Chicago Area Beer Events, November 17-20

It’s been widely reported this past week, like here, that Rogue Ales has abruptly ceased operations. The brewery closed its doors November 14, and only told its employees then about their closing.

Rogue was based out of Newport, Oregon, with a few other locations remaining until this point. Its flagship beer, Dead Guy Ale, a Maibock malt recipe fermented with ale yeast. Brewmaster John Maier led their production efforts, with more attention-getting beers popping up along the way, brewed with their proprietary Pacman yeast. Except for Beard Beer, fermented with yeast harvested from Maier’s beard. Then there was the Voodoo Doughnuts collaboration with a local doughnut bakery, including the love-it-or-hate-it Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale. They also went into distilling with a line of Rogue spirits.

Rogue was part of the “Class of 1988,” the pioneering craft brewers founded in that year, including Goose Island, Deschutes, North Coast, Great Lakes, Brooklyn Brewery, and others. Most of them have still been in business.

By the way, I should have a special event listing for all the big Black Wednesday and Black Friday events, and try to update any places that are definitely open or closed for Thanksgiving Day.

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