Rogue Brutal Bitter

Brewed by Rogue Ales
Style: Premium Bitter/ESB
Newport, Oregon USA

Rogue Brutal Bitter: Not as brutal as I expected but proves to be a very complete beer. Instant aroma of citrus overwhelms. Hazy, sediment-y medium to dark orange. Slightly nutty, not overpowering hops, smooth and bitter. Does not taste as strong as it is.

I had a pint of this on tap two weeks ago with lunch at Brouwer’s in Seattle and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was pleasantly surprised to find a six pack at Big Star Beer Market last Friday. The bottle (third one, I didn’t take notes the for the first and the second went to a friend) poured a beautiful golden-orange color - evenly clouded, due to fine particulate and a persistent but reasonable carbonation. The moderate white head quickly dispersed into thin patches and minimal lacing. Did I mention the beautiful color? I’d give this a 6 for appearance if I could. The aroma smells sprucey and citrusy. Light bodied and hoppy, but the sweetness of the malt comes through along with a pleasant spiciness. The hops aren’t overpowering but remind me of an IPA and linger in the long lasting finish. Extremely well balanced.

Pours a slighly cloudy amber colour with a foamy white head. Aroma is of citrusy hops. Taste is wonderful - full-bodied, sweetness of fruit masks the mild spiciness from the alcohol. Absolutely delicious.

650ml bottle
6.00% ABV
I tried this beer on March 6, 2008 after purchasing from my local LCBO outlet. The beer poured a hazy coppery-red colour with a large generous fluffy off-white head. The aroma was extremely hoppy. A lot of floral perfumey hints such as pine, and grapefruit. The mouthfeel was medium-bodied, fairly carbonated, and bitter. The flavour was divine. Almost like my morning grapefruit in beer form. My first Rogue beer, and it didn’t disappoint.

Poured a beautiful orange. Very cloudy. Small head with very fine lacing. Taste wasn’t as "Brutal" or "Bitter" as I expected, but surprisingly tasty. I finished the glass before I even realized it. I highly recommend this ale and will be purchasing it again sooner than later.

Not quiet an IPA but close, good bitter but nothing lip-smacking or tough to drink. Finishes very clean.

Pours a hazy orange color. Big hop aroma, but for all that not nearly as hopped in the flavor as I expected. Actually very well balanced. A little sweet? Lots of citrus and with a good hop kick. Man, that’s nice.

This is from a 22oz bomber, which upon opening spewed like I had shaken the bottle, but it had been sitting for a few days. The rising foam had a metallic taste from the bottle. Contrary to the start, the rest of the beer was very enjoyable. It poured a hazy rust with two fingers of white foam that went away after about 30 seconds. I love the opaque color. Aroma reminds me of a candied fruit that I tried one Christmas, but I dont know what it is, certainly citrusy. There is an up front burnt malty taste, a bit of coffee, but that dissipates quickly and is replaced by a wonderful hoppy bitterness that is long lasting. This beer really hit the spot.