UTICA, N.Y. - Saranac Black Forest, brewed by the F.X. Matt Brewing Company, has gained a top place in the World’s biggest beer competition - the 2009 European Beer Star Awards.

The beer was awarded a bronze medal in the German Style Schwarzbier category.

Mark Snyder, Export Development Coordinator for the Brewers Association, was pleased to receive the prestigious award on behalf of the F.X. Matt Brewing Company.

The awards, held each October, have developed to become one of the international brewing community’s most coveted awards recognizing original, innovative beers. This year, the European Beer Star Awards reported a record number of competitors with a total of 836 beers from 36 different countries entered in 41 judging categories.

The competition is aimed at breweries from all over the world, who feel duty-bound to uphold the European brewing tradition. Being a part of this
represents an outstanding opportunity for American craft brewers to have their beers judged against the worlds’ best.

Gold, silver and bronze medal are awarded in each category.

"We are extremely proud to receive this award. This medal shows that our ability to brew a very special beer has not only been recognized by our consumers, but also by the international world of experts in the brewing industry," Fred Matt said.

Saranac Black Forest also took home several other medals in the past six months including: a Silver Medal in the Black Beer Category at the North American Beer Awards, a Bronze Medal in the American Style Dark Lager Category at the Great American Beer Festival, and a Bronze Medal in the Dark Lager Category at the Australian International Beer Awards.

“We believe we make some of the best beers in the world. Winning four awards for Black Forest, especially in this short period of time, proves our beers are exceptional. What a great reason to go out and enjoy a Saranac!” Fred Matt said.

The F.X. Matt Brewery describes Saranac Black Forest as a Bavarian Black Beer with distinctive caramel malt sweetness and a rich creamy trademark head. Black Forest is available in 6 packs, draft and Saranac Trail Mix packages, and is a year round product.

For more information on the European Beer Star Awards, visit www.european-beer-star.com