NOTE: Read (and watch) my 2009 review here:
http://www.chadzbeerreviews.com/2009/12/saranac-big-moose-ale-chadz-beer.html
3.9
AROMA 8/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 8/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 15/20
I poured a 12oz bottle into an official Saranac shaker pint.
Appearance: Dark copper body, crystal clear, some carbonation visible. Forms an average size, yellowish, soapy head which mostly dissipates but still leaves plenty of lacing on the glass.
Smell: Orange candy scent plus a hint of pine needles and some confectionery sweetness.
Taste: I appreciate Saranac Pale Ale for its subtlety, but the Big Moose Ale is bit more overt in its delivery. Strong hop bitterness from the get-go, along with noticeable caramel and toffee sweetness. There’s a distinct resiny character, especially through the middle of the palate, that imparts some astringency and piney flavor. It finishes with a sharp hop bite before fading away fairly clean.
This is a satisfying drinking experience and I’d bet if this beer were made by a brewery with a bit more "indie cred," craft beer nerds would be rating this much higher than they are. I like it better than Saranac’s flagship pale ale, but much like that beer I wouldn’t say this is anything world-class or earth-shattering. It’s just a solid beer that’s a little more solid than others.
Drinkability: "Crisp" is a word that comes to mind in describing how Saranac Big Moose Ale drinks. The body has a distinct carbonation presence, but is not overly fizzy. The mouthfeel has plenty of energy from the hops, but isn’t intense by any means. I’m actually impressed they were able to get so much body out of only 5.3% ABV. It’s an efficient brew that’s for sure.
Grade: 8/10
Appearance: Dark copper body, crystal clear, some carbonation visible. Forms an average size, yellowish, soapy head which mostly dissipates but still leaves plenty of lacing on the glass.
Smell: Orange candy scent plus a hint of pine needles and some confectionery sweetness.
Taste: I appreciate Saranac Pale Ale for its subtlety, but the Big Moose Ale is bit more overt in its delivery. Strong hop bitterness from the get-go, along with noticeable caramel and toffee sweetness. There’s a distinct resiny character, especially through the middle of the palate, that imparts some astringency and piney flavor. It finishes with a sharp hop bite before fading away fairly clean.
This is a satisfying drinking experience and I’d bet if this beer were made by a brewery with a bit more "indie cred," craft beer nerds would be rating this much higher than they are. I like it better than Saranac’s flagship pale ale, but much like that beer I wouldn’t say this is anything world-class or earth-shattering. It’s just a solid beer that’s a little more solid than others.
Drinkability: "Crisp" is a word that comes to mind in describing how Saranac Big Moose Ale drinks. The body has a distinct carbonation presence, but is not overly fizzy. The mouthfeel has plenty of energy from the hops, but isn’t intense by any means. I’m actually impressed they were able to get so much body out of only 5.3% ABV. It’s an efficient brew that’s for sure.
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