If you aren’t one of the 6 million people drinking beer in crowded tents during Munich’s Oktoberfest, it’s not too late to get in the spirit of the festival and knock back a few pints. Rahr & Sons Brewing Company in Fort Worth brews beer using family recipes brought over from the Rhineland 160 years ago. Owner Frederick “Fritz” William Rahr Jr. is following in his great-great-grandfather’s footsteps by creating tasty artisan lagers. For the ultimate communal beer-drinking experience, take the brewery tour on Saturdays from 1-3 pm (701 Galveston, Fort Worth, 817-810-9266). The tour is free, but more important, so is the beer. You get four free tastes (it’s a nice-size pour, about 3 or 4 ounces), unless you do the smart thing and buy a Rahr pint glass for $5. With that glass in hand, your free tastes become full pints. Bring the glass back any Saturday to fill up for free. We love the community picnic tables where locals chat, play games, and, of course, imbibe. Make a day of it and bring lunch. You’ll be sorry you didn’t when you see your tablemate’s spread.
Blonde Lager ($6.99)
This light, refreshing lager is made in the traditional Munich Helles style. It’s the type of beer you can drink all day as you camp in front of the TV for Sunday football.
Rahr’s Red ($6.99)
The gorgeous amber color didn’t much impress my boyfriend, but the rich flavor and subdued hops/bitter kick was enough to make him want another pint. I liked it even better as it cooled to slightly above room temperature.
Ugly Pug ($9.39)
Beer lovers will love this black lager. It’s full-bodied and has a surprisingly fruity aroma. But don’t worry. You won’t taste any fruit. It’s easy to drink, with a slightly burnt-coffee flavor followed by a dark chocolate finish. It was named after Fritz’s mother-in-law’s pug during a family taste test when he suddenly shouted, “What an ugly pug!” They laughed and the name stuck.
Rahr & Sons is also available at Central Market (5750 E. Lover’s Ln. 214-234-7000;
www.centralmarket.com) and Sigel’s (15003 Inwood Rd., Addison. 972-387-9873).
