Saying that you 'tried a great craft beer from Oregon' is a little like saying you 'talked to a beautiful Swedish girl from Stockholm'. Impressive? Yup. Do I wanna hear more? Hell yeah!
But am I surprised? NOT AT ALL (there are just so many of them!)
Rogue Brewery, based in Newport, is no exception to the Oregon's reputation. They make a ton of different styles and I've yet to try one that wasn't clean, well-made, flavorful. Today, I drank the Dry-hopped, St. Rogue Red Ale. Red beer is not one of my favorite style so Rogue had it's it's work cut out for itself--it was really going to have to win me over.
I'm happy to report, they succeeded!
When I poured the beer it showed a beautiful bright copper-red color and released an army of tiny bubbles. The effervescence was intense but short-lived (by the time I finished pouring the 12 ounces all but a few consolatory orbs had dissipated). The CO2 put on a vanishing act, but the thick, creamy, head stuck around all day like an aimless cloud on a still summer day.
From a flavor standpoint the first two things I noticed were fresh cherries and roasted almonds. The bitter dry hops were also apparent on the nose and even more so on the palate. After a few sips I started to pick up on some rich caramel notes, and the roasted malts started to come through.
Over-all I'm very happy with this ale. The flavors are distinct, well balanced, and interesting. To make things better, it was inexpensive (Total wines offered individual 12 oz bottles for $2.49, and 22 oz'ers for $4.50).
By the numbers, I give it an average score of 7/10 [Flavor 7/10, Balance 7/10, Complexity 7/10].
So, 21/30-Not bad!
-Prost!
D.Lux
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