Ugly Pug

Ugly Pug is a schwarzbier, or black lager. But the real story is its name - Fritz Rahr saw his mother-in-law’s pug, Oscar, lounging on a chair and he shouted, “What an ugly pug!” Everyone laughed. You’re right, they were brewing a test batch that night. Unlike most dark beers that are often described as “heavy” or “chewy”, Rahr’s Ugly Pug has a surprisingly light body. Reviewers have been vocal about how happy they are to have a dark beer that’s easy to drink on even the hottest Texas summer days. We’ve even heard people refer to Pug as “nirvana in a bottle” because it combines their three favorite flavors, coffee, hints of chocolate, and of course BEER!

Recipe Information:

Style: Schwarzbier (Black Lager)
Alcohol By Volume: 4.5%
International Bitterness Units: 26
Color: Dark Brown/Black
Hops: Perle
Malts: 2 Row, Munich, Chocolate, Carafa Special II
Tasting Notes: Bitter Chocolate, Coffee

Serving Suggestions:

Preferred Glass: Dimpled Mug
Preferred Serving Temperature: 48º
Food Pairings: This beer may have an ugly name, but it pairs beautifully with everything from roast beef, BBQ, and fried chicken to the most decadent chocolate desserts.
Cheese Pairings: Muenster

Recognition:

US Open Beer Championship: Silver Medal (2009)
North American Beer Awards: Bronze Medal (2009)
United States Beer Tasting Championships: Best of the Southwest/Rockies (2006)

Comments 

 
# John Wachtel 2010-01-17 17:11
Great flavor in a dark....not too heavy!
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# Sarah Yeo 2010-01-24 19:40
I love this beer!
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# Bob Miller 2010-02-15 12:00
This beer is the primary reason I sought out the Rahr Brewery. I love this beer!
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# Miranda Crane 2010-02-15 19:24
This is the black lager then turned me into a TRUE BEER lover, I never knew life could be so tasty tell I met the makers of Rahr, now I'm proud to say I'm a true beer taster.
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# Rick 2010-02-19 14:22
WOW, great beer!!! always keep some in the ice box!
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# ruth ann 2010-03-25 19:34
wow! had this on tap during a recent trip to dallas. i usually drink intensely hoppy ipa's but have a weakness for dark lagers as well -- this is one of the best i've had. once you've got a new roof, please extend your distribution to atlanta. good luck!
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# Corey 2010-06-04 00:06
When can I expect to see this in stores again? I miss Ugly Pug!
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# Stephanie 2010-07-05 13:16
I have two pugs so needless to say I must try this. I think you sell it at Chili's but can I buy it somewhere in a store? Also, I want a tshirt with the cute put on the front... is that sold? I could not see anything on the online store
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# Robert 2011-02-15 17:33
What The Mule Does Not Have It?
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# Jill Dobelbower 2011-06-03 06:39
You can buy it at HEB (a Texas-based grocery store). That is how I found out about it.
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# Matthew Choat 2010-07-18 17:57
First of all...I love pugs! And when I saw there was an Ugly Pug beer I had to get a 6 pack. I honestly didn't think it was going to be anything special but I had to show my support for a Pug sponsored beer. When I finished the first Ugly Pug I was instantly in love. This beer is incredibly light and easy to drink despite its dark appearance. There actually are hints of coffee and chocolate which I love. Do yourself a favor and pick up an Ugly Pug if you see one. I support the re-opening of the brewery and Pug owners in Texas and all over the world!
Long live Rahr & Sons!
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# Greg Weiler 2010-08-02 20:20
Best dark beer I ever drank....please send more ugly pug to stans on greenville....please, please, please
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# Beth Smith 2010-08-24 19:08
LOVE Ugly Pug...please make a t-shirt or ball cap. My sister has an adorable Pug, Fergus, but I think the whole family would appreciate the sentiment!

Thanks, and keep up the great brewing.
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# Charles Schwind 2010-08-28 10:18
Life is too short to not drink Ugly Pug. I don't advocate alcholism, but I do love Ugly Pug. You can love something in small doses, but Ugly Pug makes it more difficult than any other beer on earth. Long Live Ugly Pug and Rahr!
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# David Iwanicki 2010-09-15 16:23
I was lucky enough to get the first pull off a very fresh keg - what an incredible beer, and I'm not a big fan of dunkels or stouts.

Can't wait for the chance to visit and grab another pint or two
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# Cat Shaw 2010-11-06 14:20
I have always been a Guinness Girl but was ready to try something new. Found Ugly Pug, LOVED THE NAME, and decided to give it a try. OMG!!! It combines almost all of life's pleasures ...beer, coffee and chocolate!! An easy, melt in your mouth, flavor that I am in love with!!!
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# treyfan88 2010-11-14 12:41
I love the Ugly Pug! One of the best black lagers out there, I think.
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# Harper Dave 2010-11-19 12:40
This is an outstanding brew. Very reminiscient of a really good imported Porter. Not hoppy, nice finish too. Excellent work! Now if I can just figure out where to buy it....
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# Miranda 2011-01-27 19:49
It is at almost all liquor stores, central market and tom thumb grocery stores as well.
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# Miranda 2011-01-27 19:47
This is my first RAHR love, and what turned me into a TRUE BEER Drinker. I had never had a dark beer but now wonder how I could ever live with out the dark lagers, I have tasted many darks now to this day and outside of the winter warmer this is still my favorite.
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# John 2011-02-06 21:11
The best Black lager I've had. The chocolaty notes are great.
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# Dan from Milwaukee 2011-02-16 14:48
The best black lager this side of Germany!
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# Faroe47 2011-02-22 16:25
Very yummy. Not heavy at all despite it's dark color. Was surprised to find it on the shelf at my local Kroger. Now let's hope they stock some of your other brews.
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# Fred Porta 2011-03-05 11:11
Sometimes ya just gotta have an ugly one. Hot day, cold night. Crawfish, burger, steak or chicken. Can't go wrong with an Ugly Pug. Love this brew.
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# joe cleveland 2011-06-01 14:00
My name is Joe Cleveland. I am the director of ops for kirbys steakhouse and I was wondering if your beer was available in kegs/tap and if so who carry's it?

Joe Cleveland
Director of Operations
Kirbys Steakhouse
Woodfire by Kirbys
Mickey Mantles Steakhouse
214.215.3935
j.cleveland@kirby ssteakhouse.com
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# R Garcia 2011-06-23 15:12
Our HEB Down here in Floresville Texas has both Ugly Pug and Blonde lager both are awesome. I will ask the manager if it is possible to dtock full time
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# AWsOutdoors 2011-06-30 14:40
Another outstanding brew from the boys at Rahr & Sons! This brew pours up dark brown body sporting a frothy off-white colored head (leaves minimal lacing). Scents full of coffee and a beefy brew loaded with roasted malts giving off a fresh-baked bread smell with lots and lots of yeast. The flavor is that of a robust beer with a lot of bread or yeast flavors with just the right about of bitterness and a dab of sweetness to balance it all out. This is a very easy-drinking brew so keep track!! Planning on pairing this up with some brats or wurst!
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# phil 2011-07-08 02:56
First time trying Ugly Pug. It's definetly a beer for dessert. Awesome brew.
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# Jeremy B 2011-07-30 21:15
Please get this been near Western NC. Had it a few years back in Dallas, and would love to enjoy another pint. The best dark beer I've ever had
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# violet 2011-08-04 13:55
I love chiwawas.xxxxxxxxxxx :D :lol: ;-)
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# violet 2011-08-04 13:55
I love chiwawas.xxxxxxxxxxx :D :lol: ;-)
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# violet 2011-08-04 13:55
I love chiwawas.xxxxxxxxxxx :D :lol: ;-)
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# violet 2011-08-04 13:56
:D :D :lol: :lol: :-) :-) I love chiwawas.xxxxxxxxxxx
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# Martin Young 2011-08-10 06:31
Hi

A colleague has a pug called Oscar. Where can I buy your beer. I am in the UK.

Regards

Martin
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# Anthony 2011-08-14 07:08
do you sell this beer in the Chicago area and or can you ship some to me
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# jeff kiesling 2011-08-18 20:39
fritz...
ugly pug is simply amazing...too bad i live in a small town outside of Austin and have to drive 45-50 mns to get it. I work for Brown in Austin and am looking forward to all the beers you have to bring....keep em comin'...cause ill keep drinkin em!..havent found one i havent liked.. looking forward to iron Thistle..looks yummy... but topping Ugly Pug will be a task..! Thanks for letting me taste heaven...even if i have to drive 45 minutes to!... Thanks...Jeff
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# Mike Wall 2011-08-30 13:18
Wall Street Journal, August 27, 2011
Rahr & Sons Ugly Pug is the BEST American
Black Lager!!! Congrats Fritz!!!
My local Irish Pub, The Harp in Houston proudly serves Ugly Pug!!!
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# Yaya 2011-09-11 21:09
A friend of mine gave me a six pack or Rahr's Ugly Pug whenever my real life ugly pug was given up for adoption. :( This delicious beer made me forget about my long gone ugly pug. lol Loved it!
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# Esteban Cuevas 2011-09-26 17:42
Tried ugly pug first time last night at local Bar and Grill,, Great dark beer!! It hit my taste buds like WOW!! WAKE UP BEER LOVERS!! UGLY PUG IS HERE!! Great Job Rahr and Sons!!
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# Annie 2012-01-29 15:42
I live in New York...anyone know where i can find this beer, even if it's only ordering it online? I am dying to try it!
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# Annie 2012-01-29 15:43
I live in New york...anyone know where i can find this beer, even if it is only ordering it online? I am drying to try it!
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# John 2012-02-13 16:20
Love this brew.I have it every chance I
get!
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# Ben Jordan 2012-02-22 16:40
BOOM! this beer is freaking awesome. I'll be coupling it with a nice summer day by the pool soon! A dark light beer that isn't too filling.
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# Tom 2012-03-08 15:18
A friend recently brought me a "Mix-Six" that included an Ugly Pug. I'm usually pretty stuffy when it comes to stepping out from my usual selection. However, I am now a fan. I look forward to trying other R&S brews. It's great to have a Texas brewery that puts out a taste this fine. Locally I can get R&S at Kroger's and H&H.
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# Lynda Hulsey 2012-04-16 19:05
LOVE LOVE LOVE Black Ugly PUG!! so LITE, so YUMMY. Best beer ever! Cottonwood Shores, Texas
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# Tony 2012-04-18 09:33
I Love the Ugly Pug!!! It is my favorite beer!
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# Thomas White 2012-04-21 06:50
Pugs rule!
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# Ken 2012-05-26 18:10
Just had one at Fox & Hound. Enjoyed it greatly, though I'm not noticing coffee notes. Still, very nice stuff.
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# Vallarie Cuttie 2012-05-26 20:40
We held the annual picnic of the Greater Atlanta Pug Club today and a member brought some Ugly Pug beer. Wow! Those of us who love good beer just couldn't get over this fabulous brew! The label is pretty cute but it's what's inside the bottle that was so awesome. It is surprisingly light and has great flavor. Can't wait till we can buy it here in Atlanta!
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