Mybeerbuzz .com Highlights Rogue Spirits Rolling Thunder Stouted Whiskey

I’ve always enjoyed the synergy shared between Whiskey and beer, and while a number of breweries create both, none do it better than Rogue.  Partially because they’re good at distilling and brewing, but also because they create their own barrels….and this is where the real synergy comes in.

The Rogue Rolling Thunder family begins with Rolling Thunder Barrel Works where Rogue acquired French WWII-era coopering equipment and started creating their own barrels.  Using Oregon oak, Rogue builds, toasts, chars and brands their own barrels.  These barrels are used to create Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout (after aging Rogue Dead Guy Whiskey in them) and of course the party isn’t over.  These same barrels are then used to create Rolling Thunder Stouted Whiskey.

As Rogue puts it, “Rolling Thunder Stouted Whiskey, which was voted best craft whiskey in the world at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, takes it a step further. It is a whiskey that was distilled at Rogue’s distillery then aged in barrels built at Rogue’s Rolling Thunder Barrel Works cooperage that had already aged Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout, which was brewed at Rogue’s brewery. This process results in a stout finished single malt whiskey that was made completely by hand.”

This American Single Malt Whiskey had much more stout-influence onboard and the chocolate and roasted flavors really shine through.  The depth and complexity of this Whiskey are amazing, thanks in part to spending one-year in oak barrels and two additional years in the stout barrels.  Rolling Thunder Stouted Whiskey had a really sippable combination of citrus, chocolate/cocoa as well as a leather and spice twist at the end that really balanced it all out.  Rolling Thunder Stouted Whiskey finishes a bit sweet and felt and tasted a lot like a classic Bourbon (this is a good thing).  Overall this Whiskey has some of the more drinkable and flavorful qualities I’ve encountered in a Whiskey and really felt a lot like a strong barrel-aged imperial stout to me.  Of all the spirits I’ve tasted from Rogue, this has to be one of my favorites.

A big thank you to Rogue for sending along the cool Rogue spirits Glencairn Whiskey glass and the actual Rolling Thunder stave chunk…and of course the Whiskey!

PRODUCT FACTS: Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout 2020 

• Style: Imperial Stout   
• ABV: 13.6%
• IBU: 47
• Packaging: 500ml (16.9 ounce) bottles, draft  
• Availability: February, limited supply

PRODUCT FACTS: Rolling Thunder Stouted Whiskey   

• Classified as American Single Malt
• Proof: 97.5
• Barrel: New Oregon Oak Char 4
• Availability: February, limited supply
• Awards: 2019: Best in Class – San Francisco World Spirits Competition; 2019: Double Gold San Francisco World Spirits Competition; 2019: Gold – American Craft Spirits Association Judging; 2019: Silver – Cigar & Spirits, World Spirits Competition; 2018: Gold – Luxury Masters

Be sure to try 2020 Rogue Rolling Thunder Stouted Whiskey for yourself, and when you do try it, be sure to let us know what YOU think.