Rogue Ales (Newport, Oregon) has announced that it has officially begun the limited release of the 2018 version of Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout.

With every aspect of “the only farm-brewery-distillery-cooperage” being put to use in the creation of this beer, Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout can basically be summed up as an elaborate and highly-involved DIY project for Rogue Ales.  This massive Imperial Stout is “brewed with ingredients grown at Rogue Farms, and then ocean aged for nine months in barrels made by hand at Rogue’s Rolling Thunder Barrel Works.”  The house-made Dead Guy Whiskey that once filled those barrels lends notes of whiskey and vanilla to complement the base beer’s dark roasted malts while raspberries – the special ingredient for 2018 – provide a unique thread of lightly tart sweetness. This all results in a 14.4% ABV Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout that features “deep sherry notes accentuated by hints of raspberries, brown sugar and vanilla, held up against a dark roasted malt backbone with earthy hops.”

“We chose raspberries for 2018 because it seemed like a natural, Willamette Valley-driven progression from last year’s cherries. They add a whole new dimension to the beer through a slight hint of tartness, followed by a deep dark fruit flavor,” said Rogue Innovation Brewer Michael King. “This marries perfectly with the dark roasted malt flavors and vanilla characteristics highlighted from the aging in Oregon Oak.”

Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout 2018 is officially available now and will hang around as long as supplies last.  You can expect to find this Limited Release available in hand-numbered 16.9 oz. bottles and on draft at select craft beer establishments located in Florida, Oregon and throughout the rest of Rogue’s national distribution footprint.  Prost!

Vital Information for Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout 2018 from Rogue Ales

Release – Limited, February 2018
Style – Imperial Stout
ABV – 14.4%
IBUs – 63
Malts – 2-Row, Munich, Hates AC Smoke, Kiln Black, Roast Barley, C40, C60, C75 & Brown malts; Rolled Oats
Hops – Rogue Farms Liberty & Freedom 
Added Ingredients – Brown Sugar, Raspberries & Vanilla
Yeast – Pacman Yeast
Treatment – “Aged for 9 months in hand made Rolling Thunder Barrel Works barrels previously used to age [Rogue’s] Dead Guy Whiskey”
Availability – 16.9 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – https://finder.rogue.com/