Rogue Morimoto Soba Ale

I don’t know what’s going on but the ingredient list is different for this beer than the Morimoto Soba Ale that I tried but I want to rate it anyway because I really enjoyed it. I don’t like to throw around superlatives but this is a truly great ale. One of the cheesiest ales I have ever had and I really mean that in a good way. The yeast is really special in this beer. Just the right amount of bitterness then it finishes with cheese and malt. Not overly sweet. Aroma is gentle yet has a definite herbal hop character. No complaints. I know its cheesy but I have to give this one two thumbs up.

bottle. this was one strange beer. the aroma was really the most different from any other beer I think I’ve ever had. some sort of spice that just did not smell like it fit. however, the taste was fine. light malts mild caramel and some hop bitterness. just couldn’t quite get over the smell every time I brought the glass up to my face. also, is there a brewer out there that has re-named more beers than Rogue? gimme a break!

Bottle: Aroma is most malty with cookie dough with a light citrus and grapefruit hoppiness. Pours a transparent amber with a small white head that lasts a minute or so. Flavor is sweet with some definite nuttiness. Just a touch of hops in the finish. There is some light spice. Maybe ginger, but it’s hard to tell because it’s real light. Refreshing a drinkable, which normally just means average in my book. However, I think this caught me at the right time because I think normally I would rate this lower. For some reason this just hit the spot.

Old school "Buckwheat Ale" bottle. Light copper color. Mild hop aroma when opened. Strong malt flavor, but the buckwheat isn’t notable. Fairly light, thin palate. Good summer beer, but nothing spectacular. Not what I’d expect out of Rogue’s low ABV beers.

22 oz. bottle labelled Morimoto Obi Soba Ale. Copper colour with a mostly diminishing frothy off-white head. Roasty, caramel, and bread aroma. Bready, lightly fruity, and lightly roasty flavour with a clean finish. Light bodied, creamy mouthfeel.

Smells like an IPA. If it tasted like one this would be a much better beer. I have no clue waht soba is (I guess its Japanese for buckwheat). Its hoppy without flavor, headless, and dry like an asahi.

Pale, golden orange color. Light and unremarkable. Subtle hops aroma, light bitterness. Soba is weak if detectable at all--there is a touch of malt flavors. Refreshing and unobjectionable--pleasant enough.

Bottle. Golden color with a long-lasting offwhite head. Smells almost like white bread...not really sure what else. Bitter taste, with some sourness that makes me cringe. The flavor is unique, but I’m not sure if I like it - in fact, the flavor is making me ill. Thin body with some fine carbonation.