For the first time ever, we’ve bottled our summer seasonal, and it’s headed your way!

Der Bauer (dare-bow-er) is a hazy, golden farmhouse ale brewed with 100 percent German malt and hops.

Steve Holle, KC Bier Co. founder and managing owner, describes the bier as dry, crisp and effervescent with rustic yeast flavors and citrus hop aromas. Der Bauer finishes at 7.75% ABV and 37 IBUs.

“We wanted to recreate what Bavarian farmer-brewers 200 years ago subject to the Beer Purity Law would have brewed using only malt and hops, and no sugar or other adjuncts or flavorings used in many saisons or farmhouse ales produced domestically today,” Holle said. “In fact, our yeast strain is reported to have come from a German-speaking brewery in the Alsace area of France.”

Karlton Graham, KC Bier Co. head brewer, added, “what sets Der Bauer apart from a traditional saison is that it’s an all-malt bier brewed to a higher IBU than a traditional saison (37); and it uses all German malt and hops, including Mandarina Bavaria (about 2 pounds per barrel), which imparts an orange and citrus character. This yeast strain leaves a silky-smooth finish. It’s a recipe we developed in 2013 before we opened, and we’re excited to have it available as our first bottled seasonal bier.”

Following suit with other Bier Co. bottle labels, the label artwork for Der Bauer (the German translation for The Farmer) depicts a cityscape that highlights the historical and cultural heritage of Kansas City.

“Being a farmhouse-style ale, we wanted Der Bauer’s label to highlight Kansas City’s agricultural roots,” Holle said. “The grain elevator situated at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers along with the barge and train represent Kansas City’s importance to Midwestern farmers as an agricultural transportation center.”

Der Bauer will be available in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft from June through August throughout our distribution territory.