Beer Ingredients, Prices Rise

By Pat Bailey

Story Created: Feb 1, 2008 at 12:29 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 1, 2008 at 2:11 PM EDT

The cost of malt and hops - two very important ingredients in beer - are on the rise because of a crop shortage last year. That will force brewing companies to either use less of the crop, or increase prices.

The FX Matt Brewing Company purchases their hops from the northwest part of the country, but they also import some from other countries.

The good news is Saranac and UC lovers can breath easy. Unlike some others, the FX Matt Brewery has their order in place already for the near future. The bad news is the price of a six pack may increase just a bit.

"We're probably talking 8 to 10 percent, which is a pretty big increase," said Nick Matt of the FX Matt Brewery. "But I mean, it isn't drastic. Actually, the price of our malt and hops are almost doubling so were absorbing a fair amount of that."

A move Saranac drinkers should be happy with, since Nick Matt says most other breweries may keeps costs the same, but use less hops, taking away from the taste.

"One of the things we like to say is Saranac is an affordable luxury when you're in a recession time and when the economy is off," Matt said. "You may not run out and buy a new car, but you can still buy a six pack of Saranac and have the best beer made anyplace."
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