Mybeerbuzz .com Highlights Rogue Marionberry Sour

I’ll admit up front that my wedding beer was a custom packaged Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar, so I have a really soft spot in my beer-heart for Rogue.  They were one of the first real craft beers that I encountered, and to this day, their Chocolate Stout is one of my go-to stouts…so it was with much excitement to get an opportunity to sample one of their new beers (especially in their new pub-exclusive sour glassware).

Rogue is releasing Marionberry Sour bottles this July for the first time and I already know what you’re thinking, “What is a Marionberry?”  A Marionberry is similar to a blackberry and the cultivar was developed at Oregon State University in 1956 (just down the road from Rogue Farms).  The version used in Rogue Marionberry Sour is a prickless variety grown on Rogue Farms and according to Rogue, their Marionberries are “bigger, juicier and more flavorful than a typical blackberry.”  I should also point out that last year for their Marionberry Braggot, Rogue Farms harvested a total of 13,519 pounds of Marionberries…so you know this beer will be loaded with fruit.

The beer pours a bit more red than I was expecting from the deep purple berries, but the color is bright and really appealing.  The aromas lead with tart berries and a bit of earthy funk (this is a good thing!) and they finish with some really jammy berry aromas.  The flavors follow the aroma, but the berry tastes really bright and fresh.  I found loads of raspberry and blackberry flavors with a pleasant tart finish.  I’d be curious to try an actual fresh Marionberry side by side with this beer, because the flavors are bright and clean.  Marionberry Sour finishes dry with a really nice tart and sweet balance that I really enjoyed….and of course it makes you want to drink another (this is also a good thing.)

Be sure to try Rogue Marionberry Sour for yourself.  The beer is available now in 12oz bottles (6-packs) and kegs.  And when you do try Marionberry Sour, be sure to let us know what YOU think.