Just the other day, I was expounding on reasons that I don’t chase beers like Founders KBS. Really, there are just too many other great beers out there that are easy enough to find. Beers like Rogue Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout, for example. This isn’t a coffee or chocolate infused brew like KBS, but it is barrel aged, and packs even more of an alcoholic punch. It might even be more complex in flavor and aroma profile, too.

Rogue Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout takes its name from Rogue’s own Rolling Thunder Barrel Works, where they make barrels for Rogue Ales and Rogue Spirits. It’s quite unique in that respect, and that adds a little bit more intrigue to the beer for me. I’ve been a Rogue fan for more than 20 years now, and their dedication to using their own ingredients and products is just one of the many impressive things about them. Great beer is always their main attraction.

From the website:

Brewed with ingredients grown at Rogue Farms and then ocean aged in barrels made by hand at Rolling Thunder Barrel Works that are primed with Dead Guy Whiskey, Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout is the end of a long journey from ground to glass and barrel to bottle.

Ingredients, also from the website:

Rogue Farms Dare & Risk Malts; Nate’s Smoke, Brown, Kiln Black, Roasted Barley, C40 & C75 Malts; Oats; Rogue Farms Liberty & Freedom Hops; Brown Sugar, Sweet Dark Cherries, Vanilla & Chocolate; Free-Range Coastal Water & Pacman Yeast.

I first saw Rogue Rolling Thunder in 1-liter bottles at Total Wine for $24.99 each. I passed for two reasons, one that’s way pricey, and two, that’s a lot of a 14% ABV beer for one person to drink. When it appeared at Taco Mac for $12 for an 11-ounce glass, I ordered up a glass right away. It’s worth noting that 14% is the legal limit for beer in Georgia.

My glass of Rogue Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout arrived jet-black in color with a light creamy head of tan foam and deep-seated licorice, boozy whisky and dark chocolate in the nose. Taking a sip the tongue is immediately greeted with intense dark roasted notes, a harsh and almost burnt roastiness. There’s licorice, soft vanilla and pronounced toasted oak woody notes, cherry fruit and a big boozy finish that hints at coconut.

The 9 months of ageing really tells here, and now I wish I had bought a bottle despite the price. It would be interesting to let this one age several years in the bottle. Now I know better, and I’ll be sure to grab a bottle or two the next time I see it.

 And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft



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