The Rogue Nation

Earlier this week, Beer Ambassadors said “so long California” and drove up the beautiful highway 101 into Oregon. Our first stop was a noon appointment in Newport with Rogue Ales.
There was a bit of a buzz in the back of the Beer Ambassador Nissan as we approached this little seaside town. Rogue beers are one of the few american craft beers that are semi-regularly available in Australia and the boys were keen to sample them at the source.

We were met at the brewery Jim Cline (Vice President/Manager) who showed us around the premises. Rogue brewery is a great example of a brewery growing “organically”. None of their equipment was bought new, a lot of it is converted dairy and other bits and pieces. It was amazing to see how they can make such great beer amongst such chaos.

We also visited their on-site distillery to sample the Gin, Whisky and Rum that they are making using the wort from the brewery.

After the tour we checked into the hotel and headed to the old town where Rogue have their alehouse. Jim had invited us to an oyster and beer party they were throwing for one their distributors who was visiting from North Carolina.

Free Rogue ales? Free Oysters? Beer Ambassadors would not pass up such a generous offer.

The Rogue guys then showed us what a night in little Newport could really be. Beer, oysters, seafood, more beer and just general good times.
Miro even managed to find his way back to the hotel this time.

The next morning, Beer ambassadors were suffering the effects, but Jim spotted us to a good, cooked breakfast and we were once again on the road. Next stop… Portland.

As always, beer nerd details, some videos and more photos are available at BeerAmbassadors.com and my photo album.

From beerambassadors-usa (June 2010)

Beer Ambassadors are sworn into the Rogue Nation