Rogue Dead Guy Ale

Pour is a lovely unfiltered copper with a frothy ivory head. Suds retract quickly and leave minimal lacing. Aroma is nutty and bready. Just a hint of spicy funk sits in the background. Sipping will bring the bitter hops closer. The hops are unquestionably reminiscent of western European pale ales. More like a bitter root, or a raw artichoke, and not the piney/citrusy flavor that Oregonian and Californian pales are famous for. But dont be fooled. This ale possesses a malty sweetness that gives the backbone a nearly perfect balance. The dryness that lingers for several minutes after a swallow is what brings you right back for more. There is nothing Bruce Lee about this ale, like the 100+ IBUs of Lagunitas Hop Stoopid, or the dessertlike experience of Founders Breakfast Stout. Rather, the profile is well married and full bodied. Smooth and drinkable with medium carbonation. Virtually no ester presence. What I love most, here, is that it is not like all the other medium ales coming out of the States. It is a superbly done anytime ale that works with sandwiches, ice cream, pizza, chargrilled fodder, or simply on its own. Im enjoying it this very moment on its own.