Rogue Ales & Spirits is marking the grand opening of its Salem Public House with a special release that celebrates both the city’s new chapter and Oregon’s agricultural heritage. In honor of the event, Rogue has introduced a cherry-infused beer and cherry bitters, designed to pay tribute to the heart of Oregon’s farming community and the city’s upcoming cherry blossom celebration.
The launch coincides with Salem’s third annual Yozakura, a traditional Japanese cherry blossom viewing event at the Oregon State Capitol. Starting on March 15 and running through April 6, the cherry trees in the State Capitol Park will be illuminated with lights and decorated with traditional Japanese lanterns for the nighttime viewing. In addition to the light display, visitors are encouraged to participate in the Cherry Blossom Photo Contest by submitting original photos from Marion and Polk County by April 30, 2025.
Inspired by the fertile Willamette Valley, Rogue has crafted the Cherry Wheat Ale, a 6.4% ABV wheat ale that combines tart cherry flavors with citrus hop notes and a smooth malt finish. Brewed with a blend of 2-row, wheat, and caramel steam malts, as well as Belma and Experimental 102 hops, the ale features locally sourced cherry juice concentrate, capturing the essence of the valley’s renowned cherry orchards.
“The Willamette Valley has always been an integral part of Oregon’s brewing history, and we’re excited to honor its flavors in a way that is uniquely Rogue,” said Joel Shields, Master Brewer at Rogue Ales & Spirits. “This beer isn’t just a new brew; it’s a celebration of Salem, the land, and the cherries that define this region.”
In addition to the beer, Rogue is unveiling handcrafted cherry bitters, a key ingredient in the signature Manhattan cocktail available exclusively at the Salem Public House. The bitters are made with locally roasted cherries and a blend of botanicals such as orange peel, coriander, angelica root, ginger root, allspice, cardamom, and almond. The result is a Manhattan with complex flavors, combining earthy spices, subtle sweetness, and a hint of tart cherry.
Founded in 1988, Rogue Ales & Spirits is one of America’s pioneering microbreweries. Based in Newport, Oregon, Rogue has earned over 2,000 awards for taste, quality, and packaging. Its products, including beers, spirits, canned cocktails, CBD seltzers, and sodas, are sold across all 50 states and 54 countries, proudly representing the state of Oregon and its rich, diverse landscape.
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