Rogue Ales & Spirits (Newport, Oregon) has officially announced that will begin the Limited Release of Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey, a special collaboration project with Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, in early August 2020.

Arriving as the latest offering to come out Iron Chef Morimoto’s long-running collaborative relationship with Rogue Ales & Spirits, Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey started life in 2016 as Morimoto Imperial Pilsner and Morimoto Black Obi Ale. Once these beers finished fermenting, the “wash was transferred from the Rogue brewery to the distillery to be distilled and barreled in American Oak barrels . . . [that] rested in Rogue’s Ocean Aging Room where they absorbed the Pacific Ocean air for over two years.” The liquid was then transferred to and finished in “Oregon Oak barrels [that] were built by hand at Rogue’s cooperage, Rolling Thunder Barrel Works, and previously aged Rogue’s award-winning Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout. After 1.5 years of further aging, these Oregon Oak barrels “were masterfully blended and smithed to create a unique, bold and limited American Single Malt Whiskey.” The finished Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey was then packaged in 750ml bottles adorned with “a label that was designed by Chef Morimoto himself.”

This lengthy and meticulous process supplied Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey (42.5% ABV/85 PROOF) with “spicy aromas on the nose with subtle smoke and hints of coffee, chocolate, cocoa and dried fruit” while the flavor profile features a “prominent soba nut flavor [melding] with the distinct dark cocoa, toffee, coffee and vanilla provided from the Imperial Stout and subtle smoke from the Rolling Thunder barrels.”

“It has been an honor to work with Chef Morimoto for nearly 20 years to make unique and interesting beers and spirits,” says Dharma Tamm, Rogue President. “This new single malt whiskey is no exception – the combination of Morimoto Signature Imperial Pilsner and Black Obi, Rolling Thunder barrels and distiller selected proof make this something truly special. It has been a labor of love that we’ve spent years making.”

“My relationship with Rogue Ales & Spirits goes back nearly two decades and is the longest partnership of my career,” said Chef Morimoto.  “The Morimoto-branded beers have been guest favorites in my restaurants around the world, and I’m very excited to introduce this very special single malt whiskey to them this year.”

Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey is rolling out now and will be available only as long as supplies last. You can expect to find this Limited-Edition Release available in 750ml bottles at Morimoto restaurants, Rogue pubs and fine liquor retailers located throughout the country. Prost!