With a name like Dead Guy Ale, one might expect this Rogue Ale creation to have a killer ABV or be a massive hop bomb. In reality this beer, weighing in at a mild 6.5% ABV and 40 IBUs, is of the German Maibock style which is characterized by sweet malt, light coloring, and peppery hop notes. Perhaps named in irony, the only thing deadly about this beer is the fight over who gets the last bottle.
For those of you not fluent in German, Maibock translates to May-bock as the style is strongly tied to spring; more specifically the month of May. May has come a gone, but in a tie for number 26 on Zymurgy Magazine’s top 50 beers of 2011, any time is a good time for Rogue’s Dead Guy Ale.
Appearance
A finger and a half head dances atop a beer that is golden brown with a slight amber hue. Lacing is moderate, perhaps a bit light. There is a slight cloudiness to the ale.
Smell
Sweet, crisp, and clean smelling. Roasted malt, caramel, and a breadiness are present. A whisper of sweet smelling fruits like apple and peach can be detected. Such fruits are not typical of the style, but these are so light they do not take away from the beer. A bit of earthiness and peppery notes are also present as evidence of the European hops used.
Taste
Honey and caramel come immediately to mind upon the first sip. A light toastiness comes through in the middle. The sweetness is balanced, but not overpowered, by a light hop bitterness with peppery notes. The drink finishes with an earthiness that lingers on the side of the tongue.
Mouthfeel
Medium bodied and well carbonated makes for a good combination in the mouth. Somewhat dry in the finish as is typical of the style.
Drinkability
As expected a very good beer for a spring or summer afternoon. Balance favors the sweet malt making this an easy drinking pint. A nice change of pace and style for those looking to branch out from the big IPAs and Stouts of American craft beer. Overall grade for Dead Guy Ale: B
Rogue Dead Guy Ale
Up next on Tuesday Tastings: Ballast Point Brewing Co.’s Sculpin IPA