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ROGUEFEST!
Today is RogueFest at Capital Ale House in Midlothian, and as a proud member of the Rogue Nation, I’m sitting here like it’s Christmas morning and I’m waiting for my parents to wake up. SO EXCITED.
Not only will there be the better part of Oregon-based Rogue brewery’s line up for tasting, there will also be oysters shipped in from the Pacific Northwest. Not to hate on our delicious devils from the Rappahannock, but what a pairing!
So here are the brews I’m quite excited about tasting:
John John Juniper - A Pale Ale brewed with juniper and aged in spruce gin barrels - be still my heart! As much as I love beer, I also LOVE gin. Will it pair with oysters as well as its spirit predecessor?
John John Dead Guy - Rogue’s Dead Guy Ale aged in Dead Guy whiskey barrels. The only thing better than a good beer, is a good beer than also tastes like whiskey!
(These barrels are from Rogue’s own distillery! and are an effort of their distiller, John and their brewmaster, John. Brilliant, I know).
Speaking of Dead Guy, I’m looking forward to comparing Dead Guy Ale (which is a Maibock style) with the Double Dead Guy (which ranks American Strong Ale)
Mom’s Beer- Declaring Starr Hill’s Lucy as my beer of the summer, I’m eager to try Rogue’s similar belgian to see how it compares. Perhaps a comparable substitute for westward journeys?
Orange Honey Ale- Made with Oregon wildflower honey, orange peel and coriander this sounds like a summery treat. How will it compare to Mom’s?
Morimoto Soba- Brewed with buckwheat - this malt lover is intrigued! (and secretly hoping some of the Black Obi [the Soba’s darker cousin] sneaks in!)
Chipotle- I’m not a fan of most chipotle items as I prefer my peppers without smoke, but I can’t pass up peppers + beer!
I’m also very excited about the sheer range of STOUTS! Normally you’ll find 1, possibly 2 for tasting, but Rogue is busting out with 3 in addition to their Double Mocha Porter and their Hazelnut Brown Ale (that I love). The selection you ask:
Shakespeare Stout- An oatmeal stout
Chocolate Stout- Brewed with Dutch bittersweet chocolate
XS Russian Imperial Stout - my love for Russian Imperial Stouts is troublesome (just ask me about how ‘Old Raspy on 3’ has become a commonplace phrase)
Yes, it’s quite a list. I did eliminate some of the brews I tend not to favor (hoppier pale ales or the ever ambiguous amber), but I may get to them. Plus I’m attending with a hop-lover so I’m sure to get the report.
