Coaster Critique: Rogue Beard Beer

I can’t tell you how many time I’ve had people request a review of Rogue’s Beard Beer, I’m not sure why, I guess I look like someone who knows a thing or two about ales fermented with wild yeast, or maybe it’s something else, regardless, when I saw a bottle on the shelf at Burby and Bates in Orono I had pick it up. Beard beer is named for the strain of wild yeast that was collected from the beard of Rogue Brewmaster John Maier, there is no actual beard in the beer and nothing to be grossed out about, wild yeast is all around us, it’s just not all suitable for brewing.

 

 

Name: Beard Beer

Brewed by: Rogue Ales

ABV: 5.6%

Purchased: Burby and Bates

Beard Beer pours a clear, bright golden color with a thick white head.

Smell is pleasant, light crackery malts with a subtle earthy hop aroma, there is a little bit of a spicy note as well as some fruitiness in the background, the smell reminds me a lot of a saison.

I’m impressed by the flavor of this beer, up front it’s a bit sweet followed by a familiar spicy flavor that reminds me of a saison that washes away and finishes dry and clean like a pilsner. Still picking up some slight fruity notes in the background, almost like apples or peaches, if I’m picking up any hops in the flavor it’s lost in the fruity flavors, maybe some citrus in there.

Overall a beer you should try, seriously don’t be afraid of the name or the fact that there is a reference to “wild” yeast, this beer is flavorful and drinkable. I’m sure there are plenty of people out there who look at this beer and see a gimmick, which is fine, but the beer in the bottle stands up, it surpassed my expectations and even if they hadn’t told us where the yeast was collected, it’s still a pretty tasty brew.

Cheers!

Chaddah

Chad Lothian

About Chad Lothian

Chad Lothian lives in Old Town, Maine. He is a craft beer enthusiast and homebrewer. Chad has travelled to brewpubs, breweries and brewfests all over New England.