Saranac Irish Red Ale - Matt Brewing Company

Brenden

Ohio

3.6/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This one is a bright, clear coppery orange color. An mild off-white head forms, resting at just under one finger. It dissipates somewhat quickly but does leaves a touch of thinnish lacing around.
Caramel malts with grainy notes and a touch of hops and yeast notes make the aroma, along with earthy, grassy hints.
The same goes for the flavor. It's a straightforward red that could use a bit more strength and depth but certainly isn't bad. A decent hops presence balances the grainy malt. There's a touch of light fruits in the flavor as well.
The body is medium with a crisp bite and a modicum of smoothness. Carbonation is moderate.
While this one isn't stellar and could use more depth, it's a solid representation of the style and quite drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2011 20:59:44 | More by Brenden

Treyliff

West Virginia

3.33/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Pours dark brown, almost black, very dark for an Irish Red. Nice lacy tan head. Smells of caramel and toffee, sweet malts.

Taste- Hops come through about mid palate, I get the traditional Irish Red taste, but something seems off balance. Mouthfeel is pretty good, drinkability is about average; The hops seem a little off.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2010 02:12:02 | More by Treyliff

mikeg67

New Jersey

2.33/5  rDev -30.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

From 12 ounce bottle (bought a 6 beers variety pack). Pours a mahogany color with a nice tall lacy head. Too dark for Irish Red. Aroma is sweet caramel malts. Body is thing but crisp. Flavor of sweet caramel malt in the beginning with barely noticeable earthy hops in the finish. Boring, characterless brew.

Serving type: bottle

12-17-2010 22:32:35 | More by mikeg67

tzieser

Arizona

2.9/5  rDev -13.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A: pours a deep dark brownish red color with a two finger off white head that settles quickly.

S: almost no nose here. a bit of caramel malt I guess. underwhelming.

T: pretty thin flavor. a bit of caramel malt, maybe some maris otter in there too. little to no hop flavor. ehh....

M&D: thin mouthfeel; ok drinkability.

Not a bad beer but not a good one either. Ill pass.

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2010 22:35:51 | More by tzieser

ToAzwethinkweizm

Maryland

4.47/5  rDev +32.6%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Reviewed on 10 November 2010.

Beer paired with a stuffed pepper. Poured into standard American pint glass right from the fridge, pours a deep copper with touch of red, 1-finger head, average head retention and lacing. Aroma and taste actually come out with the same notes and levels of toasted malts, slight caramel and slight toffee. There isn't much more to say, other than this beer is extremely drinkable and smooth. It does not numb the palate, nor overpower the taste buds. This is top-shelf stuff for a cheap 4.5% beer (believe it), and I would happily stuff my fridge full of these for relaxing days if I wasn't so into tasting and reviewing all kinds of other beers. BUY THIS BEER.

Serving type: bottle

11-10-2010 23:08:11 | More by ToAzwethinkweizm

Haybeerman

Colorado

3.5/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Clear red/amber color. Poured a 1 finger off-white head that dissipated to a skim; thicker on the edges. Lace washed down the sides of the glass.

S: Sweet roasted malt; caramel and bread. Mild yeast spices.

T: Sweet caramel malt overpowers the lighter malts; masks most everything else. Bitter enough to balance.

M: Light body. Moderate carbonation. Crispy and clean in the finish.

D: Flavorful and smooth. Easily drinkable even though the crystal malt was pretty dominating.

Serving type: bottle

11-08-2010 02:15:48 | More by Haybeerman

asabreed

New York

3.43/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12 oz. bottle poured into a pint glass.

Appearance: A nice-looking amber color with nice bubbles floating to the top. Head leaves decent clumps and drops of lacing and stays fairly frothy a 1/2 finger above the brew's body.

Smell: Standard malt aromas with mild fruit esters, earthiness, and possibly some citrus from the hops. Nothing more.

Taste: Good grains and earthiness, with lingering fruit esters, mild berries, and some citrus from the hops.

Mouthfeel: Lighter-bodied with some crisp carbonation, but nothing feels overly spritzy or watery.

Drinkability: This would go well as an easy-going session brew, or with some bangers and mash, but as far as a version you'll admire, it really doesn't strike that kind of chord.

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2010 23:07:00 | More by asabreed

Jwale73

Rhode Island

3.1/5  rDev -8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

12oz. bottle served in a standard pint glass. Pours a translucent copper with a loose, half inch, tan-colored head that quickly disperses into a tight, bubbly band around the edges - no lacing on this one. Nose is almost non-existent but suggests a light, malty body (perhaps caramel malt) and a slightly metallic quality. Taste consistent with nose; however, a slightly skunky quality is expressed towards the middle and the metallic character resurfaces at the finish. Mouthfeel is light bodied with a lively, assertive (almost prickly) carbonation and some astringency. It's definitely drinkable, but really not all that impressive. A swing and a miss - no need to try this one again.

Serving type: bottle

10-30-2010 01:07:33 | More by Jwale73

bishopdc0

Maine

3.2/5  rDev -5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

This is a typical Red through and through it poured deep red in color is has a very nice color but absolutely no head remains after a few seconds much like a soda. The aroma is of malt and grains but nothing distinctive. The tastes begins sweets and as the carbonation builds it drys and leaves a grain taste on the tongue. For the price its drink increases but overall doesn't stand out.

Serving type: bottle

10-28-2010 23:40:11 | More by bishopdc0

Hopfenpeter

Maryland

3.45/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

I poured the beer into a german stone mug. the color is a beautiful reddish brown wich a nice head building, lot of carbonation, the head disappearing rather quick.
The smell hints some caramel, yet leaves everything else to your imagination.
The taste is actually pretty good, some caramel, toffee, malt. A prickly mouthfeel, very refreshing and drinkable. A good all around beer, yet not extraordinary. I would drink it again.

Serving type: bottle

09-29-2010 04:05:41 | More by Hopfenpeter

happy4hoppybeer

Pennsylvania

2.25/5  rDev -33.2%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

A= Dark-orange-amber to red with decent head,leaving behind moderate lacing.

S&T=Some toffee, lightly roasted malts, little else.

M=Very thin, with carbonation.

Not much to this beer, even though I have not had much in the style. And yes, I do have Irish in me, but I'll pass on this from now on.

Serving type: bottle

09-29-2010 01:20:14 | More by happy4hoppybeer

bourbonbock

New York

3/5  rDev -11%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Poured a 12 oz bottle into a clean pint glass.

A. Orangey and red amber color with about a finger of white bubbly head.

S. Smells of malts and some hops with a little bit of caramel in there.

T. Rather average taste with a body of malt and some nice subtle hop flavor with a nutty undertone.

M. Clean and crisp on the tongue with very little aftertaste.

D. I could put a sixxer of this away without a problem at a party. Not an extrodinary beer but an average red ale that I wouldn't look past at the store.

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2010 01:52:57 | More by bourbonbock

RankRefugee88

New York

3.4/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from bottle into Sam Adams glass.

A - Poured a nice amber color. Nice white head, not too big, not much lacing. Crystal clear.

S - Malty and sweet. Yeast present.

T - Nice caramel taste, a bit tangy. Overall heavy on the caramel, and just simply tastes like a fall style beer would.

M - Mouthfeel is ok. Carbonated well. Crispy finish on the palate.

D - Smooth going down. Decent drink.

Pretty decent beer. Not my favorite Irish Red Ale but I would definitely consider getting it again. It came in te fall seasonal variety pack for Saranac. It's a pretty well made fall beer.

Serving type: bottle

09-18-2010 01:26:05 | More by RankRefugee88

Cylinsier

Pennsylvania

3.55/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

12 oz

Pours an amber red, cherry red to the light, with a white head that retains as a lacing.

Smells of equal parts light sugary malts and subdued floral hops. Maybe a hint of yeasty tartness.

Taste is faintly bitter and then a bit citrusy. The malts are bready and the hops are very subtle. A bit coppery in the aftertaste.

Feels moderate, mild tingly carbonation throughout.

Good sipper, not much to dislike about it. Would be easy to session but not quite great.

Serving type: bottle

09-13-2010 22:06:46 | More by Cylinsier

soju6

Missouri

3.35/5  rDev -0.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: Pours a deep red red that is clear with no real head to speak of.

S: Mild malt with hint of grain. Not much here.

T: mild malt flavor with a trace of caramel sweetness. Mild bitter finish.

F: Light body with lots of carbonation.

D: A bit on the tame side but good for a couple.

Serving type: bottle

09-12-2010 18:07:53 | More by soju6

nukem5

Pennsylvania

3.25/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: Dark ruby red color with a huge clarity, nice fizzy head which dissapears to a thin film.

S: Dark roasted malts caramel and toffee notes.

T: Biter hops and malts toffe and caramel.

M: Medium Body, Balanced between sweet malts and some sour notes from hops.

D: Good drinkable beer and sad by the seasonal status.

Serving type: bottle

09-08-2010 05:32:19 | More by nukem5

Bouleboubier

Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev +15.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I've had maybe a half-dozen Irish Red Ales in my time and this is one of the better examples. It has, I feel at least, a little more substance than the others.

Deep burgundy hue in the liquid, with a light touch of that color ending up in the head. Volume of head is quite abundant. No significant lacing to mention. Clean, rich appearance.

Bit of a weak aroma. I'm not expecting much in the way of smell from this style, but I found myself straining to pick up whatever was there. Malty and subtly sweet, however, quite subdued.

Takes a few sips to really settle into the flavor, but once I did I found it simple yet satisfying. A cakey maltiness forms the backbone with some caramel notes and I swear the tiniest of almost toffee or cinnamon richness at the back.

Has some body to it. Not as thin as I anticipated or as compared to other examples like Killian's, Guinness Red, McSorley's or Smithwick's, for instance. Drinks clean and fairly smooth, carbonation largely absent.

All in all, this wasn't half bad. I see this best as a beer to enjoy along with a meat pie, burger or simple grilled chicken sandwich and some fries.

Serving type: bottle

09-05-2010 20:35:44 | More by Bouleboubier

sdj5

New York

3.3/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: Reddish orange with a one-finger white head

Smell: No hops, sweet caramel malt

Taste: Brown bread, hint of bitterness, very simple

Mouthfeel: Medium carbonation, feels alright

Drinkability: Doesn't taste good enough to warrant many more

Serving type: bottle

08-27-2010 14:23:10 | More by sdj5

skenyon1811

New York

2.8/5  rDev -16.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

12 oz bottled poured into pint.

A: Not much of a head when I poured this and what did appear went away quickly. The color of this beer is great. A dark red color with a little brown, but super clear.

S: I really don't get much here. Nothing standing out to me. I don't get any hops, just a little maltiness.

T: Very heavy on the malt side. I instantly get the roasted flavor and sweet caramel note. Finishes with a slight bitterness and alcohol taste. Not really blown away here.

M: Medium mouthfeel. Mine was a little too carbonated.

D: The carbonation slows ya down a little, but it never feels too heavy. I would pick up a six pack for a night.

Side note: I went to see Umphrey's Mcgee this summer at the Saranac Brewery and in between sets they were giving out free Irish Red.

Serving type: bottle

08-23-2010 22:26:15 | More by skenyon1811

BuckeyeNation

Iowa

2.98/5  rDev -11.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Irish flag orange, which is a much more common red ale color than red. Nearly two fingers of toasted tan foam looks pretty good at first and melts in fine fashion. Glass coverage isn't outstanding, but it's serviceable.

The nose isn't powerful enough. Just a bit of earthy malt with meager caramel character. Unfortunately, head descent and warming don't add power or personality.

Irish Red Ale is pretty much as expected given most of my previous experiences with The Matt Brewing Company. In other words, it's a dumbed-down version of the style. On the other hand, an ABV of only 4.5% doesn't lend itself to massively malty mouthfilling magnificence.

Flavors include watery caramel, mushy apples, tea leaves, and a mild spiciness that must be coming from the Vanguard hops (developed from Hallertau). Maybe it's my big beer bias talking, but IRAs need to be at least 6.0% (and packed with malt) to deliver the goods.

The mouthfeel is thin and the bubbles are lightly tongue tingly. The first was a foregone conclusion and the second is more tolerable in the bottom half of the bottle than the top half.

Saranac Irish Red Ale fits into the TMBC lineup pretty much where I though it would. For those upstate New Yorkers looking to drink locally and save a few bucks, have at it. For anyone looking for an enjoyable Irish red... keep looking.

Serving type: bottle

08-10-2010 11:33:26 | More by BuckeyeNation

TheHoppiest

Ohio

3.7/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a pint glass. Pours a sightly hazy ruby-amber with a thick white foamy head that pillows down to a thin sheen.

Has a slightly grassy-barley smell that is overlaid with sweet toffee malt. The sweet smell almost seems out of place with the predominate smell of the beer.

Has a pleasant, muted taste. Starts like a crisper ale, but gives way to a slightly sweet, caramelly taste mid-side of the tongue. Notes of straw, and slight lemon also hit the palate. Ends with very little bitterness. Not terribly complex, but a decent brew.

Mouthfeel is average, slightly carbonated feeling.

Smooth and drinkable as a session beer, good for a St. Patty's day celebration.

Serving type: bottle

07-03-2010 02:00:04 | More by TheHoppiest

Mbarnes304

West Virginia

3.13/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

This beer had a medium creamy tan head with a very dark red body. The smell didn't have much of a hop aroma. I was picking up a slight yeast smell, but also toffee. This beer is lightly carbonated witch fits well with soft undertone of Carmel and toffee. I believe the toffee is however more noticeable. The beer seems like a light Irish RED or watery to me. I was expecting this beer to be bolder. This Irish Red is drinkable, but not something I will buy again.

Serving type: bottle

06-28-2010 03:00:18 | More by Mbarnes304

jmarvin4189

Vermont

2.95/5  rDev -12.5%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Appearance - dark amber color with minimal head

Smell - very malty

Taste - smooth and slightly bitter... nothing special

Mouthfeel - goes down smooth

Drinkability - goes down easy but definitely have to take my time with this beer

Overall this is a pretty basic irish red, nothing really stands out from this beer but for 3.99 a six pack I might find myself drinking it again since it has some flavor to it.

Serving type: bottle

06-15-2010 01:01:36 | More by jmarvin4189

biggred1

Indiana

3.88/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Clear amber with a creamy tan head that leaves some fine lace on the glass. Caramel and roasty malty aroma with a touch of floral hop. Sweet and malty upfront with some minty hop bittering in the finish. Medium light bodied with plenty of carbonation. This is one of the better examples of the style IMO. It won't blow your mind but would any Irish red?

Serving type: bottle

06-05-2010 01:51:51 | More by biggred1

BostonBrewins

Massachusetts

3.88/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - Pours a clear, ruby amber. Tan head with decent head retention. Does not appear to be alot of carbonation. Looks like an irish red to me.

S - Smellls very sweet. Lots of toffee and caramel.

T - Very bready, toasty too. Lots of caramel flavor initially, but sadly this fades away as the beer starts to warm a little.

M - Low to medium carbonation and medium bodied. Nice mouthfeel, to style.

D - A very enjoyable and sessionable irish red. Not overly sweet which serves to enhance the drinkability. A nice example of the style.

Serving type: bottle

06-02-2010 00:13:42 | More by BostonBrewins