Roggen = Rye = Decent Beer
Written: Dec 07 '04 (Updated Dec 10 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: interesting flavor
Cons: not something I would get again
The Bottom Line: While not a bad beer, it's definitely not my style.
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| martytdx's Full Review: Saranac Roggen Bock |
It's that time of year again, when the craft brewers start sending out their 'Seasonal' variety packs for the beer lovers like me, exciting us with new and rare treats that we'll think fondly on (mostly) later in the year. Last year, I did a piece, "The Twelve Beers of Christmas", which covered the Saranac Seasonal 12-pack. This year, I have once again found one to enjoy. While some of the beers are the same, they are offering some different varieties - Marzenbier, Roggen Bock, E.S.B., Mocha Stout and Saranac Chocolate Amber.
Rather than revisit the 12 beers - when 7 of them are the same - I'm only going to review the 5 new ones (hold your applause, please). So, without further ado...
[• about SARANAC •]
Saranac beers are brewed by the Matt Brewing Company, a brewery located in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in Central New York. Over a century old, the brewery is currently being run by the third and fourth generations of the Matt Family (Nick and Fred, respectively). Today, the company brews a number of different beers (27 different beers in the recent past, including seasonals and limited editions), as well as SIX different soft drinks (they added one this year).
[• about Roggen Bock •]
I have to admit - I hadn't heard of a Roggen Bock before I saw it on the Saranac Seasonal box. It wasn't until I read Bruguru's review that I learned that it was made from rye, and that made me wonder - what would a rye beer taste like? I'm not all that partial to ryes (anything that tastes anise is usually an anathema to me), but I was willing to dig in and try it. UNFORTUNATELY, a travesty of epic proportions has looked upon me with cruel fate this year. My seasonal 12-pack came with not one bottle of Roggen Bock, but two! Worse, the missing bottle was the much-desired Season's Best. Chagrined by both twists of fate, I decided to forge forward - after an email to Saranac to see what they might be able to do (which is likely nothing).
According to the bottle, Saranac is using a variety of German malts and hops, including 20% Rye malt. That scared me but you only live once (or twice, in my case), so...
the POUR » I tried this beer two ways - one out of a pint, and one *gasp* straight from the bottle (sorry, my mother-in-law was sadly out of beer glasses, so it was bottle or water glass). Obviously, I had no pour from the bottle, but the second one poured to a deep red color and brown head. There was nearly no lacing to be seen.
the NOSE » When smelling from the bottle, unsurprisingly, there is very little nose to speak of. I was a bit surprised at the nearly absent nose, but I guess I shouldn't have been. When I poured the second bottle, I definitely found more character here. There was a mixture of malt, of rye and even a whiff of citrus at times. Much better than the bottle, to be sure.
the TASTE » As much as I was dreading the rye flavor of this beer, I was pleasantly surprised by how refreshing the beer was, even from the bottle. Obviously, the flavor was a bit muted there, but still interesting. It had a character similar to a pale ale, slightly bitter and a bit hoppy. When poured into the glass, the rye flavor was more distinct, particularly after warming a bit. However, it was only enough to let you know that it was there, an accent really, and not strong enough to cause an aversion to it. The bitterness was there, as well, a little more full than when drank from the bottle.
[• beer SPECIFICS •]
• Awards: None
• ABV: n/a
• IBU: unknown
• Shelf-Life: n/a
• Serving Temperature: n/a
• Calories (per 12 oz.): unknown
• Carbs: unknown
[• final THOUGHTS •]
I was unsure that I would like a roggen bock, because I dislike rye so much. However, what I found wasn't so much a rye-tasting beer but a nice hoppy ale with a hint of rye that was more of an interesting accent than a true flavor. While not my favorite beer by Saranac, it wasn't a bad brew to enjoy next to the fire.
[• final SARANAC BEER TALLY •]
including last year's batch:
GREAT (4) - Caramel Porter, Season's Best, Chocolate Amber, Mocha Stout
GOOD (8) - Black Forest, Black & Tan, Golden Pilsener, IPA, Pale Ale, Traditional Lager, ESB, Roggen Bock
FAIR (3) - Adirondack Amber, Single Malt, Stout
EHHH.... (1) - Belgian White
For More Information
www.http://www.saranac.com/
• related SARANAC REVIEWS •
2004 »
Chocolate Amber
Mocha Stout
2003 »
1st Day of Xmas - Saranac Pale Ale
2nd Day of Xmas - Saranac Stout
3rd Day of Xmas - Saranac Black Forest
4th Day of Xmas - Saranac Caramel Porter
5th Day of Xmas - Saranac Belgian White
6th Day of Xmas - Saranac Black and Tan
7th Day of Xmas - Saranac Adirondack Amber
8th Day of Xmas - Saranac India Pale Ale
9th Day of Xmas - Saranac Golden Pilsener
10th Day of Xmas - Saranac Traditional Lager
11th Day of Xmas - Saranac Single Malt
12th Day of Xmas - Saranac Season's Best
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
martytdx
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Marty
Location: New Jersey
Reviews written: 481
Trusted by: 179 members
About Me:
Doing what I can to try new places, restaurants, books and beers.
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