Rogue Brutal Bitter -- Oregon Brewing (Newport, OR)

Looks like a Sierra Nevada Pale, but with a taste that kicks American pales in the jewels. Fantastic beverage, even on a nasty hot humid evening when one might think only a proper Czech pilsner would do the trick. I definitely need to get across to England to compare this to their bitters.

Characteristics: Golden amber color, medium body, sharp carbonated start and caramel middle resolving to a slightly burnt bitterness.

Minor Gripes: The lack of hoppy bite before the bitter finish  might not work for all drinkers, especially those partial to American pale ales.

Bottom Line:  I'd like to see this in a widgeted / nitrogenated pour to compare to the Tetley's.  Since that's not the intent of the brewer, however, I can only say that this is a great change of pace from the hop-fest that dominates so much of American microbrewing.

Rating: 6.75 / 10

Technorati: Bitter, Ale, Rogue, Oregon