Rogue Morimoto Soba Ale

Beer brewed with roasted soba noodles resonates with the heart of the homebrewer. There's something special about making use of the pantry to add an extra dimension to a beer. Poured this into a tall pilsener glass and it definitely looks at home, with a nice fluffy off white head atop a golden-amber pillar that speaks to any American or German beer drinker. The aroma is nutty and malty, a little hint of sweetness too. More robust than a lager, the floral, herbal elements of the aroma and taste in this beer speak to german beer flavor, what people typically call "noble hops." Brewed with a descendant of the German Hallertau hops known as Crystal hops, there's definitely a german lager feel to this medium-bodied ale. The roasted soba adds a touch of grain and nut flavor, which goes well with the sweetness (which maybe suggests apple in the vaguest way). Goes down dry and easy, if you miraculously find this beer on tap, you could drink it for hours.

The name Morimoto might be familiar to you food geeks out there. This beer is somewhat of collaboration between the Iron Chef celebrity and the Rogue Brewery.