Rogue Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale Review
"Rogue Ales has collided with Voodoo Doughnut to create Bacon Maple Ale! This unique artisan creation contains a baker’s dozen number of ingredients including bacon and maple syrup from one of Voodoo’s signature doughnuts."
- Rogue Ales
Rouge Voodoo Doughnut
Brief Overview of Rogue Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale
Rogue describes the doughnut bacon maple ale as a "collision of two crazies." A collision definitely describes the combination of flavors in this strange and unique ale. Rouge Brewery has been working in tandem with Voodoo Doughnut to create a bacon maple ale along with a few other brews. The creation of such a brew is derived from a number of ingredients used in one of Voodoo Doughnut's signature donuts which includes bacon and maple syrup.
This ale is more of an "experience" than an ale. The flavors and aromas of bacon, maple syrup, and sweet doughnuts are prominent and are not mild by any stretch.
Voodoo Bacon Maple Doughnut
The Story of Bacon Maple Ale
Rogue Brewery teamed up with Voodoo Doughnut of Portland, Oregon to create Bacon Maple Ale. Voodoo Doughnut has a wild selection of unique doughnuts and other sugary, fried delights that are composed of interesting combinations with names that compliment such wackiness. The "Dirt Doughnut" has crushed Oreo's, the "Captain, My Captain" is covered in Captain Crunch cereal, and the "Bacon Maple Bar" is a rectangle doughnut covered with maple syrup and topped with strips of bacon. The Bacon Maple Bar is the inspiration behind the Rogue Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale. The collision of both companies has created the unique Bacon Maple Ale along with a few other brews.
Poured Rogue Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale
Bacon Maple Ale Review
As stated in the overview, this brew is more of an experience above all else.
The ale pours a dark copper color with a frothy head of foam that remains long enough to create lacing on the glass as the ale is consumed.
The aroma is complex and varies from that of a frosted doughnut and maple syrup to bacon and finally to a strong smoked pork aroma. The aroma is that of maple syrup and doughnut several inches above the poured ale, but the aroma changes the closer one gets to the glass. The aroma up close is that of greasy bacon and smoked pork. The smoked part of the aroma is very prominent.
The taste is even more complex than the aroma. The taste of sugary doughnut and maple syrup hit the palette immediately but is then overpowered and washed away by a strong bacon flavor. The bacon flavor only lasts a brief moment before a very strong smokey flavor overwhelms the palette. The smokey flavor cannot be stressed enough. For those who do not care for such a strong smokey flavor will be immediately turned off after the first sip. The smokey flavor sticks to the palette and ceases to wash away.
Smoked Ribs
Pairing With Food
The ale itself tastes like a whole breakfast that's heavy in smoked pork, but a few foods pair well with such a unique ale. Barbecue, smoked meats, grilled meats, game meats, salmon, and beef complement the ale well. Several cheeses pair with the ale like pepper jack, sharp cheddar, blue cheese, and Monterrey
Availability
Rogue Voodoo Doughnut Maple Bacon ale can be a little elusive in some parts of the U.S. and Canada. The west coast will be able to find it easier due to Rogue Brewery locations along the coast. The Rogue Brewery Online Shop carries the ale but can only be bought and shipped to areas that do not have laws against the buying and shipping of alcoholic beverages.
The ale is only available in 22 ounce bottles and is plenty for 3 to 4 people. A little bit of this ale goes a long way and most people who try the ale have a hard time finishing a single pint. The ale is very easy to identify due to its pink bottle that features a black and white label. The Rogue Ales and Voodoo Doughnut logos are combined on the front label.
After Thoughts
I rarely ever write in first person, but this ale is bizarre and I feel the need to put in my two cents. A little bit will go a long, long way. I was not turned off by the ale, but simply overwhelmed by the strong clash of flavors and smoke. The aroma is amazing and complex but will change depending on how close your nose is to the glass. Expect to smell smokey, greasy pork for a few hours if you manage to get it on your fingers, or beard in my case.
This ale is worth the experience, as long as you have some friends around to share it with. Otherwise, you may waste half the bottle...like I did.
Cheers!