United Nations of Beer

Rogue XS Imperial Red Ale

by Bret
(Las Vegas)

Rogue XS Imperial Red Ale (9% ABV)
Rogue Brewing Co., Newport, OR, USA
Visit the UNOB's Oregon breweries and beers guide

You know, when I see a bottle of beer this small, I think this must be the hors d'ourve and dinner is coming next or good things come in small packages. This beer is definitely of the latter category. It was like a great vacation, over way too soon with just some pictures as a memory of what a great time it was.

IRA starts off with a very sweet malty aroma with sweet stone fruit notes like cherry or currant. Very mild brown sugar malt aroma apparent as the beer warms. There are some hop undernotes present, but they are faint.

The color is a deep copper with slight amber hues. The head is a thin brown which didn’t even last as I put the beer on the table after viewing the color. Moderately carbonated which gives it a little bit of head appearance, but it is just the bubble bursting at the top of the liquid and clinging to the sides of the glass.

Where this beer draws you in and holds you captive is the flavor, as they say, looks can be deceiving. The flavor is rich, sweet, moderately bitter taste from the 7 grains and 3 hop varietals used to brew the beer. This beer starts with a moderately tannic raisin or currant flavor, then gives way to the malt sweetness and then the hop aftertaste. Everything about this beer is the reason I love drinking and brewing beer.

The mouthfeel starts off as a mildly carbonated and moderate body with a refreshing texture which coats the palate with a sweet film. Light and refreshing smoothness which make this an easily drinkable beer. It coats the mouth with a bitter sweet film but only lingers for a few seconds.

Overall, this beer is dangerous and I know why it only came in a 7 Oz. bottle. I could kill a dozen of these without thinking about it. Everything about this beer is perfect, from its aroma and flavor to its smooth texture and body.