Rogue Spirits Oregon Single Malt Whiskey

Rogue Spirits Oregon Single Malt Whiskey, 5 YO, 40 %

Rogue Ales & Spirits (or just Rogue Ales as I thought they were called) is a well-known brewery in Oregon, USA. Unknown to me, and probably most of you, they have also been producing whisky for a few years.

Here we have a traditional single malt made using 100 % barley; the Rogue Spirits Oregon Single Malt Whiskey, and this is how they describe their product:

Crafted from malted Two Row Barley that is 10 % smoked with apple and alder, the wash is brewed at our brewery just yards from the distillery. After distillation, it is aged for a minimum of five years in char 3 new American Oak barrels.

Production ingredients are given as: Munich Malt, Free-Range Coastal Water & Rogue’s Proprietary Pacman Yeast.

On the bottles it says “Ocean aged in Oak Barrels for at least five years”. By “Ocean aged” they simply refer to the fact that their distillery (and warehouses) are on the waterfront in Newport, Oregon. Thus, they say, the barrels “breathe” the salty, fresh air.

The Rogue Spirits Oregon Single Malt Whiskey will be available to buy in Norway starting Thursday November 7 at NOK 919 (1386301).

Nose: Fresh and mild on the nose. Relatively malty. Vanilla and caramel. Comes across as rich and creamy. I would not say there’s any smokiness here, but rather a touch of toasted oak.

Taste: Rich and nice mouthfeel. Ginger and vanilla pop out right away. Pepper and mild maltiness. A hint of wood smoke.

Finish: Medium long finish. It turns a bit green towards the end. The landing is very soft and pleasant.

Comment: Well, colour me impressed!

Score 88/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas