Rogue Ales & Spirits and Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, who have collaborated on various projects since 2003, continue their partnership with the release of the limited-edition Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey.
This whiskey started at the Rogue brewery in Newport, Oregon, in 2016 as Morimoto Imperial Pilsner and Morimoto Black Obi Ale. After fermentation, the wash was transferred from the Rogue brewery to the distillery to be distilled and barreled in American Oak barrels. The barrels rested in Rogue’s Ocean Aging Room, where they absorbed the Pacific Ocean air for over two years before being transferred for finishing in Oregon Oak, the company says.
The Oregon Oak barrels were built by hand at Rogue’s cooperage, Rolling Thunder Barrel Works, and previously aged Rogue’s Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout. A year and a half later, the barrels were blended and smithed to create this American single malt whiskey.
Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey has spicy aromas on the nose with subtle smoke and hints of coffee, chocolate, cocoa and dried fruit, the company says. On the palate, the prominent soba nut flavor melds with the dark cocoa, toffee, coffee and vanilla provided from the Imperial Stout and subtle smoke from the Rolling Thunder barrels.
The bottle features a label that was designed by Chef Morimoto.
“It has been an honor to work with Chef Morimoto for nearly 20 years to make unique and interesting beers and spirits,” says Dharma Tamm, Rogue president. “This new single malt whiskey is no exception — the combination of Morimoto Signature Imperial Pilsner and Black Obi, Rolling Thunder barrels and distiller selected proof make this something truly special. It has been a labor of love that we’ve spent years making.”
Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey is 85 proof and will be available for sale at Morimoto restaurants, Rogue pubs and retailers around the country.
“My relationship with Rogue Ales & Spirits goes back nearly two decades and is the longest partnership of my career,” says Chef Morimoto. “The Morimoto-branded beers have been guest favorites in my restaurants around the world, and I’m very excited to introduce this very special single malt whiskey to them this year.”
