Tap Handle #512: Rogue - American Amber Ale

Tap size:  11.5"
Rarity:  Uncommon
Mounting:  standard 3/8" ferrule on 5/16" anchor bolt

I haven't profiled many Rogue taps so far, but that's about to change, as I have picked up a few over the past year. This is a great one, featuring a blue-collar worker holding a mug of ale in one hand while making a fist with the other hand, while the American flag waves proudly behind him. Mine could use a bit of cleaning but is otherwise in great condition. The sculpting detail is great...even the stars on the flag are sculpted rather than just painted on or a decal. As I've said in the past, I think taps that feature people look better with a matte finish, but high gloss was used here. The base, large and rounded at the top and bearing the name of the brewery and variety of beer (which are both sculpted as raised lettering), tapers to a smaller diameter as it approaches the ferrule. This type of base is their 2nd most used, while the barrel used on taps such as Dead Guy is the most used and recognizable. Once again, on the back of the tap, we have the appearance of the "s" with a larger "C" around it like we have seen on other taps like Peckerhead and Drop Kick, followed by an '02, indicating it was first made in 2002. This tap is still used by the brewery today. I now know who the mysterious artist is for this tap...but that is a subject for a future post. The tap is uncommon (as you would expect for one that has been around since 2002) and thus is fairly affordable.

For more about Rogue Brewing, see this post.

Click through to read more about Rogue's American Amber Ale and to see more photos of this patriotic tap...

American Amber Ale has been a flagship product of the brewery since 1988. It was originally known as Ashland Amber and was brewed at Rogue’s first brewpub in Ashland, Oregon. It is tawny amber in color with a toffee aroma, tight head, and a delicate roasted malt accent, and features a generous use of hops, resulting in a smooth finish. It won a gold medal at the World Beer Championships every year from 2003 to 2007, and has won awards at other tasting events as well. Recommended food pairings are seafood and beef.

Ratebeer weighted average:  3.46 out of 5

Beer Advocate:  87 out of 100 (very good)