Name: Rogue Ales
Location: Multiple locations, started in Ashland, Oregon, now multiple pubs/alehouses mostly centered in Oregon, but there are California and Washington state locations. The main brewery is in Newport, Oregon.
Type: Production brewery/brewpub
Available in DC Market: Yes
What you need to know: Started as a brewpub in 1988, Rogue Ales has since expanded to a number of locations and enjoys a wide distribution in the United States. It is arguably one of the most recognizable craft beer brands in the U.S. In 2011, Rogue will produce over 25 varieties of beer, of which they are perhaps most famous for the Dead Guy ale, a very flavorful Maibock. Rogue is guided by a creed that helps it to carry out its “small revolution, which expresses itself through handcrafted Ales, Porters, Stouts, Lagers and Spirits.” One of Rogue’s goal is to save the Oregon terroir by planting their own barley and hops acre by acre.
Beer #1: Chatoe Rogue Dirtoir Black Lager
Notes: This decorated beer brewed with Rogue-grown malt and hops is described as “Jet black in color with a tan head, medium to full bodied, deftly balanced, seamless dark roasted malt flavors with a smooth bitterness, lingering long finish.” Sounds tasty. Not going to be a ton of lagers at SAVOR, so if you’re down with that party, here’s your admission ticket.
Beer Advocate: 90 (256 reviews)
Rate Beer: 98 overall, 100 style (429 ratings)
Beer #2: Good Chit Pilsner
Notes: I told you Rogue was big on terroir. I wasn’t lying. This one is also brewed with Rogue produced hops and malt. Another decorated beer with high ratings, this beer’s malt is floor-malted in small batches. Designed after the classic style, this should have a nice noble hop character and a clean finish.
Beer Advocate: 87 (45 reviews)
Rate Beer: 89 overall, 99 style (139 ratings)
Summary: Rogue has done a ton for craft beer. Their presence in DC isn’t too strong, but their portfolio is growing larger and larger and always seems to be winning awards. These beers, to me, aren’t particularly exciting, but you can be sure they’ll be exceedingly well-made.
This profile is a part of the DCBEER.COM SAVOR Brewery Profile series. For more information, follow the link to see profiles of all 2011 SAVOR participants.
Beer Review Disclaimer: The beer reviews found on Beer Advocate and Rate Beer do not represent the opinions of this site. We provide these in the hope that they will serve as a resource showing what some craft beer fans have thought of the beers. These reviews can be a helpful guideline, but are not the be-all end-all about a beer’s strengths or weaknesses.
