Around this time every year, I’m on lookout for the Saranac 12 Beers of Winter mix pack. It’s one of my favorite holiday traditions, and I recently finished off a case.

The 2010 line-up included:

• Saranac India Copper Ale, a Strong Brown Ale (6.0%) NEW
• Saranac Lake Effect Lager, an amber German Lager (5.95%) NEW
• Saranac Rye IPA, “an IPA with a wry twist” (5.95%)
• Saranac Big Moose Ale, an American Pale Ale (5.3%)
• Saranac Vanilla Stout, a Sweet Stout (4.8%)
• Saranac Bohemian Pilsener, a crisp Pilsener (4.8%)

According to the Saranac web site, the 12-pack includes “a few past favorites, a few recent favorites, and two brand new beers.” I wouldn’t call any of these beers “favorites” but they were all drinkable enough. The Lake Effect Lager, a smooth malty brew, was the best of the 12-pack.

The Matt Brewing Company in Utica, New York brews the Saranac line of beers.

The beer I am drinking as I write this blog: Harpoon IPA, Harpoon Brewery, Boston, MA.