty good beer.  Its the first of the Saranac that I’d go pick up a six pack of to keep in the fridge for a light drinking beer with dinner.  I haven’t had too many Viennas but if this is an indicator of the style I’d like to grab some more.  The Saranac Adirondack Lager is definitely worth trying out in my opinon.  Nice, uncomplicated taste that is refreshing to the end.

Verdict: 8 out of 10 bottlecaps.