Darkness Rolls in at Rogue with Newly Released Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout
Rogue Ales & Spirits, which is the country’s only brewery-distillery-cooperage, just announced the release of 2017 Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout. Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout is the culmination of a long journey from bark to bottle. It’s been brewing with ingredients grown at Rogue’s own Rogue Farms. This particular imperial stout has been ocean-aging in Dead Guy Whiskey-soaked handmade Oregon Oak barrels. Rogue’s Rolling Thunder Barrel Works provided the coopered barrels for the brew.
They acquired WWII-era coopering equipment in 2015, while subsequently established Rolling Thunder Barrel Works. In doing so, they took on the ancient artform of barrel making. Rogue’s cooper Nate Linquist does it all. He assembles, raises, toasts, chars, hoops, cauterizes, sands, and brands one barrel a day, all by hand using Oregon Oak.
“At first it was a creative challenge,” said General Manager Dharma Tamm, “to see how we could incorporate our brewery, distillery, cooperage and farm into one beer. However, our brewers, distillers, coopers, farmers – and even graphic designers turned it into a quest to create a world class beer that exemplifies the Rogue spirit of challenging the norm and pushing creative boundaries.”
The Beer
The stout is black with a creamy head. It features deep sherry notes. Hints of coconut, cherries, dark fruit and vanilla also compliment the imperial stout. Additionally, it holds up against a dark roasted malt backbone and earthy hops. At 14% ABV, this year’s Rolling Thunder is bigger and bolder than the inaugural 2016 release.
Limited quantities of Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout will be available on draft and in 1-liter swing-top bottles at Rogue public houses starting July 21, then at select retailers nationwide on August 1.
For more information on Rogue Ales & Spirits visit their:
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