Introduction

Fahr Beer is the product of one mind - the brewing passion of Jochen Fahr. A student from Ebringen, Germany, Fahr studied Biotechnology in Calgary starting in 2008. After building an automated brewing system at home (and yes we are aware this sounds like the back story of a mad scientist), Fahr won several medals in homebrewing. It was time, in his estimation, to take this show up to the big leagues. Brauerei Fahr was created in 2015 and full-time brewing began. With recipes based on beers from his homeland, but with his own flair, Fahr has established himself as a craft brewing phenom in Turner Valley, Alberta. The Rauch is based on the German-style Rauchbier. Rauchbier is made using a smoked malt, where the green malts are dried over an open fire (often using beechwood) to achieve a smoky flavour in the beer. Serves well at 10°C and can cellar for up to a year.

---

How it looks

Pours an amber colour with a clear body and medium carbonation. A thin cap of bubbly head rests on top of the beer.

How it smells

The first and domineering aroma of this beer is the smokiness. It falls right in line with lox as an aroma, delivering a slightly sweet smoky nose. A deep whiff will pick up the other parts of the malt hiding behind it.

How it tastes

There’s no two ways about this one: it tastes like smoke. It’s tough to dig in and find the rest of the profile, but let the beer warm up a touch and you’ll taste the sweeter parts of the malt, along with some hoppy flavours hiding in the back. All of it though will be tasted through the smoke, so if you aren’t a fan of smoky flavour you really won’t be able to hide from this one. Has a slightly sweet and smooth finish.

Recommended food pairing

Get the cheese out! Soft cheese like Brie or even cream cheese on plain crackers or toasted baguette will go nicely.