Mar 4, 2016

Rogue Cold Brew IPA

The coffee IPA isn’t a new phenomenon, but Rogue’s Cold Brew IPA is the best example I’ve encountered thus far. Sure black IPA’s have a coffee-like character derived from roasted malts, but even they don’t have the smoothness of this 7.5% ABV (82 IBU) brew. In fact, this IPA is probably the most non-black IPA, black IPA that I’ave also enjoyed the past couple of years.

Cold Brew IPA employs Stumptown’s Cold Brew Coffee which has been cold-brewed for over 12 hours and double filtered. The addition of coffee within a blend of Rogue-grown hops makes for a dynamic beer that encompasses the best aspects of both sides of this brew. The coffee arrives immediately, but doesn’t dominate. The same can be said for the blend of Rogue Farms Rebel, Freedom and Liberty hops (as well as an additional amount of outside Simcoe). Nothing within this beer is overly demonstrative — each element presents itself in a manner as to accompany and enhance the other.

I know this isn’t a black IPA by any means, but Rogue Cold Brew IPA has the flavor profile which should be the target of that style. This beer is quite flavorful and wonderfully balanced considering the IBUs and provides a smooth bit of coffee that mingled nicely with the solid hop profile.

This is a review of a promotional sample.