Saranac’s New Red IPA And Spring Variety Pack Hits Shelves Soon

14 Jan 2013 --- Longer days, melting snow, and birds chirping are telltale signs spring is around the corner, but they wouldn’t be complete without a few seasonal Saranac brews to thaw out with. The all new Saranac 12 Beers A Springing variety package will be on shelves soon, including two new seasonal offerings: Saranac Red IPA and Saranac Dry Hop Lager. Brewed in limited quantities, these seasonal beers will be available beginning in late January.

The Saranac 12 Beers A SpringingTM, previously named Saranac What Ales You? TM, is a seasonal variety pack containing six different Saranac flavors, each one a refreshing take on a classic beer style, crafted with signature care by New York’s oldest brewery, and the second oldest family-owned brewery in the U.S. The package includes one “encore” seasonal from the past, Saranac Irish Stout (first released in 2010), three award-winning year-round products: Saranac Pale Ale, Saranac IPA and Saranac White IPA, and two brand-new seasonal brews: Saranac Red IPA (previewed this winter in the brewery’s 12 Beers of Winter variety package) and Saranac Dry Hop Lager.

The Saranac Red IPA is an IPA created to showcase the brewery’s ability to brew beers true to style, but with a fresh take. Brewed with dark English caramel malt, which gives it a deep amber color, this beer is a new twist on and IPA, one of the most popular craft beer categories. After noticing the color, the hops quickly shine through. All innovative, U.S. bred and grown, aromatic varieties from the northwest were used to create this unique brew. Saranac Red IPA is available in the variety package, as well as in 6-packs, 12-packs and on draught. F.X. Matt released another innovative twist on IPA in early 2012 with their White IPA, a hybrid IPA and Belgian White brew.

“Red IPA is our next approach to creating an authentic combination of several characteristics of two different beer styles,” said Rich Michaels, product development manager for the F.X. Matt Brewery. “In this case we combined the most notable characteristics of IPAs and Red Ales: hops and toasted malts. The result-a nice spicy hop aroma and toasted toffee notes.”

In addition to Red IPA, Saranac is introducing Dry Hop Lager, a traditional German Lager with an added hop aroma and flavor. Three hop varieties are used in the brew kettle, then, unlike in most lagers, the brew is dry hopped in aging with Opal and Taurus hops. Opal is a new variety know for it’s citrus and herbal characteristics and Taurus is know for it’s strong aromatic qualities. All varieties used are German hops-a tribute to the company’s strong German roots.

“We are excited to continue delivering new, unique beers all year, while still focusing on providing beer drinkers with their favorite flavors,” said Fred Matt, president of F.X. Matt Brewing Co. and fourth generation member of the Matt family. “Our goal is to maintain quality while offering something new each season. The Saranac 12 Beers A Springing is a classic package with six distinctive varieties crafted perfectly for the end of winter leading into spring. Beer may be our craft, but enjoying it is yours!”