The Rogue Morimoto Imperial Pilsner is a fabulous candidate for representing my idea of what a pilsner should be. It would easily be my go-to for introducing a first time pilsner drinker to that type of beer.
Rogue appeals to the artist in me. All of their signature beers are bottled in well-designed packages, the Morimoto being no exception. Rather than a glass pint that sports a colorful coating, as seen on Rogue’s Double Chocolate Stout and their Voodoo Doughnut series, this beer is bottled in a sturdy ceramic pint with a stopper on top, which I find to be a nice touch.
The name, Morimoto, immediately calls into mind some oriental themes, which are echoed in the artwork depicted on the bottle. Red and yellow brush strokes provide a backdrop for some oriental lettering.
Popping the cap off, a pleasant cold fog pours out of the neck, inviting me to take a whiff before I’ve even poured the beer. Sure enough, the aroma is flowery and malty, warning me of the strong hop and malt flavors that reside within.
Upon pouring, a beautiful, fluffy white head rises out of the glass, about three inches tall. The floral aroma is much more pronounced now, nearly filling the whole room.
The body of this beer can only be described as golden and slightly hazy. Even up to two minutes past pouring, the head is retaining very well, something I believe provides a nice aesthetic touch, but also hints at the carbonation of the brew. With any hoppy beer, a prominent head is always desirable, as it traps most of the bitterness, which is no doubt present in this imperial pilsner.
The first sip is surprisingly balanced, despite the aroma’s promise of extreme hoppiness. But make no mistake, the hops are there, riding passenger with the wonderful malty backbone of this brew.
Yeast flavor makes a few whispers here and there, right alongside the malt and hops, which makes sense for two reasons: one, that this is a pilsner and beers of this type typically have a yeasty profile, and two, because it’s one of the four ingredients of this beer.
On the backside of the bottle, Rogue lists all four ingredients: 100 percent pilsner malt, 100 percent Rogue micro hopyard independence hops, free range coastal water and Czech pilsner yeast. These ingredients are listed below their disclaimer stating that the beer contains no preservatives, chemicals or additives. Rogue recommends pairing the brew with fish or poultry.
I won’t lie and say this is a beer I’ll buy again, or one that I prefer, but that simply has to do with the type of beer that it is. I just don’t prefer pilsners. I do appreciate the beer for what it is however, which in Rogue’s words, is “a hedonistic mouthful.”
If you like pilsners, or even fancy yourself an IPA drinker, this brew is a breath of fresh air. Bright, balanced and curiously simple, the Rogue Morimoto Imperial Pilsner is a winner.