Rahr and Sons 9th Anniversary

An amazing time was had in Fort Worth Saturday, by myself and throngs of other craft beer fans, at the @Rahr & Sons 9th Anniversary. This was one of the biggest crowds I have seen at a brewery tour here, even more than for the 420 celebration and the Eleven Hundred Spring concert. But we had a good time, drank some great beers and bonded with friends old and new.  We all came out to celebrate one of the craft brewers that started it all here in Texas.

When Rahr started 9 years ago it was one of a handful of craft brewers in Texas. Now the state, and specifically DFW have an ever growing craft brew scene. Rahr was one of the innovators. It was also the first craft beer Karl and I drank and our first brewery tour. They continue to develop tasty new brews and to reinvent our favorites. Some of the best limited versions of the standard Rahr brews were the Winter Warmer with Avoca Coffee, Devil Pug, Hatch Chile Blonde, Snowmagedden with cocoa nibs and Angry Santa (a spiced version of winter warmer).  They also debuted the new black saison which was dark, smooth and malty with a slight almost fig-like sweetness. The ninth anniversary golden ale was light, sweet and fruity.

It was a bonus having a VIP ticket. It allowed us to score three or four tasters before the gates opened to  the public and gave as a chance to claim one of the few available tables. My only suggestions for future events with this many tastings is to have more stations serving firkins, one offs and the super rare tappings. The larger bars had the regular Rahr beers and a few seasonal beers. The majority of people here were regulars at the weekly tours and therefore sought out the firkins and wine casked brews which had unbelievable line. Before we left it was taking about 30 minutes or more to make your way through the firkin line. It seemed liked most regulars then started to turn to the not so rare but still seasonal or limited beers like the anniversary ale, Devil Pug ( a jalepeno infused Ugly Pug) and Bucktooth Punkin Head, La Grange and Tenderfoot. The music was good but the outside lot was way to crowded to be out there enjoying it. There was plenty of new merchandise in the store. The gang from Chadra Mezza brought out some tasty mediterranean food and and there was Ugly Chipugly salsa available to take home.

The Brewery also made some exciting announcements unveiling the new canning machine. Starting in March, Blonde and a new American Pale Ale will be available in cans just in time to make it out to the lakes and golf courses. There is no decision yet on what other favorite beers might also make it into cans.

We had a great time. I can't wait to see what stops Fritz and crew pull out for the 10th anniversary.