Buckwheat Ale - Rogue Ales

mhaws000

Oklahoma

3.7/5  rDev 0%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 4

A- poured a light orangey yellow with a good amount of head that hung around for a few minutes. Very little lace left in the glass as I drank this one though

S-I get a little floral and some honey aromas and some nuttiness from the roasted soba I assume.

T-I really taste alot of nuttiness with this beer. Reminds me of a baked version of the Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat which is so popular around here. Some honey notes also but almost no aftertaste.

M-Good carbonation but it leaves a filminess in my mouth. This actually increases as the beer warms. I find myself smacking my mouth alot to get rid of the slightly slimy feel.

D-High. I would not pick this beer out at the store because it doesnt really peak my interest. However, circumstance has allowed me alot of access to this beer and I repeatedly find myself thinking about how much I enjoy each one. This beer has a nice mild taste that goes down very nicely. This is a great refreshing beer to have after work. The only negative I have is the oily feel that hangs around after each drink.

Serving type: on-tap

04-08-2007 06:20:23 | More by mhaws000

hopsaplenty

Virginia

3.98/5  rDev +7.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Foggy sunlit amber. A short white head of small bubbles immediately recedes to the edges and holds a collar for a short period of time. There are a few sluggish carbonation streams. Aromas of light citrus with some wheat and just a touch of caramel sweetness rise from the glass. Initially brisk and crisp with a slightly sweet citrus edge. There is a wheat-ish note present. The finish is crisp and well stocked with more of those orangey, sweet citrus flavors and lingers briefly. The medium-light body and active carbonation give this a relatively light mouthfeel. Enjoyable, perhaps even more so because of the recently oppressive temperatures we’ve been having, but this is a beer worthy of revisiting.

Serving type: on-tap

08-03-2006 11:13:39 | More by hopsaplenty

GreenWBush

Oregon

3.03/5  rDev -18.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

From the well-adorned Manhattan of tap-handles at the brewery, this beer came up a polished bronze with a poorly agitated head and forgiving lace.

The nose was wheaty; husky grain, spruce, fresh-fallen leaves, spice. The bittersweet twinge of rhubarb.

The Pacman kept everything semi-bitter and dry with a lingering spiciness. The malt took a backseat to the cacophony of new-tasting semi-bitter tones of spice.

One pint was plenty but an interesting journey nonetheless.

Serving type: on-tap

10-04-2004 17:03:29 | More by GreenWBush

erica

California

3.78/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Hmm... I was not very impressed by this offering from Rogue. It was an amber-brown colour, totally opaque so it almost looked muddy. It had a strong aroma, not of alcohol but of sweet malts, fruity, and not so much hops. Tasted not like it smelled too much, but it was still very sweet, kind of nutty like a brown ale, just very different from anything else I've had. I kept going back and forth on whether I liked it or not. Mouthfeel was thick and sticky, it felt like it coated my mouth with plastic or something, not too cool. Drinkability, well I had a few pours from the growler we had, but I wouldn't get this again, I don't think.

Serving type: on-tap

06-23-2004 14:44:24 | More by erica

francisweizen

Australia

3.9/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Growler, courtesy of JReitman and GIF 3. Thanks! This stuff is a light nut coloured ale with a pretty big white head on top. The smell is lightly nutty and oddly, fruity as well. The taste is Nutty up front with some nice buttered biscuit like malts in the middle, and a slightly hoppy/nutty finish and after-taste. The mouthfeel is creamy, light bodied and smooth and the drinkability is nice. A non-hoppy brew from Rogue that still pleases the palate. Does anyone know the abv of this one?

Serving type: on-tap

06-23-2004 00:02:07 | More by francisweizen

Gavage

New Jersey

3.68/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Hazy orange in color with a 1" head. The aroma was of grains and malt. The flavor was very different as the buckwheat gave it a grainy flavor that really stood out. Some mild bitterness and a hint of citrus were in the background.

The mouthfeel was clean and crisp with a somewhat dry finish. Lighter bodied and quite refreshing. The carbonation seemed a bit strong. Decent drinkability as long as you don't tire of the flavor.

Serving type: on-tap

05-03-2004 19:30:37 | More by Gavage

Brent

Kentucky

4.33/5  rDev +17%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A well-crafted beer. Poured a caramel-gold with a tight head that settled quickly. Initial flavor was a well-hopped amber ale, but there was a subtle roastedness, an almost-burned huskyness, that peeked through at the finish. I kept thinking that I had tasted it somewhere before, but could not put my finger on it. Then it finally dawned on me - at my favorite sushi place, sometimes they put a few grains of roasted rice in the cup of green tea, and this infuses the tea with a faint, roasted grain flavor - this is exactly the faint flavor I was catching at the finish of this beer. Nicely hopped, the single variety hops was a good choice as it did not get too busy in the flavor.

Overall, this was a very drinkable beer - enough hops to keep me interested, yet mellow enough to be a quaffer.

Serving type: on-tap

12-04-2003 14:42:24 | More by Brent

EagleTalon

Arkansas

3.78/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Pours to a nice rocky head and hazy orange color. Aroma is mostly malty with a nice hop background. Flavor is dryish, fruity and malty with low bitterness and enough hop flavor to make it interesting. Finishes chalky/dry (but not too offensive) with lingering hop resins. A good West Coast brew.

Serving type: on-tap

11-13-2003 01:36:43 | More by EagleTalon

barleypop

California

2.9/5  rDev -21.6%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

This is apparently make with buckwheat a member of the rhubarb family.

It poured a cloudy lemon color with a filmy head.

Sublte chalky scents with a touch of honey on the nose.

I tasted toasted pine nuts and a bit of lemon peel. It had a decent amount of bitterness but felt a little watery on the tongue to me.

This one was nice enough and goes down real easy. Perhaps a beer for a hot summer day? Nothing offensive, just one I wouldn't seek out.

Serving type: on-tap

11-03-2003 18:27:55 | More by barleypop

cncbofh

Colorado

4.72/5  rDev +27.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Incredible! Beer brewed with noodles. Can't wait for their next brew made from roasted turkey livers. What will our Rogue friends come up with next.

To their credit, I loved this beer! Golden hue with a slight brownish and reddish tints. One sniff led me to the sushi bar, complete with chopsticks and tuna sashimi. I smelled the beer and looked into my glass waiting to see noodles magically appear.

The head was thin and bubbled away in less than 30 seconds. The taste was a zesty lemon and ginger spice followed by that clear and distinct buckwheat soba flavor. A light beer with snappy and light mouthfeel, leading to bigger and bigger gulps until... darn, it's gone. I loved it.

I will definitely buy a few more bottles and enjoy them with some sushi, and of course, soba noodles.

Serving type: on-tap

11-02-2003 04:51:18 | More by cncbofh

mjohn27603

Michigan

4.15/5  rDev +12.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

22 oz bomber. Pours amber with some gold. Plenty of chill haze. I don't get much of an aroma. First sip reveals a grassy flavor. Very creamy in body. Grassy tang. I tended to become numb to the slight unique tange half way through the bottle. Very subtle. Malty. Leaves somewhat dry aftertaste.

Serving type: on-tap

10-26-2003 02:26:46 | More by mjohn27603

Edwin

Pennsylvania

4.03/5  rDev +8.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance - Serves up a nice, brownish/orange color with a nice, off-white head. Gives the impression of being a bit lighter, yet tasty.

Smell - An aroma of grains mixed in with a tad of fruits or even a flowery hint.

Taste - Very nice. Wheat, grains, and the hint of a sweet fruitiness mixed within. Not very heavy on the tongue, and not an overbearing aftertaste.

Mouthfeel - Easy going down. A nice smooth entry through the entire sip. A good amount of carbonation, but not oo much. A great feel.

Drinkability - Good for a few, but may grow a tad old over a couple of hours. Definitely worth a try. Won't be for everyone, but the majority should enjoy this fine Rogue sampling.

Serving type: on-tap

10-17-2003 12:17:21 | More by Edwin

far333

Connecticut

2.6/5  rDev -29.7%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Deep amber color to the liquid, but no head to top it off. Yeasty aroma, but no other noticeable smells. The beer is highly carbonated, which detracts from the mouthfeel. The taste is mostly hoppy, with hints of apricot, and a hoppy biting and lingering aftertaste. An okay beer, but nothing special.

Serving type: on-tap

05-04-2003 19:52:28 | More by far333

Erix

Vermont

2.95/5  rDev -20.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5

After reading the other reviews, I think the lines were dirty or something when I got this. Poured with a nice rocky head which lasted a decent amount of time. Smelled pretty good with a burnt bitterness coming through the hops. The taste was quite bitter, but not in a hops sense. More like burnt coffee I guess, but not as pleasant as in a Imperial Stout and with an alkaline edge to it. Nice mouthfeel for the strength of flavor. Drinkability suffered a big hit with the strong bitterness. I did not like this beer, but will have to give it a try again someday; I had never had a Rogue I didnt like, and I hope it was just a fluke this time.

Serving type: on-tap

01-30-2003 09:12:55 | More by Erix

martino_cappachino

4.38/5  rDev +18.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 22 oz bottle into a pilsner glass.

Head of foam was not laced a good 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch think. Sparkling and pearly white in appearance. Body color was a delicate honey-yellow brown, and a bit murky. Head was long lasting, and I could see bubbles still coming up minutes after I first poured.

Aroma a faint was still present. Not quite a bouquet-ish like scent, but more like picking a single peculiar flower out of field (or garden) and absorbing the smell for the first time. Could detect a hint of the buckwheat in the aroma... like kasha before you roast it.

Taste and mouthfeel was crisp and pleasant. Good carbonation without a biting after-taste. Lemony hops taste in the beginning... smooth buttery-nut like bread in the middle, with almost faint caramel-tawny finish.

I think this is pretty close to what I could call a well-crafted beer without having to overdue the hops, malt or alcohol content of the brew... Faint and somehow, complex.

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2012 07:42:18 | More by martino_cappachino

falloutsnow

Illinois

3.05/5  rDev -17.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Review from notes.

One to two finger head, dull golden/light brown in color, something like an old piece of copper.

Smell is primarily of malts and a bit of iron.

Strange, early presence on the tongue, which i imagine is the buckwheat. Mild hop presence present in the initial taste and slowly fades to something bread-like.

Body is slightly carbonated, smooth, and creamy.

Overall, this was very average and forgettable.

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2011 18:44:50 | More by falloutsnow

twiggamortis420

Texas

3.6/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12 oz bottle pours a lightly hazed gold color with a creamy, dense white head. Retention is ok and lacing pretty good.

Nose is...interesting at least. I have no idea what buckwheat smells like, but this beer smells a little like a sweeter, cleaner sorghum. Earthy and kinda like dried wheat stalks (yes - I have chewed on one before). Hops are definitely there, piney and fruity almost.

Taste is light enough to showcase the buckwheat, which is cool. Kind of an earthy, root-like flavor. Interesting for sure. Hops are great for balance and provide a little bit of grassy flavors. $3 for a 12 oz bottle is a price worthy of a try, but I dont think I would buy this again for even half that price.

Serving type: bottle

08-10-2011 00:31:02 | More by twiggamortis420

mikesgroove

South Carolina

2.7/5  rDev -27%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

pale golden color. Lots of carbonation here was readily apparent as it just ripped toward the surface like seltzer water. A decent head formed on the pour, but then fell back as things started to drag on.

The aroma was a step above horrible for me. Nothing here but a terrible artificial lemon smell that was light, and at the same time sickingly sweet. The flavor was even worse though. This was one of those that I literally gagged on when I took a sip. Cheap, like a bad sprite. There was just way too much carbonation that made it feel even lighter then it was, which was saying a lot. But the flavor lacked any real depth

Serving type: bottle

08-07-2011 04:53:40 | More by mikesgroove

corby112

Pennsylvania

2.42/5  rDev -34.6%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Pours a slightly hazy, very pale golden orange color with small chunks floating around and a weak white fizzy head that immediately fades. Not much in the way of lacing.

Very bland aroma with some earthy hops, bready yeast notes, pilsner malt and not much else.

Medium bodied with subtle earthy, bitter hops and pale malt. Kind of boring with a slightly creamy mouthfeel and subtle dry finish. Easy to drink but not very complex or flavorful. Disappointing to say the least.

Serving type: bottle

06-23-2011 03:00:55 | More by corby112

rtepiak

Poland

3.55/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

this has a different label that is geared for japanese marketing. Found at a japanese ramen spot in nyc. Pour is yellow gold with a very delicate murk. Nose is gluten paste, lilac, and banana. Palate is cream like a hef. Pretty good feel and a hay mineral banana note. The buckwheat prefume is there but its matched with wheat adjunct. Or is it rice. Smoothens the range for something that is rather simple. Easy summer brew of a particular senseibility. Not for some. Good with ramen though and any other greasy salty food.

Serving type: bottle

05-26-2011 18:22:29 | More by rtepiak

McNealc31

Ohio

3.9/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

It pours a hazy orange with, yes, flecks of buckwheat floating in it. It's extremely light without being watery. Tastes of buckwheat, and a little bit of citrus sweetness. I don't get much hops, but there is almost a chemical taste to it. Kind of like a club soda. It's very interesting, but I wouldn't call it a favorite.

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2011 00:31:11 | More by McNealc31

cpone

New York

3.7/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Bottle is a bomber with the Morimoto Sobo Signature Ale alias.

Pours a hazy golden body with a surprisingly small head, with minimal retention. Some spotty lacing. Smell is wheat dominant with mild piney/grassy hops. Taste is pretty much on par with the smell, although a little subdued. Mouth is decent, crisp but a bit thin but feels right for this beet.

I could session this. It's a decent, crisp beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2011 23:58:22 | More by cpone

jsh420

Illinois

3.45/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

pours clear bright gold with a 1 finger fizzy white head that left no lacing

smells like a rogue beer - citrus orange and lemon

taste - again you know you are drinking a rogue beer - i have no idea what buckwheat is but to me this tastes like a hoppy pale - citrus hops and bready sweet malts

mouthfeel is good - light crisp semi dry

drinkability is ok - sold in single 12oz - i enjoyed it but still a little pricey

Serving type: bottle

07-06-2010 01:11:33 | More by jsh420

rootbeerman

Virginia

3.23/5  rDev -12.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: pours hazy orange, with a finger head that fell fast to a thin layer.
S: sweet grain I am assuming is buckwheat, a slight citrus hop hint.
T: buckwheat sweet, along with light roast malt. again with the slight citrus hop.
M: slick smoothness, light carbonation.
D: easy though the flavors and smells make it seem rather plain.

Serving type: bottle

01-31-2010 03:26:18 | More by rootbeerman

nickfl

Florida

3.88/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - One finger of frothy, white head on top of a slightly hazy, golden-yellow body. The foam settles quickly and leaves no lace.

S - Spicy herbal aromas of ginger, basil, and coriander with a bit of cedar. Some pine hops in the background with some tangy wheat.

T - Lots of spicy ginger up front with herbal, tea-like character that compliments the hops. Some wheat and light bready notes in the middle along with the powerful ginger flavors. Finishes smooth with mild bitterness and a very spicy, malty body.

M - Medium-thick body, moderately high carbonation, and a slightly sweet finish.

D - This is an unusual beer. It comes across much like an average American wheat beer in body and flavor, except for a pervading spiciness that is dominated by a strong ginger character. I assume that this beer is spiced, but for all I know it may be some characteristic of the buckwheat, but ginger is the dominant flavor and aroma of this beer. What is pleasantly surprising, is that the ginger is mild, but flavorful, and very well done. It turns an otherwise unremarkable beer into something nice, and quite drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2010 05:05:40 | More by nickfl