Rogue Chipotle Ale

A hazy amber beer with a thin beige head. The aroma is sweet with strong notes of caramel, but also lighter notes of alcohol and old fruits. The flavor is malty with primary notes of caramel, leading to a dry end. The chilis tickles the tongue, but the body is thin.

Bottled (as Rogue Chipotle Ale). Clear reddish amber. Grapefruity aroma with just a hint of chili. Medium bodied with firm, rounded mouthfeel. Contrary to every other chili beer I’ve had the chipotles just adds to the smokiness to the hop character, and plays a part. The burning sensation is there, but in a controlled way. Where other chili beers goes over the top and becomes painful to drink, this beer stays balanced nd drinkable.

(On tap) Unclear, light brown with an off-white head. Spicy, malty nose. Medium body with sweet, caramelish touches and some roasted accents - somewhat Bock-like. Rather hoppy finish. Appears inspired by German and Belgian brewing traditions - and then spiced with Mexican peppers. Truly an innovative brew. 280306

I had been avoiding this, still reeling from memories of Cave Creek Chili Beer. What, like John Maier can’t outbrew Cave Creek? The differences are night & day. Wheres Cave Creek is a jalapeno lager, this is the earthy, complex Oregon Golden with the addition of chipotles (a smoked jalapeno). If there was ever a pepper that worked in a beer, chipotle is it. I swear by chipotles. Anyway, this is not all that hot, just a touch of warmth in the finish. The pepper seems to make the Oregon Golden a little bit leaner and more balanced. The touch of smoke on the nose is great, too. If you only drink on chili beer in life, this is it.

22 fl oz bottle. Pours almost golden orange with a lacing white head. Woody, spiced and light smoked aroma. Flavour starts smooth malty and gains a slight vegetable note with a mild burning chili finish. Finish is slowly increasing in burning intensity from the chili.