Scott and I are lucky that our local Kroger carries a very well stocked line of Rogue beers. What we can’t find at Kroger we can usually get at another local joint, The Anderson’s (who has some great brews!). After being introduced to Rogue Ales last year at the Foodbuzz Festival, it’s been my goal to try as many as I can.
One of the beers that recently caught our eye was the Chipotle Ale. Neither Scott nor I have ever had a beer spiced with a smoked hot pepper. We’ve had spices and nuts and berries but never a pepper. As we were picking out beers for the next few months, we decided to add the Chipotle Ale to the list.
As is custom now, it sat in the fridge for a long time before we had a chance to try it. Beers need to be consumed at the right moment around here and we try to ensure all conditions are perfect, especially when a new beer is involved!
One Sushi Friday Night we decided it would be a good time to test the waters with the Chipotle Ale.
What surprised me most about this beer was it’s color! For some reason I fully expected this beer to have a bit of a darker color to it. I’ll admit that when I poured it and saw the light color, I was a bit nervous. I believe I said to Scott, “I dunno about this. I mean, I can see through it.”
Ha!
The head on this beer lasted for a long while which also surprised me, due to it’s lighter color I figured it would be short lived. I took a smell and the beer had a very nice spice smell to it. Also a slight smoke smell, it was way down there in the background, but it was there. If you have ever had an actual smoked beer, then you know smoky when you smell it!
I took a sip and was pleasantly surprised by the taste. It had a nice crispness to it with a very mild spice on the finish. The chipotle doesn’t overpower you and you don’t feel like you’re drinking a heavy savory beer. It’s a great warm weather beer!
If you pair the beer with something spicy or with something grilled, the chipotle flavor comes to life a great deal more! While it can accompany just about any kind of food from finger foods to a nice bowl of chili, it is definitely made for backyard BBQs or late night nachos. Scott and I have now had this beer on three different occasions and it hasn’t disappointed yet. It’s a light beer that still has some heft to it so that you know you are drinking a beer and not just some fizzy water.
If you haven’t tried Rogue beer yet, I encourage you to do so! They are becoming more readily available so start looking around. Definitely pick up some Chipotle Ale for your next cookout!
Rogue Brewery Chipotle Ale was purchased with my own Scott’s money and reviewed on my own. Thank you FCC.
Other Rogue Beers I’ve reviewed:
LOVE LOVE LOVE Rogue beer. Maybe I am partial now that I have been to the Rogue brewery in Newport, Oregon, who knows? I must admit though that the Chipotle was a bit too spicy or something for me. There were many others of theirs that I liked better, but there beer is definitely a keeper. Yay!!
You guys have got to come visit Portland! You would go crazy over the amount of great local beer we have here – including Rogue!
I’ve had a few Rogue beers, but not the chipotle. I should admit that it seemed a little scary to me! I manage a wine store and I carry alot of imported beers and micro brew’s. I’ll have to get this one in and feel brave enough to try it! :)
I don’t think I’ve tried this one, but I’ve seen it here. I’m completely surprised by the color and flavor as well. I expected dark and heavy. It’s great to know it would be a good summer beer. Love your disclaimer. :)
I just tried this and I must say I really do not care for it. I love beer and I love spicy food (the hotter the better) and put red peppers and/or Tabasco on everything (pizza, eggs, potatoes/french fries, soup) so when I saw this I thought it would be great but I think the beer is too smokey and not spicy enough. The smoke overwhelms all the other flavours