Rogue started with Morimoto’s Soba Ale and with the popularity and demand they created an amazing cheddar with it. The soba ale is to die for. It is so light and creamy with an intriguing flavor of roasted soba that keeps you drinking. Pairing the ale with the cheddar is an obvious match. The cheedar helps the ale pop and the ale calms the down the cheese.

At first Rogue beers were hard to come across, now the 22oz bottles are in every liquor store around. What makes Rogue Ales different from the rest of the Northwest craft brewers is their wine-like approach with their recommended food pairings, tasting notes and homegrown ingredients. Crazy flavor combinations like the Chipotle and Juniper Berry Ales put Rogue on a whole other level.

If you are in Central Point, Oregon, definitely stop in at the creamery to try as many cheeses as you can and have an unlimited selection of their infamous ales.

Rogue Creamery                                             Rogue Public House & Brewery

311 North Front Street                                    673 Union Street
Central Point, OR 97502                                San Francisco, CA 94133
(541) 665-1155                                                  (415) 362-7880

Midas Touch Handcrafted Ancient Ale

Midas Touch, from Dogfish Breweries has the color of saffron, and consistency of honey. It’s a sweet, medium bodied ale that went great with an aged monterey jack. Very smooth considering the 9% alcohol content.

Info:

• 9% ABV
• Tastes and Smells like: Honey, finish of golden raisins
• Dogfish Breweries,  Milton, Delaware
• Limited release
• www.Dogfish.com

Grade: A+

Kelpie Seaweed Ale

Although the bottle describes the ale as having hints of chocolate, I couldn’t find them in this dark ale.  I imagine this would go great with some sushi rolls or sashimi to compliment the natural saltiness of the fish, seaweed, and soy sauce.

Info:

• 4.4% ABV
• Smells like: Ocean, seaweed, delicate trace of maple syrup
• Tastes like: slight seaweed,  salty finish
• Williams Bros Brewing Co, Scotland
• www.heatherale.co.uk

Grade: B-

One of my favorite beers from a local brewery in San Francisco, Speakeasy.

Looks like: Warm Amber

Tastes like: Smooth but intense carmel with slight hints of a citrus.

For more info check out www.goodbeer.com