SAVOR 2014 Brewery Profile: Rahr & Sons Brewing Company (@rahrbrewing)

 

Name: Rahr & Sons Brewing

 

Location: Ft. Worth, Texas

 

Website: http://rahrbrewing.com/

 

Type: Production brewery

 

Available in DC Market: No

 

What you need to know: Rahr & Sons Brewing is making their return to DC for their second SAVOR. Opened in 2004 in Ft. Worth, Texas, Rahr & Sons has grown from an initial annual production of 2,000 barrels to  20,000 barrels in 2014. Rahr & Sons brews a large portfolio of traditional lagers and ales, and releases their stronger and experimental beer styles in the “To Thee Series.” Rahr & Sons beer can be found throughout Texas and they do not distribute to DC. 

 

Beer #1: Angry Goat (Weizen doppelbock / 8%)

 

In Their Own Words: “Complex with dark malt flavors that are complemented by esters of banana and clove-like characteristics found in any good Weizen Doppelbock. Traditionally, there was an ordinance in Germany that reserved this style for the sole consumption of the royal family. Now they are for everyone!”

 

Food Pairing: Sticky Toffee Pudding 

 

Our Thoughts: Part of the “To Thee Series,” Rahr & Sons Angry Goat is a seasonal release typically bottled in October. Angry Goat will be the only Weizen Doppelbock pouring at this year’s SAVOR, and attendees should expect to taste both the dark maltiness of a bock coupled with the banana and clove flavors of a weizen. According to their website, Angry Goat should pair well with Weisswurst with tangy mustard, churros and vanilla ice cream, or various cheeses (Stilton, Gouda, Borenkaas). 

 

Beer #2: Iron Thistle (Scotch ale / 8.5%)

 

In Their Own Words: “Break out the bagpipes with your lederhosen! We’re proud to present our Iron Thistle Scotch Ale – Rahr’s first National Grand Champion winner. This dark, Scottish ale has a bold taste dominated by a smooth, sweet maltiness balanced with a low, hoppy bitterness. So don your kilts and enjoy. Here’s to your health – Slàinte! Prosit!”

 

Food Pairing: Pecan Hushpuppies

 

Our Thoughts: Iron Thistle is another seasonal offering (released in February) and will be just one of two Scotch Ales being poured at this year’s SAVOR. Iron Thistle won a Silver medal at the 2012 Great American Beer Festival and will provide a more traditional take on the style with a dark, heavy malt profile (the other Scotch ale being poured at Savor will be Founders Backwoods Bastard, which has more bourbon flavors from oak aging). According to their website, Rahr & Sons Iron Thistle should pair well with grilled or steamed vegetables and various cheeses (Brie, Aged Gouda). It should also pair nicely with the nuttiness of the pecans in the hushpuppies.