What do you get when you combine a couple fraternity brothers, one of the frat brother's accountants, an old friend and a home brewer? (Sounds like the beginning of a bad joke doesn't it?) Well, apparently you get a brew pub in the small scenic town of Ashland, Oregon - Rogue Beer. That's how it started in 1988, and there was little room for growth for Rogue in the quiet little town of Ashland.
 
According to Rogue legend, one of the fraternity brothers in 1989 set out for another location for Rogue. An unexpected snow storm placed him at Mo's Restaurant in Newport, Oregon, much farther north than its Ashland location. After talks over hot clam chowder with owner Mohave Neimi, Rogue's fateful brewer was offered the restaurant, an apartment and garage for brewing at a very generous price, under the agreement that the pub would always give back to the community.
 
            The new pub opened in May 1989 to a group of curious and loyal locals who inevitably helped with construction and other projects. Today Rogue produces many brews - all without unnecessary chemicals or preservatives. As a nod to Jack - the Fraternity Brother turned Professional Brewer - and his celebrated trip out into a winter storm 21 years ago, The Savory Grape will hold a beer tasting of two of its brews on Thurs., March 4th, 5-7 PM.

 

The first is Rogue's Dead Guy Ale. This German Maibock-style is a dark honey hue in your glass with a malty nose and rich body. In the early 1990s the label was initially created as a tap sticker to celebrate the Mayan Day of the Dead, November 1st every year. The sticker was so popular it was given its own brew and "gratefully dedicated to the Rogue in each of us."

            The second brew is Rogue's John John Dead Guy Ale. Rogue's Brewmaster, John, and Master Distiller, also named John, teamed up to create a series of brews called "John John Ales" made from classic Rogue brews aged in Rogue spirit barrels. This brew is the first in a series aged in its own whiskey barrels. Rich like the original, this brew has quite a punch with robust peat notes on the palate.