Beer Review: (OR) Chatoe Rogue Dirtoir gets an A-
Newport, OR – If you have been a regular follower of this website you no doubt saw the notice regarding the recent second release in the “BYO” (Brew Your Own) series of self-sustaining beers from Rogue Ales and John Maier. Named Chatoe Rogue Dark Dirtoir, this beer closest resemblance in regards to style is that of a German Schwarz Bier.
Schwarzbier (or Sh-Varz) which mean’s “black beer”, is lager alternative to its ale cousin the porter. The style (which has been around since the 1300’s) originates from the regions of Thuringia (located in the central region of Germany) and Saxony (located in the southeastern region of Germany). Today the most common and accurate version of this style is the Kostritzer Schwarz, which is a dark mainstay in German bars. After learning the history of this style one must approach enjoying Rogue Ales’ Chatoe Dark Dirtoir, with high expectations.
After the cap is removed from the twenty two (22) ounce bottle one cannot get lost in the darkness as the beer is transferred from the bottle to the glass. As the contents fill the glass a dark a dark mocha-like head is produced, resting at the top. Peering through the glass one detects some transparency, as the foamy head slowly recedes leaving behind islands of lace.
As the glass is swirled around and rested under the nose one detects roasted coffee, mild cocoa, subtle caramel, and mild sweetness. Taking the first sip your tongue is greeted with a burnt chocolate, some coffee, that is spread out by the presence of roasted character. As the lager continues to coat the tongue one detects a semi light to medium mouthfeel that is finished off by a dab of bitterness.
Overall this beer if I hadn’t found it on the shelf of a grocery store more than likely would be attracted by the catchy label, but one should not pass up an opportunity to try this. There are so few “black beers” out there and this is one that at minimum should be tried before it’s gone!
Overall an 8.3 / 10 (4.15 / 5) A-
About Rogue Ales
Celebrating its second century, Rogue Ales is an Artisan Varietal Brewery founded in Oregon in 1988, as one of America’s first 50 microbreweries. Rogue has 640+ awards for taste and quality and is available nationally and in 27 countries. –source, Rogue’s Wire Service
Thoughts by your colleagues
Ratebeer.com / http://www.ratebeer.com/ratings/beer/chatoe-rogue-dirtoir-black-lager/113631/
Beeradvocate.com / http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/132/54929
Related Story
(US) It’s Here … Chatoe Rogue Dirtoir Black Lager
Special Thanks to Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schwarzbier
Cheers
About the photo’s author
Paul “Fruit Trees” Orchard, is an amateur craft beer enthusiast and amateur photographer. Throughout the many years in craft beer he is always carrying a camera (smartphone, digital, traditional) and is invites you to see that beer can also be exciting even if you can’t drink the photo.
In accordance with new FTC regulations regarding bloggers and endorsements, the aforementioned company did not provide me a sample to be used for research prior to writing this review.
