Rogue Ales & Spirits and Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto have collaborated once again, this time on Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey. The Oregon-based beer and spirits maker and James Beard Award winning Chef have worked together on a variety of projects since 2003.
The limited-edition Whiskey started life in 2016 as Morimoto Imperial Pilsner and Morimoto Black Obi Ale at the Rogue brewery in Newport, Oregon. After fermentation, it was transferred 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 Oregon Oak barrels previously aged Rogue’s award-winning Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout. After a year and a half, the barrels were blended and smithed to create the limited edition American Single Malt Whiskey.
According to the distillery, the Whiskey “provides spicy aromas on the nose with subtle smoke and hints of coffee, chocolate, cocoa and dried fruit. On the palate, the prominent soba nut flavor melds with the distinct dark cocoa, toffee, coffee and vanilla provided from the Imperial Stout and subtle smoke from the Rolling Thunder barrels.”
Chef Morimoto designed the bottle’s label himself.
“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.”
“My relationship with Rogue Ales & Spirits goes back nearly two decades and is the longest partnership of my career,” said 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.”
Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey comes in at 42.5% ABV proof and will be available for sale at Morimoto restaurants, Rogue pubs, and retailers around the United States.