Rogue Brewing Co.- Morimoto Soba Ale

Rogue's Morimoto Soba Ale is "a perfect accompaniment to lighter cuisine" due to its "delicate flavor" and "nutty finish..." or so their website says.

 12 degrees Plato = 4.8% ABV (estimate) and a delicate 30 IBU's

Review:
The slightly hazy golden colored ale invites my curiosity as I decant the bottle. What is that I smell--slight citrus--but delicate. The first sip comes across the tongue and tastes of kumquat peels. The after taste is reminiscent of an unsweetened Tang drink, or maybe Emergen-C. This beer is so light on the pallet that it almost feels lagered. It is very refreshing. Definitely a beer that is sessionable. As I warm the beer, I get a slight but pleasant lemongrass finish. This beer would go really well with a seared Hebi or Mahi burger from Grass Skirt Grill. However, I do not taste anything that reminds me of soba or buckwheat.

(Side Note: Rogue offers three other Morimoto signature ales: The Imperial Pilsner, the Black Obi, and a Hazelnut Ale that isn't listed on their website)

Overall Impression: I have to admit that it is a very well crafted ale. I don't get even the slightest hint of the "nutty finish" mentioned on their website, but I think that nuttiness would be a little out of place.  However, I object to paying $7 for this bottle, on the basis that what I am paying for is the experience of a SOBA ale. This is a nice, light, refreshing, citrusy ale, but then, I can get those attributes in many 6-pack beers and for a much lower price.

Grade: B

(bottle purchased at The Liquor Collection, Ward Warehouse)