I have never been a huge fan of beer reviews in general. So why am I writing this? Because Rogue has done something worthy of writing about with the Voodoo Maple Bacon Ale. Here is a picture of the donut from Voodoo Donuts, an Oregon establishment, which serves as the inspiration for this brew:
I read quite a few reviews of this beer that were less than favorable, but I was just too intrigued. I kept an eye out for this brew, but could not find it anywhere. I was in East St Louis at a liquor store my wife recommended and there was a lone bottle sitting on the shelf. I figured that was the definition of fate and purchased the bottle without hesitation.
My wife wanted to partake so I cracked the bottle open for the two of us.
The nose was all maple, not rich maple syrup, but more sweet like the smell of an actual maple donut. The second this brew hits your tongue the smokiness overwhelms the palate. This smoke rolls into a definite note of bacon. The bacon flavor quickly washes away as a more distinct syrupy sweetness, more rich than the smell, finishes off. The smokiness rolls back, who knows from where, and sticks with you until the next sip. It is truly an amazing journey.
I usually am not a fan of disjointed flavor profiles such as this one. For a beer with many flavors, such as a stout, I really prefer when the flavors blend and roll over each other. They can be distinct, but not too distinct in my definition of greatness. However, this brew does such an amazing job of mixing distinct flavors that pair so well together that I just fell in love with it.
By the time I had finished about 1/3 of the glass, the rich flavors and smokiness were pretty overwhelming. I will admit the last half of the pint was a struggle. Needless to say my wife did not get very deep into her glass. My first thought was that I wish Rogue had tamed the smokiness a bit more, but on second thought, I was happy they went bold.
I could not have been more impressed by another great creation from Rogue Ales, who have become one of my favorite breweries. My recommendation, if you see the bright pink bottle, pick one up and find a time when you have 5 or 6 friends or relatives with you because a little bit goes a long way.
Here for the Beer Rating: 4/5
