Visiting Tillamook (Fall 2015 update)

To be fair to Rogue, they were around for a bit before DFH, so I don't think that comparison works. I'm not really sure what happened to Rogue - they used to be such a prevalent name, but the industry exploded and just kind of left them in the dust. They had 4 beers in the top 100 on this site back in 2006

http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/flashback-top-100-from-2006.6591/

 

Rogue is odd in many ways. A lot of what they're doing now is still kind of "cutting edge" - owning their own agriculture to get more local, starting their own cooperage - and sounds really exciting ... but doesn't deliver usually when it comes to product.

 

I'd argue you're half right on the lackluster lineup. If you filter out the Voodoo garbage and such, there are some other classics: Shakespeare, Chocolate Stout, Double Stout, Hazelnut Brown, Brutal IPA (problem is it's often old), all the XS beers. Beyond those, most of the new stuff isn't great except for some of the Rogue Farms (Dirtoir and the Pumpkin were both really good).

Maybe the problem is that many of these are old recipes? Or the branding is old? Or they just get lost in the shuffle? Definitely a challenge in the craft world that you can't rest on a portfolio of good beers / brands. You're always judged by the new. That's a double edged sword in a lot of ways. It also feels like their reliance on their local farming hinders them in the hoppy world; they're definitely not following trends there. An infusion of new ideas on the brewing side might help but it seems like John Maier has that locked down.

 

Rogue has some classics, and they are solid classics, however the age of 'lets put this ingredient in a beer and call it something cute' has had its peak and is on the downturn.

I respect what they are doing with regard to 'keeping it local'. By itself it is authentic and righteous and most people can relate to that. However it comes out as another vertical in their marketing portfolio. They could do so much more with that.......

Being different and cutting edge can work though. If there is one beer producer that can benefit from a marketing makeover it is Rogue.

 

Visiting on Friday. Any recommendations on food?

 

cheese man, cheese.

 

LOL already on the itinerary

 

Are razor clams in season? I love me some razor clams......

 

Last I checked, razor clam harvest in Oregon is closed due to a toxic phytoplankton bloom, but Dungeness Crab is approaching peak season and they're delicious right now. Speaking of crab, my GF made a crab bisque last weekend, and it paired incredibly well with Upright 5.

 

Taco truck off the highway in front of the Chinese food place.

 

Apologies if this was mentioned and I missed it, but bottles of Saison Premiere hit Portland and Seattle a few days ago. If you don't have time tyo go clam gunning this is a rare chance to get them in town.

 

Saison Premiere was the only thing officialy released through their distributor, but given their connection to the brewery I'm not surprised that they get some other goodies from time to time.

 

Anybody see any bottles make it up to Seattle? I've kept my eyes peeled but haven't seen anything yet.

 

Haven't seen anything in Seattle yet.

 

Beer Authority got it in, but haven't heard of anywhere else in Seattle yet.

 

Anybody hear what bottles are being released on the 21st?

And is there going to be another bottleshare after the release?

 

They haven't announced the bottles yet.

I'm sure there will be a hotel share, but didn't one of them in town get torn down? Buddies and I rented a house in Manzanita so we'll be sitting in a hottub relaxing and sobering up.

 

Agree, I walked in the brewery the past September and simply walked out after a couple of minutes. Literally nothing new, nothing special and still a tad over priced. Not to say they don't have good beer, just nothing exciting. I firmly believe the industry grew up fast around them and now they are trying to keep up. I do like their locally grown line-up, but again rarely buy the beer anymore.

 

Visited on Friday and it was a wonderful experience. Trevor gave us a little private tour and explained how everything worked great guy! Met a new friend from New York (Seth) who we shared notes on the tap list and opened an extra from the bottle list. Tillamook was amazing was surprised on losing service while driving through the forest. Great trip and happy my beer made it through the flight out of Portland