Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. is hosting an anniversary party this Saturday, November 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will take place at the brewery in Fort Worth, and they are offering over 30 of their beers on tap for anyone ready to pony up either $10 for general admission or $20 for VIP status. I am not sure what the significance of 9 years is, but hey, why not have a party for a party’s sake. The only thing I’ve done for nine years is keep a copy of Chris Webber’s rookie year basketball card in mint condition, so I’m not exactly an authority on longevity. Also, I wasn’t aware that Rahr had 30 beers. That’s a real undie-dropper.
The good folks from Rahr sent us a couple bottles of the special 9th Anniversary Belgian-Style Golden Ale to taste. It comes in 22-oz. form and will be available for purchase beginning in November. Five of us tasted it and only one of us really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, it was more sour and bitter than I’d expect from a golden ale and lacked any brightness in wheat or fruitiness. The head fades rather quickly and the aftertaste has a metallic, resinous profile. It also left a rather filmy mouth feel behind, and the glorious Sorachi Ace hops lost their resonance behind the metallic finish. Oh, and the wax beer bottle cap is a real pain to take off. On the other hand, I would attend this event just to taste the Bourbon Barrel Aged Winter Warmer. That sounds totally crunk and delicious, and I want it now. Take it as you want, but that’s all I have to say about that.
