ROGUE BEER TASTING EVENT

Sunday 20 January 2008 was the first anniversary celebration of 99 Bottles. They celebrated with a beer tasting and cake. It was a great time.

All of the beers were brewed by either Rogue Brewing Company of Newport, Oregon or its Issaquah Brewhouse and Distillery. David "Hutch" Hutchison, the head brewer of Issaquah Brewhouse was on hand to answer questions and hang out with those gathered.

The first three ales were all wheat based: Bullfrog Ale, an American Wheat Ale; Ménàge À Frog, a Belgian Tripel Ale; and Morimoto Obi Soba Ale, a Buckwheat Ale. I used to really enjoy wheat ales, but now find them rather bland. The last two ales were my favorites of the tasting: Hazelnut Brown Nectar, an American Brown Ale; and Chocolate Stout, an American Stout. They were matched very well to the cake, which was a white cake with a carmel filling and vanilla frosting.

Happy birthday, 99 Bottles.

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Bullfrog Ale, an American Wheat Ale by Rogue's Issaquah Brewhouse

2 ounce sample. The ale was melted-butter yellow. It was clear, which I was not expecting for a wheat ale. Primary aromas were wheat, lemon, light yeast, light earthiness, and light alcohol. The flavor began with a small "bite" of alcohol, which yielded to wheat and lemon, before ending with a "clean" finish. Nothing spectacular. The best part of this ale, for me, was the mouthfeel. It sat well in the mouth.

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Ménàge À Frog, a Belgian Tripel Ale by Rogue's Issaquah Brewhouse

2 ounce sample. This was pulled from the tap by Issaquah's head brewer, David "Hutch" Hutchison, right before his trip down to the tasting. The color was a clear yellow. The carbonation was lighter than expected. The aroma was heavy on wheat and heavy on spices. The flavor was the same. The spices I noted were cinnamon and ginger. Hutch told us that the recipe uses 30% wheat and 20% Belgian Candi sugar, which would account for some of the sweetness. The flavor lingers, but I wasn't especially attracted to it.

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Morimoto Obi Soba Ale, a Buckwheat Ale by Rogue Brewing Company

2 ounce sample. The initial aroma was one of wet plant leaves after a brisk rainstorm. This leaf aroma translated into the flavor. There is also the presence of a soil flavor, somewhat musty, but in a good way, as well as a "clean" flavor. The carbonation was somewhat lively. This ale intrigued me in many ways that I have still not quite grasped. I wouldn't seek this out, but I also wouldn't turn it down if I was offered it again.

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Hazelnut Brown Nectar, an American Brown Ale by Rogue Brewing Company

2 ounce sample. The color was a brilliant orange-brown. The nose was berries, sugar, nuts. The flavor moved from cream to chocolate to nut, with a spicy edge and flashes of raspberry. The mouthfeel was thick and creamy. It was beautiful, it smelled good, it tasted even better, and it engaged the entire mouth. Very good.

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Chocolate Stout, an American Stout by Rogue Brewing Company

2 ounce sample. Chocolate and coffee were the dominant aromas and flavors. This was one of the best smelling stouts I have encountered. The flavor fell a little short of the aroma, but was still well done. If you like chocolate mochas then you will enjoy this ale.