CulturAle Press

Rogue Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout 2018 Barrel Works, Newport, Oregon

Date:  December 12, 2018

The Story— Rogue’s been on the scene since 1988, which makes it rather historic in a US craft context.   They’ve done extraordinarily good beers from the start, blessed with  John Meyer, an exceptional talent, and a management team that’s always sought interesting new directions while rarely losing sight of the essential nature of beer.

John has a national reputation for his adventure and skill, and also for being the most taciturn great American since Calvin Coolidge.   I’m told that our two-hour conversation on the stage of the Brickskeller still stands as the most extensive interviews he’s ever given.   I’m flattered, and also pleased I could bring some insight into an extraordinary mind while he slowly opened up to show his remarkably deep and wry sense of humor.

Rogue has been in the forefront of growing their own ingredients.  It’s not uncommon now for breweries to grow some of their hops, but Rogue was growing hops and malt on its properties years ago.

Rogue has brewed fine dark beers throughout its 30 years.  This one is is special even by Rogue’s usual standards.   We tasted it and wrote the notes early before dinner and set aside a generous half glass to sip on later.   “It’s mine!” Ellie said — and she almost never claims beers so I kind of had to give it to her.    But although she savored it, she didn’t finish it — it was just that rich.   So I got her portion after all….but it was late and I didn’t finish it.   It was lovely at room temperature the next day.

The Beer—  Huge and complex.  Boozy, wood, lots of fruit, chewy, cherries, and dark chocolate.  Rich boozy cherries with wood and clean citrus.

Value —  Very good.   Sell your car to get it if you have to.   There are buses.

 This week we focus on the US to highlight some great American craft beers, some of which we’ve found in researching out first US Beer publication: Brews and Snooze-– Breweries you can visit and walk back to a fine place to spend the night.  Look for it in 2019.

Next week we return to  HIGHLIGHTS OF EUROPE–  Including some surprisingly good beer in “bad beer cities” we’ve found in researching our next book – a guide to great beer in European tourist cities. (Planned publication 2019.)   We’ll shift back to great American beer for a few days before ending our year with “the best 10 beers of the last five years.”

 About these posts:  We taste and evaluate over a thousand beers every year.  The beers posted here rank in the top quarter of those tastings.   Values:  “fair” is a good beer at an above market price, “good” is worth the money, “very good” is a bargain, and “excellent” is a steal.