Come visit one of America’s oldest family-owned breweries in Utica, New York at Saranac of F.X. Matt Brewing Company.
The Brews
Saranac features several seasonal and year-round offerings. In the Fall you can expect to see a Pumpkin Ale and an Octoberfest brew, for the Summer check out their Ruby Red IPA or a Blueberry Blonde Ale, and Winter offerings include a Cold IPA and their Big Moose Ale. They also have unique flavors like a S’More Porter and a Honey Pils. Year-round they serve up some classic flavors like their Pale Ale, Legacy IPA, and Adirondack Lager to name a few. There’s something for everyone!
The Space
You can also hit the 1888 Tavern and Biergarten to sample some beers and try some of these fantastic craft beers. Feast on some pub favorites including bacon cheddar tater tots, a Bavarian pretzel with beer cheese and pub mustard, and nachos piled high with guacamole, jalapenos, cheese, and more, and of course dive into a burger or a fried chicken sandwich. Even if you’re not a beer person, there are plenty of cocktails or wines available for those with different tastes. The Biergarten is open Wednesday – Saturday with varying hours, so be sure to check out the website and plan your visit.
The Brewery also hosts a ton of special events each month, with plenty of concerts happening this summer. You can also get a VIP Tour of the brewery with a beer tasting of four different beers for $20 a person. Tours are offered on Fridays and Saturdays at 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 5:00 pm, lasting approximately 45 minutes.
History
For four generations, F.X. Matt Brewing Company has been led by the Matt family. Founded in 1888 by FX Matt, the company has always been passed down through the family. Even during the Prohibition Era, when other Utica breweries closed, the brewery began producing soft drinks and other non-alcoholic drinks to survive. Over the years, the company has consistently introduced new and inventive beers and products to expand its brand and solidify, from announcing Schultz & Dooley, the “spokesmugs” of Utica Club to reintroducing its “1888 Soft Drinks” in 2000.
The name “Saranac” is an Iroquois word meaning “Cluster of Stars,” and was chosen to pay homage to the Native American people who lived in the Adirondack foothills, as well as represent each unique family of beers.
Check out our Utica itinerary to see more of what you can do when you visit this city!
Take Amtrak to Saranac Brewery
Visit this brewery with Amtrak to the Utica Station which is only 1.8 miles from the brewery.
