Strong auburn pale body brewed with pure well water and fine English barleymalts. Bitter hop sharpness permeates caramel-centered bright citric fruitiness and gentle vanilla vibe. ‘Red ale’ character reminiscent of Bass Ale, but overwhelming fizz precludes distinction. Luckily, heavy alcohol content gives Dragoon an intoxicating hike.

Top fermented amber-hued barleywine-wafted Belgian with bitter-hopped lemon zest countering quickly dissipating rustic grains. Mellow dry malts linger to unassuming finish as slimmest orange peel droplet pushes along casual floral adjuncts. But narrow aftertaste limits its appeal.

Befuddled medium-bodied mediocrity tethers brief floral-tinged tangerine-peach-grapefruit tang to dry rye spatter, but phenol nature overwhelms. Lingering wood-hopped bittering picks up earthen herbal nuance.

Well-calibrated malted grain sweetness and dry hop bittering provide English ale-like distinction for excellent pale body. While hearty guzzlers may be put off by sugary opulence, confident fruit-spiced finish showcases an impressive array of undefined adjuncts.

Mild hop char informs up-front burnt wood chip essence, but swampy sour-scented ale lacks firm foundation to compete with less watery average brews.

Caramel malt-enriched ale with pure spring water lightening fragile spiced hops, bleached mocha, and dried fruit. Soft yeast texture brightens overall mood. Brewery defunct: 2002.

Following in the British tradition despite American auspices, rich pine-fruited ale balances casual cascade hop bittering with subtle malt sweetness. Strangely reminiscent of some Canadian ales due to its briny salt-watered finish. Not unique, but damn fine nonetheless.

Hazy golden mainstream fodder integrates peachy clementine-tangerine juiciness with hop-embittered grapefruit rind sedation. But murky vegetal earthiness, trifling spiciness, and tinny finish negate early gains.

Dull and unconvincing, closer to mellow-grained pilsner with light barley sweetness and tempered spice hop fizz. Brewery defunct: 2007.

Charging more for 11-ounce (instead of twelve) 4 pack (‘stead of 6), bold amber compares favorably to Samuel Smith (though it’s a half-level below) and its regal name matches its ‘Superior’ affluence. Barley roasted chocolate hazelnut and mild apple-plum dalliance sweeten palate. Firm yeast foundation solidifies its base.

Faint fruited sourness and dry hop bitterness pace full-bodied pale ale, gaining strength as grainy persistence lingers to bold finish. Nothing fancy or pretentious, just pleasant and easy to imbibe.

Astringent English-styled pale ale with fruity thrust, toasted nuttiness and candied caramel malt pleasantry in need of punch, bite and finish. Why does Saranac always lack that extra ‘something’ to put them over the top?