From the Brewery: 

“Dead Guy is a German-style Maibock made with Rogue’s proprietary ‘PacMan’ ale yeast. It is deep honey in color with a malty aroma, rich hearty flavor and a well balanced finish. Dead Guy is created from Northwest Harrington, Klages, Maier Munich and Carastan malts, along with Perle and Saaz Hops.

“In the early 1990s Dead Guy Ale was created as a private tap sticker to celebrate the Mayan Day of the Dead (November 1st, All Souls Day) for Casa U Betcha in Portland, Oregon. The Dead Guy design proved popular and was incorporated into a bottled product a few years later with MaierBock as the elixir.” 6.5% ABV

Purchased from MarVal in Prather, California.

The Pour: 

Poured from a 22 oz bottle into a nonic glass. Slightly hazy orange/brown in color. An off-white sudsy head is poured, which leaves moderate lacing. Some carbonation is visible in the glass.

The Nose: 

Sweet malts, slightly overripe fruit, yeast, and a hint of spice notes.

The Mouth: 

Medium bodied, with a slightly harsh mouthfeel from more-than-anticipated carbonation (which does settle as the beer sits…towards the end it definitely becomes more smooth). The flavor is of really sweet caramel malts and bread/yeast. The aftertaste begins sweet, but finishes with a slightly salty grain flavor.

Final Thoughts: 

Though labeled as an ale, this is actual a Maibock (lager varietal) style beer, brewed with ale yeast. Here is more information on the difference between an ale and a lager, for those who are curious. Once out of the bottle and warmed slightly, there is a good amount of flavor in this beer. Though not overly complex, I can see why it is one of the go-to craft beer for those entering the craft beer world. Not my absolute favorite flavor in beer, but it is good. 7.5/10.

Rogue Ales – Newport, Oregon