I hope that every beer lover took advantage of their temporary geography and pursued beers that can’t be found in Fairbanks over spring break. But for those who did not venture out, I invite you to live vicariously through me as I tell you my spring break adventures with hop and barley in this weeks’ Beer Corner Abroad.

Perusing a liquor store, nothing catches my eye faster than a mixed 12-pack. So when Saranac made a Winter Warmer with six different beers, the purchasing decision was already made for me. This New York brewery, located about 90 miles West of Albany, makes more than 30 beers and can be found in every state that touches the Atlantic Ocean, and a couple that don’t! If Saranac’s variety and mixed 12-packs sound too good to be true, then be quiet and let me finish my story.

Almost all of the 10 beers that I tried from Saranac were a disappointment. While it is commendable for a brewery to experiment and do their best to please the consumer, Saranac would be better off focusing on making their beers better. Detractors may point out that less than one third of the beers they offer were tried, and the majority of Saranac’s beers could be great. This could be true, but it’s probably not. Exactly how bad are the beers? I enjoyed trying and finishing most of the selection, but I have no interest in buying a 6-pack of a single type.

Notable exceptions to the majority of Saranac beers: The Belgian Ale is enjoyable and surprisingly similar to its overseas cousin. The Caramel Porter, which may scare people away at first taste, develops into a candy-like drink that outlasts its novelty. The Scotch Ale is the worst of the lot, avoid it.

Traveling East to Massachusetts is the Cape Cod Brewery, whose beers can only be purchased in or very near Cape Cod, and can only be bought either on tap or in ‘growlers’ (half gallon glass jugs). They make two permanent brews (a Red Ale and an IPA) and five seasonals. Between there stout, porter, Red and IPA: the Red was by far the best. If you’re ever in Boston or Rhode Island, you own it to yourself to drive out to Cape Cod and pursue this excellent beer.

Also made near Cape Cod is the Offshore Amber Ale, brewed in Martha’s Vineyard. While the taste is nicely balanced, the most interesting thing about this beer is that it smells like fresh bread. Definitely worth a try, especially since you’re already going to be in Massachusetts looking for the Cape Cod Red.

Beer Corner Special Beer of Note:

Wisconsin, known for being a joke in the film Love, Actually, ought to be known for Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat. This motley blending of wheat and pale malts is the best beer I have ever tried that includes coriander. A citrus beer, served with a large head and a slice of orange. Who knew a spiced beer could be this good?