Balancing the taste deficit
What better way to help the American economy than to export more of one of our country’s best products? Saranac has begun selling to China, helped by people like Brewers Association’s Vice President Bob Pease, who recently introduced American craft beers to enthusiastic audiences and business owners in Shanghai. Bob’s visit was covered in an article by Examiner.com New York.
What made it so special? Saranac Pale Ale was one of only four brews he presented as a superior sampling from among America’s craft brewers.
Pease visited Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Shenzhen to promote American Craft Brewers with help from the US Agricultural Trade Office. He won over new fans of our favorite export with educational seminars, beer pairing dinners and hotel staff education at the Shanghai Gourmet Food Show and the Shanghai Restaurant Association. Chinese owners and beverage managers from small, independent Shanghai restaurants couldn’t get enough of the brews. Tours like this are being met with enthusiastic response as the world continues to discover the flavors and diversity of America’s small and independent craft brews.
We love doing our part to make “Made in America” a symbol of superior quality.
We couldn't have said it better.
We think our beers are great—we wouldn’t be here if we didn’t. So it’s especially rewarding when others appreciate the same qualities in our beer that we do. We’ve seen a lot of positive Saranac talk online (thanks!), including this new video review by Chad of Chad’z Beer Reviews on the Brew and Cork website. Chad reviewed our phenomenally popular seasonal brew, Saranac Pumpkin Ale, on the craft brewers’ site.
Chad has reviewed dozens of brews in videos posted on YouTube and elsewhere, and has become something of an expert among online beer aficionados, so we appreciate his praise. It should be noted that he and the Brew and Cork site are completely independent of Saranac, and receive nothing in return for reviews. He does these tastings on his own, and reviews them with no outside influence, so you know it’s from the heart.
We say take his advice and open a Saranac Pumpkin Ale now. This full-bodied amber-colored ale carries the fantastic mood of an Adirondack Fall day to you. You can almost see the colors and smell the rich scents of autumn. Yeah, we feel it, too. Just don’t keep it to yourself—share it with friends this season before Pumpkin Ale leaves us for another year.
Sneak Peak: We’re currently shooting the latest Fred and Nick Matt Virtual Tasting video, to be posted next Thursday right here on Beer Bloggles, featuring our 12 Beers of Winter. So get your 12-pack and palate ready, stop back next week, and taste along with Nick and Fred.
Let them eat beer!
We all know beer goes well with food (see our previous post for some pairing ideas). Why not try throwing it IN the food! Test out your cooking skills with this yummy recipe. It’s becoming a fall staple in our employee’s kitchens.
Saranac Octoberfest Curried Butternut Squash & Apple Soup
1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded and halved
3 granny smith apples, peeled, cored and halved
2 yellow onions, peeled and quartered
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt & pepper
1 clove minced garlic
1 1/2 cups Saranac Octoberfest
6 cups vegetable stock
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons mild curry powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup heavy cream
cheddar cheese
Toss squash, apples, onions, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper together and spread on a sheet pan. Bake vegetables in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes or until squash is tender. Puree cooked vegetables with Saranac Octoberfest beer until smooth. Combine mixture with vegetable stock and remaining ingredients, except cream, in a stock pot over high heat. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream. Garnish with shavings of sharp cheddar cheese.
-Recipe courtesy of our friends at the Willimantic Brewing Company and Main Street Café in Willimantic, CT.
Not so handy in the kitchen? One of our Saranac faithfuls let us know of a tasty and ridiculously easy Sunday football treat:
Two polish sausages with two bottles of Saranac Pomegranate Wheat. Cut the sausages into 2 inch pieces and place them in a crock pot or slow cooker on medium for a couple of hours along with the Saranac Pomegranate Wheat. That's it! Eat 'em plain or serve on soft rolls with mustard.
-Recipe courtesy of Melissa Manfredo from Clinton, NY
What's your favorite Saranac recipe? Let us know. If we get enough, we may put together a cookbook!
It's that time of the year...for food and beer!
Everybody’s favorite comfort foods and fall beers are teaming up and coming to the table. The weather is getting chilly, but you’ll be warm and toasty with these feel good pairings:
Try Saranac Octoberfest with a hot bowl of chili, even better, spice it up with a white bean, turkey chili!
Beer with Dessert? Absolutely! Try Apple pie ala mode with a side of Saranac Caramel Porter. Your mouth will thank you.
Feeling adventurous? Recently our Saranac Pumpkin Ale was served at a bar in Syracuse, NY with a delightful fall twist. A sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg was added on top for one round and a shot of vanilla liquor was added to another - Both a very tasty treat.
Have some of your own ideas in mind? Become an expert at beer and food pairing with these great links from the Brewers Association. Don't forget to share your yummy discoveries with us!
Beertown.org - Principles of Beer & Food Matching
Beertown.org - Beer & Food Pairing Chart (PDF)
Raise a Glass to Saranac
F.X. Matt Brewing Company recently joined 494 other brewers, 3,308 beers and 49,000 beer lovers by traveling to a national beer Mecca, the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado. It is the largest beer competition in the world, and once again, we were honored with medals for our brews.
Saranac was one of only 37 breweries to win two or more medals at this year’s event, as we took home bronze in two categories. Saranac Irish Red won a bronze medal in the Irish Style Red Ale competition, and Saranac Black Forest won bronze in the American Style Dark Lager. We’re proud to add these to 8 awards we’ve already received this year, bringing our total to 10 (and counting). Thanks to all of you for appreciating great craft beer, and giving us the feedback we find so valuable as we continue to bring great brews to you.
Cheers!