We’ve all been back from our brief exposure to sun for a while, and just like the Saranac 12 Beers A Springing, we’re getting pretty pale. This pack is bringing the hops left and right with three flavors of IPAs, a Pale Ale and a new release: Dry Hop Lager.

The pack is one-sixth black with an Irish Stout. I’m a sucker for these variety packs, and Saranac has finally provided us with one that doesn’t have an aggressively mediocre, obscure seasonal. By default, that makes this the best one, so congrats, Saranac — third time’s the charm.

My chief complaint with Saranac’s IPA is that it is very ordinary. The brewers have gotten around that problem with their White and Red IPAs. I don’t love that the RIPA has been in consecutive seasonal packs. But it is delicious, so we’ll call it a push.

The White IPA is the Regis to the RIPA’s Kelly. The WIPA is a hybrid Belgian White and traditional IPA. Like many Belgian beers, there is a strong citrus element that dominates the aroma and flavor palette. This beer is on the strong side at 6 percent alcohol by volume. I really enjoy this beer because it is different from other IPAs. I’m guessing I’ve talked about an IPA at least every other week — and it’s been a long year — so I’m looking for something strange when it comes to the hippest beer style. The brewers have wisely made this beer available year-round.

Dry-hopping a beer is adding additional hops to the beer after fermentation. This technique does not make the beer bitterer, it only contributes to the aroma. A lot of powerful smells are lost in the boiling process. Home brewers should take a look at this technique and add it to their wheelhouse because smelling this beer is like making out with a nine for 45 minutes and not being upset about the subsequent blue balls. The Dry Hop Lager hits your tongue with three waves of bitterness before kissing it with a hint of sweetness before you say “ah.” Like the IPAs, it is also 6 percent alcohol by volume.

Your only respite from the cascade of hops is the Irish Stout. This beer is Rick James’ friend, Darkness. This beer has more coffee than a Starbucks cup and is what Midnight Society was so afraid of at its campfires. Most importantly, it’s de-freaking-licious.

With this stout, you can properly mourn the black state of your soul after My Chemical Romance’s break-up. It has all of the great dark beer characteristics, but with a medium body. Unlike a pint of Guinness, this stout sits much lighter in your stomach. I wouldn’t rule out this beer’s car bomb potential. This beer is 5.5 percent alcohol by volume and is, tragically, only available in this seasonal pack.

If you don’t like hops, don’t even bother. But if you do like hops, you’ll appreciate the subtle differences between the IPAs. If you think IPAs are kind of whatever, try to trade for the stout. If you’re tired of my suggestions and want to do your own thing, you can go to the store and choose for yourself.

Published on April 2, 2013 at 10:22 pm

Contact Dylan: djsorens@syr.edu