Rogue Phred's Black Soba Ale

OK, I've been very selfish recently. I got a bottle of this beer before it was released to the public ('cause I'm cool like dat, cool like dat), then reviewed it on 8/3 but I was too lazy to put the review up on the site. Not so nice of me. This is Rogue's Phred's Black Soba Ale, made to commemorate their 15th anniversary, and is named after their Japan distributor. Rogue has developed a very interesting relationship with Japan, having co-created several beers with Iron Chef Morimoto and having several beers specially created for Japan, Hokkaido particularly.

This beer is deep in color, with a nice head. It has a deep, woody nose, is slightly sweet and is overall very nice. It is smooth, rich, full bodied, with a very smooth, mild finish.

The Soba (buckwheat) adds a nutty flavor, with an earthy, slightly malty note.

Although this is a fairly dark beer the finish has a brief note of bitterness, then smooths considerably, but is rather thin.

WDTB? I don't know. I believe distribution is fairly limited.

WSDTB? People who liked the Morimoto Soba Ale by Rogue (I will review that soon). Those who enjoy a dark, nutty, yet still smooth beer.

8.7/10