Rogue Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout Returns In Aug

Rogue Ales & Spirits, the country’s only brewery-distillery-cooperage, announces the release of 2017 Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout. Brewed with ingredients grown at Rogue Farms and ocean aged in Dead Guy Whiskey-soaked handmade Oregon Oak barrels coopered at Rogue’s Rolling Thunder Barrel Works, Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout is the culmination of a long journey from bark to bottle. In 2015 Rogue acquired vintage, WW II era, coopering equipment and subsequently established Rolling Thunder Barrel Works to take on the ancient art form of barrel making. Using Oregon Oak, Rogue’s cooper Nate Lindquist assembles, raises, toasts, chars, hoops, cauterizes, sands and brands one barrel a day, all by hand.

Rogue’s Rolling Thunder Barrel Works Master Cooper, Nate Lindquist, poses with Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout

“At first it was a creative challenge,” said General Manager Dharma Tamm, “to see how we could incorporate our brewery, distillery, cooperage & farm into one beer. However, our brewers, distillers, coopers, farmers – and even graphic designers turned it into a quest to create a world class beer that exemplifies the Rogue spirit of challenging the norm and pushing creative boundaries.”

Rogue Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout inside a hand-charred Rolling Thunder Barrel

Black with a creamy head, Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout features deep sherry notes accentuated by hints of coconut, cherries, dark fruit and vanilla held up against a dark roasted malt backbone with earthy hops. At 14%, this year’s Rolling Thunder is bigger and bolder than the inaugural 2016 release. Limited quantities of Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout will be available on draft and in 1-liter swing-top bottles at Rogue public houses starting July 21, then at select retailers nationwide on August 1. For more information visit Rogue.com.