190: John John Ale (Spruce Gin Barrel)

I think Rogue is one of Oregon’s more creative breweries. Last week, I poured their Chipotle Ale at my “ReinheitsgeWhat?!” blind beer tasting (blog post on BS Brewing coming soon …), and was surprised at how distinct the smoky pepper flavor came through. Similarly, they have beers that include hazelnuts, chocolate, and other oddball elements, to varying levels of success. And they’ve been doing it for a long time.

The problem is, with most of their beers, I feel a few sips is really all I need. The chipotle is so flavorful, it’s tough to actually stick with it. It’s like drinking a burrito.

This beer, on the other hand, was flavorful, but not obnoxious, and it really evolved as it warmed up, with the gin/wood flavors (it’s a pale ale aged in Rogue Gin barrels that are themselves made of spruce wood) becoming more distinct as it neared room temperature. I’m not sure I’d have two pints of it, but I easily finished a 22 ounce beer myself without getting bored or overwhelmed with flavor. Well done, Rogue.

Beer Name: John John Ale (Spruce Gin Barrel)
Brewer: Rogue Brewing (Newport, Oregon)
Price: N/A
Sampled: July 9, 2010
Rating: 4/5
Notes: Bottle includes color (3.2°L) and A.A. (77). Cool. Very bready, yeasty aroma. Very dry with subtle gin flavor giving way to light booze/juniper.
ABV: N/A
IBU: 34 ibu
OG 17°
TG N/A
Serving Type: Bottle.