neverhomemaker: saranac

Maybe the 6AM cries of songbirds I heard on my morning run were a bit precocious for February; they were simply no match for the ubiquitous cold, wet snow. Maybe I was too optimistic. Upstate New York is still weeks away from those fifty-five degree, green grassy days beyond recall. Perhaps a long, cold winter can lend itself to enjoying all things cold and wet?

How do I pass the time until warmer, brighter days are within reach? I let go and give in to Office marathons, crusty bread, and cold, dark beer served in a frosted pint glass. Because when you can’t beat the cold, you have to join it.

I’m certainly no stranger to Saranac’s Beers of Winter (check out last week's post on the Rye IPA) and, likewise, their Maple Porter offering has really wet my whistle. I’ve never had predilections for gimmicky flavors and seasonal spices (like in their Winter Wassail), but in the interest in diversifying my palate and moving beyond the ample repertoire of chocolate stouts, I decided to give it a chance.

Poured into a glass, the porter has a mahogany hue and creamy head. It tastes slightly bitter, gives off hints real maple syrup, and interestingly enough, the contrasting flavors battle for my attention. But this isn't a bad thing. I'm in love with them both. And I find myself sharing common ground with Jake from The Bachelor -- Vienna or Tenley? For now, I slip on my long wool socks, place myself beside the forced hot air vent, and pour a cold Maple Porter.

Saranac Brewery Shop and Tour Center
830 Varick Street
Utica, NY 13502
www.saranac.com

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Saranac Rye IPA, a mild hint of spicy rye astutely hidden within the body of an otherwise classic IPA. What’s not to like? A steady pour, a quick sniff -- and you’ll notice a deep amber complexion. Maybe pick up some citrus and a hint of rye, if you're lucky.

Though, based on the description and my expectations, both the bite and presence of the rye were diminutive. So, it’s not as aggressively hopped as Bear Creek or Green Flash’s offerings, West Coast style IPAs. Though it features a relatively low IBU count, it boasts something for hopheads and ale-iens (those of you preferring a mild lager or pilsner) to share -- a light, crisp, earthy finish.

Rye not?

Saranac beers are some of our favorite go-to brews when we simply can't agree on just one. I picked up a hearty 12-pack (Beers of Winter) for a mere $12.99 at Wegmans last night. But it's not the price that has us hooked. It's Saranac's yearly 15K -- the Boilermaker in Utica, NY. Of course, you can't read a post on here without having some kind of running reference.

Here we are at last year's race (well, we were too busy RUNNING the race . . . so these are photos from the after-party, where frothy beverages abound):

The race is a great time. Not only because the course is relatively flat and fast, but also because that after party can't be beat. The Boilermaker has even been rated by Runner's World as one of the (if not THE) best 15Ks in the entire country. So if you're in the NY area this July, you should consider signing up. Registration opens, well, it already opened. And it'll fill up fast.

And if you want to visit just for fun, here's the contact info:

Saranac Brewery Shop and Tour Center
830 Varick Street
Utica, NY 13502
www.saranac.com