Rogue Ales & Spirits Launches Exclusive Cherry-Inspired Beer and Bitters in Homage to Willamette Valley

Rogue Ales & Spirits proudly returns to Oregon’s Willamette Valley with the exclusive debut of our brand-new, cherry-inspired beer and handcrafted cherry bitters at the grand opening of Rogue’s Salem Public House. This special release not only celebrates Rogue’s expansion into Salem but pays homage to the agricultural heart of Oregon, embracing the region’s rich farming heritage with a classic Rogue twist.

The Willamette Valley in Oregon is known for its fertile lands, world-class produce, and renowned cherry orchards. Inspired by the valley’s rich agricultural history, Rogue crafted the Cherry Wheat Ale; a vibrant and refreshing wheat ale crafted to capture the essence of the valley’s iconic stone fruit. Coming in at 6.4% ABV, this beer offers a balanced blend of tart and sweet cherry flavors, complemented by citrusy hop notes and a smooth malt finish.

Brewed using 2row, wheat, and caramel steam malts, as well as Belma and Experimental 102 hops, Rogue’s Cherry Wheat Ale offers a unique take on the classic wheat ale. The addition of the local cherry juice concentrate enhances the beer’s crisp, refreshing profile, creating a distinct and flavorful homage to Willamette Valley’s famous cherries. Every sip reflects the valley’s iconic fruit and the hard-working farmers who make Oregon’s agricultural industry thrive.

“The Willamette Valley has always been an important part of Oregon’s brewing history, and we’re thrilled to celebrate its flavors in a way that feels uniquely Rogue,” said Joel Shields, Master Brewer at Rogue Ales & Spirits. “With this beer, we’re not just crafting a new beer, we’re telling the story of Salem and its surrounding farmland, honoring the incredible cherries and history grown here.”

In addition to the Cherry Wheat Ale, Rogue Ales & Spirits is also unveiling handcrafted cherry bitters, which will be a key ingredient in our new signature Manhattan served only at Salem Public House. Made with fresh and locally roasted cherries, and a blend of botanicals including orange peel, coriander, angelica root, ginger root, allspice, cardamom, and almond, these bitters add depth and complexity to the classic drink. The result is a Manhattan cocktail with earthy spices, subtle sweetness, and a hint of cherry tartness that ties it all together.

Rogue’s new Cherry Wheat Ale and cherry bitters will be available to the public to try during Salem Public House’s grand opening on March 15, 2025. Later in the spring season Rogue will also be hosting a gathering for Salem beer community members and craft beer enthusiasts to join in a discussion on all things Oregon craft beer. We’ll be joined by other community breweries like Xicha, For Tomorrow We Die, Santiam and Shades of Brew. If you’re interested in attending/learning more about the beer community event, please reach out to [email protected].

Join us at Rogue’s Salem Public House for a chance to experience our limited-edition cherry-inspired beer and bitters. Raise a glass with us and toast to the flavors, traditions, and pioneering spirit of Oregon’s Willamette Valley and Rogue Nation!

For more information on Rogue Ales & Spirits, visit www.rogue.com.

About Rogue Ales & Spirits

Rogue Ales & Spirits was founded in Oregon in 1988 as one of America’s first microbreweries. Rogue products have won more than 2,000 awards for taste, quality, and packaging, and are available in all 50 states as well as 54 countries. Proudly rooted in Newport, Oregon, Rogue’s beers, spirits, canned cocktails, CBD seltzers and sodas are a liquid ode to the state of Oregon and the endless inspiration that its land, its sea, and its people provide. For more information visit https://www.rogue.com.