Review – Rahr and Sons Blind Salamander Pale Ale

Contributed by Jeremy B. of the blog ruinationpress.com
Rahr and Son’s Blind Salamander Pale Ale 5.5% abv.

Rahr brews this one in the American Pale Ale style. Originally derived from the British Pale Ales style, this has become popular throughout the U.S. and is a staple for most craft breweries today. What’s nice about Pale Ale’s these days is the use of local ingredients in many cases. This allows for a variance form region to region, creating in many cases very unique Pale Ale. Pale Ale are usually a nice balance of hops and malt, with a little more of a hop presence. It is balanced out with mild citrus flavors and undertones.

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

It pours a medium copper color and very cloudy. Poured into a pint glass, the lacing sticks nicely to the glass with a healthy amount of foam that stays for a few minutes. Good carbonation.

It has a strong aroma of caramel malt balanced out with hops, citrus, and biscuity undertones. And it tastes very much the same. The malt is more prevalent upon tasting it, but the hops balance it out nicely giving it a small but enjoyable bite.

Overall, this is solid pale ale by a local Texas brewery and one I could buy a six pack of. Although this one weighs in at around 9% ABV, if you’re looking for pale ale that is doesn’t taste like other Texas beers (Miller, Bud), this will work for you. Pairs very nicely with red meats and lighter cheeses, like a Wisconsin Brick.