Rare Helen: An Oktoberfest Beer unlike any other!

I first met Tom, when he sponsored me to bring my dirndls down to Atlanta, GA for a Rare Dirndl Fashion Show, TV appearance and to be a vendor at the Atlanta Beerfest. Since then he has been busy with his newest business venture- Fannin Brewing Company.

The Rare Dirndl Team and Tom on Better Mornings Atlanta in 2011

When we met he was heading up German Kino Plus, a cable network targeted to Germans living in the United States. He travelled to Germany frequently to buy movies. He was wise enough to plan some of those trips in October, so he could spend his evenings in Munich's biergartens. While do this he was growing grapes to make his own wine.









With the wine aging in bottles, he now sat at the communal table in the Augustiner BierGarten. Lifting his stein and listening to the oompah bands, he daydreamed - "What else can I sell to Germans in the US?" Pickles. Bread. Beer! The seeds for Fannin Brewing Company were formed.

Tom chose Fannin County in GA to start his business for two simple reasons: Fresh air and fresh water make for fresh beer. He hooked up with Pat Walker at Blue Ridge Brewery, who was also planning to produce his own brews. Tom bought the equipment, Pat built the space, and they began selling their first beers in October 2012.

By June 2013, a deal with Eagle Rock Distributing was signed, and Fannin Brewing Company's beers were on tap in 8 restaurants, then 14, then 24. 

The Rare Dirndl Team and Tom after the Fashion Show at the Biergarten

And now he is brewing his first Oktoberfest beer! And he's calling Rare Helen. This brew is inspired by the very German town, Helen, Georgia and… you guessed it Rare Dirndl! 

A snapshot of Helen, GA

Recently it was debuted at a Beer Disturber Show, and one restaurant GM said "I recently had the opportunity to taste your Octoberfest selection at Eagle Rock's tradeshow. I spoke with Jody, whom I have met before, and told her on-site that this is one of the BEST Octoberfest beers I have ever tasted...hands down the best. I love what you guys are doing and am excited about the wonderful beer you are brewing. I just wanted to relay that, as an avid beer enthusiast, this is exceptional beer. Thank you for the opportunity to taste it, I cant wait to bring this on-board in our restaurant." -Lindi

We are soooo excited for Tom and the Fannin Brewing Co. Check out their website and if you are in the area, be sure to stop into some of the restaurants and taste their brew's for yourself!

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