Iron Thistle

Break out the bagpipes with your lederhosen! We’re proud to present our Iron Thistle Scotch Ale – Rahr’s first National Grand Champion winner. This dark, Scottish ale has a bold taste dominated by a smooth, sweet maltiness balanced with a low, hoppy bitterness. So don your kilts and enjoy. Here’s to your health – Slàinte! Prosit!

Recipe Information:

 Style: Scottish Style Ale
Alcohol By Volume: 8.0%
International Bitterness Units: 25
Color: Dark Brown
Hops: Warrior
Malts: 2 Row, Vienna, Crystal, Chocolate, Carafa Special II
Tasting Notes: Deeply Malty, Caramel, Light Hops
Availability: January-February

Serving Suggestions:

 Preferred Glass: Thistle
Preferred Serving Temperature: 52º
Food Pairings: According to a well-respected expert, Iron Thistle pairs really well with grilled or steamed vegetables because “they won’t have to scream to be heard.” Since we find screaming vegetables unappetizing, we think this is a perfect pairing.
Cheese Pairings: Brie, Aged Gouda

Recognition:

 United States Beer Tasting Championships: National Grand Champion (2009)

Comments 

 
# John Wachtel 2010-01-17 17:13
As I have said on Facebook.."Nectar of the Gods"......Full body and hearty flavor...beautiful color and aroma....and a nice punch is a bonus!
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# Ron Healey 2010-12-30 20:53
Exactly what I like in a Scottish Ale. Malt and ABV%!! Excellent!!
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# Kyle Mackay 2011-09-15 04:25
This has got to be one of my favorite beers available of this style. I only wish it was available throughout the fall and winter. In my opinion It is by far the best beer that Rahr and Sons has to offer. It's hard to bring myself to buy just a 6-pack of thier other stuff but I would have no reservations on buying a whole case of Iron Thistle.
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# Kyle Mackay 2011-09-25 00:21
I really enjoy this beer and think it is one of the best of it's style. It really sucks that it's not available September through February instead. I hope we end up getting it in Denison at Knollwood Liquor.
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# rob keller 2010-01-27 19:55
Hey,
A friend of mine highly recommended this beer to me and he lives in Texas and I live in Raleigh, NC. Any chance I can buy this beer here in Raleigh?

Thanks,
Rob
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# eegor 2012-05-13 13:44
Probably not. Too bad. I'm drinking one now. AWESOME! It's the best ale I've ever had the privilege to taste.
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# John 2010-01-29 13:59
Very nice brew...
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# John Knoesel 2010-02-02 12:48
This is one outstanding Ale, I love the fact that the carbonation is low and flavor is through the roof, drink 2 or 3 schooners of this and you will be very happy.
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# Paul R 2010-02-20 22:57
Schotch ale does not have much head, but are loaded with great flavor.
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# Larry Crittenden 2010-02-15 08:49
Iron Thistle is an amazingly well brewed ale. Very well deserving of its award and many others.
What makes this ale so wonderful is that there is no "give and take" like you find with many others of this gravity or alcohol content. They give a nice flavor only to take back some of that niceness with an aftertaste. Iron Thistle is a jewel that is beautiful all the way through. Go on, buy an entire case, you will not be disappointed.
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# Bob Miller 2010-02-15 12:09
I pick this beer up when I make it back to Texas to see my daughter and family. This is a Wonderful beer and one to look forward to drinking in the winter!
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# Frank McCurdy 2010-02-15 12:27
I was so sorry to hear about the building tragedy. I will have to find a temporary pastime to occupy my Wednesday and Saturday Rahr outings. Worried about the shelves emptying out of my favorite Iron Thistle, I hurried to Central Market and picked up a couple of cases. Thanks for being such a great bunch.
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# Randal 2010-02-15 12:56
Excellent brew, best Scottish ale that I have had. Wish it was a year round offering. Sorry to hear of the storm damage. Hope you are back up and running soon!
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# james lewis 2010-02-15 15:02
I was so excited to find Iron Thistle on tap at the Draught House in Austin. Amazing beer! Great job guys.
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# Paul R 2010-02-20 22:54
The Iron Thistle should not be a seasonal brew. I think more people will like the Iron Thistle over Ugly Pug. This is one of the greatest beers I have ever had. Please keep it coming.
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# JamieW 2010-06-22 09:51
Couldn't agree more!!
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# Emily 2010-03-02 19:20
This is easily my favorite seasonal brew. If you're a lightweight (or built small like me), the high ABV can catch up with you quickly - but the flavor is so full and wonderful. I used to be a Winter Warmer woman, and I still love it, but Iron Thistle has eclipsed it easily.
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# Jeremy R 2010-04-13 13:54
I was at the Fort Worth Stockyards and ordered a Shiner and the waitress asked me if i had ever had a Iron Thistle and i said No i have not she said i would suggest a Iron Thistle over a Shiner. I said sure why not. After 1 taste i was hooked and lets just say 4 Iron Thistle later i was feeling really good! I think this difinatly should be a seasonal brew! I now have a New favorite Beer!
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# Money Mike Wissel 2010-04-16 16:38
I started my Rhar "fascination" with Ugly Pug. I picked up a 6er at Kroger and been in love ever since. Here is my problem I LOVE IRON THISTLE and have a hard time finding it!!!!!!!! I know it is seasonal but the only place I have found it is at Majestic Liquors. As a home brewer myself I try all kinds of brew. My opinion is, and it is just mine, Thistle is your BEST beer and should be put out there year round. I love all Rhar beers, The Bucking Bock is the Bomb Diggity. Nothing is better than a Mellow Mushroom house pizza and a Bucking Bock. LOL
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# Milk 2012-01-10 17:32
Not sure about package, but it's on tap at Katy Trail Ice House in Uptown, Dallas!
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# Mark 2012-01-12 11:22
Where do you live? Lonestar beverages in Carrollton gets a shipment every January. Might try Kegs and Barrells as well.
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# Jennifer W 2010-04-22 20:35
I love this beer and wish it were available year-round! Thanks for being here, Rahr -- you give Fort Worth a great flavor.
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# Philip M 2010-06-08 12:19
it'll give you a mouthgasm
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# Linda Hendricks 2010-06-09 00:17
Is Iron Thistle sold anywhere outside of Texas? We live in OKC!
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# Lynette Anderson 2010-07-07 06:11
I love the Oct Fest it is the best. I would really love to bottle beer again soon. Really had a great time working with you all.
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# Duyane Franklin 2010-08-31 08:01
Iron Thistle is by far my favorite, next to Ugly Pug!!! Look forward to the next batch!
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# Dave B 2010-09-24 10:59
My favorite beer on the market. Hands down. So delicious.
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# Nancy 2011-01-11 18:22
Ordered a keg of Iron Thistle for this coming weekend football game parties! I can't wait to try it!
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# Fred 2011-01-25 16:32
Could be my favorite beer.
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# Fred 2011-01-25 16:32
Could be my favorite beer.
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# Fred 2011-01-25 16:33
Could be my favorite beer of all time.
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# Kenneth Van Pelt 2011-01-25 18:28
As good as Left hand's Black Jack porter of which I regarded as the beer I ever tasted.
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# Amy 2011-02-01 15:06
Where can I find Iron Thistle in Austin? The only brew I have found at a grocery store is the Ugly Pug which is fabulous, but I want to try some of your other beers.
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# Wolfgang Pucker 2011-02-03 09:06
Once again Friz & crew has brought us a great Scottish Ale beer.
I will stock up on this one for sure .
Note: Goodie liquer on Camp Bowie has a good display stand with Rahr beers to celebrate the TCU Rose Bowl victory!
Low prices of around $7.50 a six pack.

We're all looking forward to the Bucking Bock coming in spring.

Cheers to Rahr beer.
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# Margo 2011-02-06 02:21
This is an amazing brew. I didn't realize it was seasonal, so I'll be stocking up! I have tried several of your brews now, and I've yet to be disappointed. On the contrary, I've been a little amazed every time. You all are doing some serious brew work here. Keep it up!
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# Mary Formby 2011-02-07 15:00

Best Beer on the Planet. Too bad you can't get it up here in Canada :(
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# Harleyman 2011-02-23 18:57
This stuff is a delight!
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# Debbie Valente 2011-03-28 10:15
My favorite beer period. Out of season I will 'settle' for Ugly Pug. I quit buying imported "dark beer"!
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# Robert Jackson 2011-06-01 10:47
My favorite beer by far, it is so good that I bought another kegerator to hold a spare keg while I drink the first one, I wish it were brewed year round....... Good job Rahr!
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# Robert Jackson 2011-06-01 10:53
Iron Thistle is one of my favorites from Rahr, Winter warmer, bucking bock are nice beers as well, keep up the good work! I love Rahr and the people who work there......
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# Robert Jackson 2011-07-04 08:33
Iron thistle is my favorite Rahr brew, it made such an impression on me that I bought another kegerator so when it comes back out I will buy 2 kegs..... Hats off to the folks at Rahr!
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# The Crawfish 2011-07-22 10:45
This one NEEDS to be part of the year round lineup. I especially need in in April and May, during the run of Scarborough Faire. We have the Order of the Thistle...a bunch of thirsty knights who love a good wee-heavy!
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# garyh 2011-08-06 10:56
Iron Thistle should know no season. Make this beer year round.
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# Greg 2011-11-11 19:28
I look forward to January, just for this beer! And June is not bad if Rahr brews it specially for the North Texas Scottish Festival in Arlington like they did in 2011. Thanks Fritz for this special brew.
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# John 2011-11-23 15:02
I am so glad that it is finally Iron Thistle time again. It is the best beer that has ever graced a glass.
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# BC 2011-12-17 12:41
I have to add my two cents worth: Iron Thistle is smooth-tasting, rich, and pleasing to the palette. This is by far my favorite Rahr offering and would love to have access to it year-round! I can hardly wait til January!
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# Paul Nozell 2011-12-30 14:10
I can't wait till I see it on the store shelf again.... A year is to long to wait for this to be available. How about making this longer then 2 months. Please....
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# Mike Mullen 2012-01-20 12:22
Iron Thistle is my favorite from the Rahr collection! Dont get me wrong they are all really good but this is my favorite.
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# Mike Mullen 2012-01-20 12:23
Iron Thistle is my favorite from the Rahr collection! I absolutely love it!
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# David Murphy 2012-01-22 20:18
I can't believe how good this beer is. I'll go ahead and proclaim it the best beer I've ever had. Make it year 'round. Please.
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# Scott G 2012-01-27 18:59
this is my favorite beer ( not just favorite Rahr beer) i wish it were available year round
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# Eric Pass 2012-01-31 04:14
This is one of the best beers I have tasted, goes down very smooth and is perfect on a cold night.
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# Robert jackson 2012-02-14 15:37
Favorite beer ever!
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# Dallas 2012-02-17 13:54
John,
Loving the Iron Thistle. Even better than the last 22oz'er you gave me.
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# Alan C 2012-02-29 23:19
Scoth Ales are my favorites, and Iron Thistle doesn't dissapoint. Thanks so much for brewing this excellent beer!
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# Amy 2012-03-07 17:32
I needed a good beer after a stressful workday. Hadn't had this beer so it was a gamble. Turned out to be heavenly, beautiful, delicious. Please offer this year round!!!! I was in love at the first sip.
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# Chris Crawley 2012-03-26 17:08
I really do with that Iron Thistle was one of your year-round brews. I could really use one or two every Saturday and Sunday evening during the run of Scarborough Renaissance Festival (April and May).
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# Tom Gilliam 2012-04-26 17:27
Impressed with the samples I tried @ The Big Texas Beer Fest I bought a 6-pack of Iron Thistle @ my local store...OMG! What an INCREDIBLE ale! ABSOLUTELY one of the BEST beers I've EVER HAD! Prosit!
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# Jon paul 2012-05-17 20:04
Does anyone know of any stores in the dfw area that still has any iron thistle?
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