John John Juniper
Served out of a 22 ounce size bomber into a plastic glass at a local beer tasting event. Beer was so unique I got a second sample pour to allow a fair rating. The beer I had was labeled "Rogue John John Juniper Pale Ale" and in slightly smaller letters "Juniper Pale Ale aged in Spruce Gin Barrels". A: Cloudy orange color, with a little head. S: Not picking up a lot of aroma in the beer, perhaps some grassy notes, but certainly not the gin and juniper that I was expecting. T: The taste definitely makes up for what is lacking in the smell. Lots of juniper and gin flavors -- taste a gin martini converted to a beer. Orangey and fruity finish, somewhat spicy with a little hop notes in the finish. M: Medium bodied, well carbonated. D: Somebody suggested this might pair well with rosemary, and the web site suggests either pork or a hot and spicy dish. The juniper and spices in the beer definitely make it a nice beer to pair up with the right dish. Despite the spices, it's somewhat smooth and refreshing.