Saranac Caramel Porter Review
May 14, 2008
I’ve tried one other Saranac beer, and it was the Pumpkin Ale that they produce for the Fall season and I remember that was pretty good. So, when I saw the Saranac Caramel Porter on the shelf I grabbed it to try for The Brew Club beer review! After drinking the Saranac Caramel Porter, I’m really starting to look forward to trying their other brews. The Caramel Porter was really good!
To me, the Caramel Porter is a kind of Fall or Winter style beer that might be best enjoyed while watching football or hanging around one of those bonfires in a field on a chilly Fall night. However, my opportunity to try a Caramel Porter came in mid-May, right after I finished moving the lawn! Life could certainly be worse, and I often make these type of sacrifices for my love of science and spreading beer information!
The caramel Porter has a deep, deep amber color, and makes a rich-colored head that leaves a little bit of creamy lacing on the glass. Once poured into my testing glass, I immediately noticed the sweet aroma of caramel, which was quite nice. It smelled like it would be a good beer.
To quote the bottle, the Saranac Porter has “… a smooth, yet slightly bitter, roasted flavor.” and to look for “hints of caramel” in the beer. I couldn’t describe it better myself! The caramel flavor is subtle, but it is definitely “in” the beer – not just some weird caramel aftertaste. I think Porters are what people might consider as “heavy” beer, and it did feel a little heavier than the more watery-styled Lagers I’ve been recently sampling – but I guess it had more of a medium sort of mouthfeel rather than all-out heavy. Still, maybe a little off season for late spring, and while it was extremely enjoyable, it was not refreshing considering my circumstance!
I typically like these kinds of beers anyway, but this one was different with the Caramel flavor, aroma, and overall quality. I can’t think of a bad thing to say about the Saranac Caramel Porter! Go try one and let us know. What did you think?
Rating:
May 15th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I don’t usually like a dark beer, but the caramel flavor sounds pretty tempting. I just might have to give that one a try!
Gave you a stumble too!
August 24th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Hey guys,
This is Ryan over at the F.X. Matt Brewing Co. (brewers of Saranac). I saw your post and wanted to thank you for your review of the Caramel Porter. Glad you dug it. We’ve got a bunch of cool things happening at the Brewery including some opportunities just for beer bloggers that will be happening this fall.
If you ever have any questions about Saranac brews, drop me an e-mail and I’ll be happy to get back to you. I’ll also let you know about our upcoming events for bloggers, so stay tuned.
Thanks again.
-RM
August 24th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Hey Ryan, thanks for stopping by our little spot on the Web! Looking forward to future hearing from you about future events!
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Carlsberg Elephant Beer Review =-.