Oh, the humanity!
They had Shiner's seasonal Oktoberfest Beer in stock, but it's not one of my favorites. It's okay... as that style of beer goes, but I was in the mood for something more robust. So, I looked around and was more than a bit bored by what I saw. There were a few things on the shelf that would be "new to me," but nothing leaped out at me. So, I decided that since it's still hotter'n heck out there, that I would go for something light. And still... nothing really impressed me.
Yeah, they had Shiner Blonde and some other brews that would certainly do in a pinch. But still, nothing looked great to me. So, after far too much analysis, I grabbed a six pack of something new, with the idea that I could drink two or three tonight while I played Ticket to Ride online, and then I could write up the review in a day or two when I felt like it.
So, I wound up bringing home a strange blonde (and a blonde beer is the only kind that won't have my dear wife reaching for her shotgun): Rahr & Sons Munich-Style Helles Lager: Rahr's Blonde. And, since I brought home six blondes, I'm guessing she'd be really mad if they were the other kind! At least that was the original plan.
When I got it home, after dinner and waiting for online players to join my game, I decided to have a few. And I found that, as far as writing this blog, I was "Rahring to go." (I imagine that pun sounds a lot better in my head than it looks here on the screen.).
With a six-pack to drink from, tonight's "sip on the wild side" is more than me just dipping my toes into things... so to speak. I've had four of them (don't panic on behalf of my liver -- it's been about two hours), and I must say that this beer is living up to my first impressions: It's pretty good for a lighter beer.
When I first tasted it, I was surprised at just how much of a citrus tang I got from it. Really surprised. It was much more than I expected from a "Munich-Style Helles Beer" (and yes, as an English major in college, I'm pleased to see that they properly hyphenated the compound modifier in that description). Over time (i.e. four of them), it contributes to a definite "pucker" sensation. Also, there's a hint of that chalky feeling on my tongue that is not entirely unpleasant (again, I am aware that I really need to find a better term for that).
Rahr & Sons: Rahr's Blonde
Blonde Lager was the first beer to come out of Rahr & Sons Brewing Company. It is a medium-bodied traditional Munich Helles-style pale lager that features a rounded maltiness without being too heavy. And like every proud Texan, it has a good head, is pleasant – but not overly sweet. From their Website. Alcohol content: 4.8% |  |
One thing about the beer that surprised me was that it actually inspired me to write the review tonight.I was fully expecting to put it off for a day or two, but its tangy flavor and sweet dance on my tongue got me to sit down and tap out a few words on it while it was fresh in my mind.
Here are some details: When poured quickly, it has a fast, aggressive head. A slow pour delivers a very gentle head. It has a great nose in the bottle, but it seems to fade quickly after it's poured. It also has a very prominent, long-lasting lace (the foam pattern left on the glass). All in all, this is a very solid beer for a blonde, and I think I could grow to like her.
The beer shelf at Randall's
At $8.99 a six pack, I don't think she'll be coming home with me every night (although I suspect with a little comparison shopping I could get her for a few dollars less), but this is definitely a beer that will be coming home with me again in the future.
I give her a 7 out of 10.
