Rogue Oregon Single Malt Whiskey Review

By Richard Thomas

Rating: B-

I’ve been on something of a kick with American malt whiskeys made from beer lately, but, technically speaking, that is not what the Oregon Single Malt from Rogue Ales is. Unlike their Dead Guy Whiskey, the Oregon Single Malt isn’t made from a wort in common with one of their beers. Instead, it relies on some of their proprietary malt and yeast. While these things are used in beers from Rogue Ales, the exact recipe is not. Moreover, the recipe here is just one type of malted barley, instead of the handful of types common in not only whiskeys made from beer, but American malts in general.

Bottled at 80 proof, it’s reportedly a five year old American malt.

The Whiskey
After a pour, the whiskey has a bright, shining yellow appearance that isn’t quite dull enough to be gold, but it too dark from fresh straw. The nose is malty honey, a hint of straw and some wet, green oak. In other words, it has a simple, easy and straightforward smell incorporating all the elements I expect from an American malt aged in new oak with no wing-ding finishes.

The flavor is more honey, toasty cereals, a pinch of pepper and a note of dry straw. The finish unfolds with honey and a slightly larger hint of that pepper.

It’s simple, so it’s unsophisticated, but it’s a nice sipper for all that. Put it on ice, lean back, and enjoy the stuff without paying it too much mind. It’s that kind of whiskey.

The Price
Expect to pay between $43 and $55 a bottle for this American malt.