Rahr and Son’s Buffalo Butt

This one is also an example of an American Amber Ale or Red Ale. As stated previously, this style usually heavier on the malt, contains hops  and very often has a fruity character to it, with spices sometimes present. It has been said that the American Amber Ale is a kind of catch all category for ales that are amber in color all the way to read.

I’m one for tradition and history, both in beer and in all of life. Rahr and Sons Brewing in Fort Worth definitely has history. Although the latest incarnation of this brewery began in 2004, the family has been brewing for 164 years.

Begun by Willhelm Rahr in 1847 as the Eagle ‘Rahr’ Brewery and Malt House. His great-great-grandson Frederick Rahr continues the tradition today. The following is from their website “The Rahr family has been making beer for generations. In fact, the Rahr family started making beer in the United States long before Fort Worth was founded. In the year 1847, Fritz Rahr’s great, great grandfather Wilhelm “William” Rahr and his young bride “Natalie” left behind their beloved Rhineland, Germany and came to America. Within the year, on the banks of Wisconsin’s Manitowoc River and Lake Michigan, William Rahr had established himself the Eagle “Rahr” Brewery and Malt House. Here, the brewery and malting facility produced fine German lagers and rich roasted malts. The Eagle Brewery was the first “lager” brewery in Wisconsin.Upon William’s death, his three sons changed the name of the brewery and malt house to the William Rahr Sons Company and expanded their malting capabilities to help supply the entire surrounding brewing industry’s needs for malted barley.”

Half expecting the color of this one to look that that of a Buffalo’s Butt, this one actually poured a deep metallic copper into a pint glass and is cloudy in appearance. It starts of and finishes with a very minimal head that leaves a very weak lacing on that glass that would not stick to the glass to save its life. Likely a sign of the temperature this one was brewed at, or the lack of carbonation seen.

The aroma is that of  heavy, almost smoky malts. A slight hop aroma comes out, but more in a supporting role here. I did smell a slight hint of spice, but could not place what it was. Nutmeg, perhaps?

The smoky malt I smelled is predominant in the taste and the malt definitely takes the lead in this one. Not much distinguishes this one in taste, but it did have a nice citrus flavor to it.

Mouthfeel was o.k. Crisp, but also a little bland. The smokiness comes out more the longer this one lingers.

Overall, I say this is an ok back up if you can not find much else to bring home. It’s kind of hard to follow up Green Flash’s Hop Head Red. Even taking into account Hop Head Red is intentionally heavy on the hops,as regular Amber Ale’s go, a good ol’ New Belgian Fat Tire is just as good.