Saranac Black & Tan -- Matt Brewing Company (Utica, NY)
A classic black and tan, of course, is Guinness poured over Bass. Attempting to bottle and store such a concoction is basically impossible. So the few bottled variations really should have a different name... yet I try them anyway. Yuengling's version is a mix of their porter and lager, while Matt's opts for stout and lager.
Characteristics: Dark, nearly opaque brown color; medium body and carbonation; hops and carbonation open into a sweet malt middle and a dry yeast/hop finish.
Minor Gripes: At most US beer temperatures (i.e. too cold), the malts don't come out to play so that there's just a dry, dull hop flavor.
Bottom Line: The pre-mixed Black and Tans are better summer drinks, when it's too hot and muggy for a proper porter or stout. They're certainly no substitute for a good schwarzbier, either. Saranac is perfectly drinkable, but given the choice, I'll take the Yuengling instead.
Rating: 5.25 / 10
Characteristics: Dark, nearly opaque brown color; medium body and carbonation; hops and carbonation open into a sweet malt middle and a dry yeast/hop finish.
Minor Gripes: At most US beer temperatures (i.e. too cold), the malts don't come out to play so that there's just a dry, dull hop flavor.
Bottom Line: The pre-mixed Black and Tans are better summer drinks, when it's too hot and muggy for a proper porter or stout. They're certainly no substitute for a good schwarzbier, either. Saranac is perfectly drinkable, but given the choice, I'll take the Yuengling instead.
Rating: 5.25 / 10
