Thirsty Thursday Fail: Rogue’s Voodoo Doughnut Maple Bacon Ale
It’s been a while since Thirsty Thursday went into the fail realm, but after sampling this alternative creation there was no other way to classify Rogue’s Voodoo Doughnut Maple Bacon Ale. The beer is the fusion of a smoked brown ale and the maple bacon donut creation that Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, Oregon has become famous for, along with many other unusual donuts.
Now I’ll be the first to say that bringing the goodness of beer and donuts together is an idea that is long over due, because we all know when men have a few too many beers they are always willing to march off to the donut shop for “refueling” (click here for a video refresher). However, the idea of combining a smoked brown ale with the essence of a maple bacon bar struck me as a strange combination. Then again maybe combining two seemingly strange ingredients together was the goal since Voodoo Doughnut prides it in doing just that.
The difference though is that Voodoo Doughnut’s creations supposedly produce a harmonious/blissful flavor experience in one’s mouth and not a divisive product that creates unrest and lingering anguish…which is exactly what the Voodoo Doughnut Maple Bacon Ale does.
In fact one would be better off purchasing a Rauchbier (or Newcastle Brown Ale) and an actual maple bacon bar, then cramming both into one’s mouth at the same time to create the uniqueness of this thought process rather than spending the 11-15+ bucks for a 750ml pink bottle of an off-putting brew.
Remember kids: Just because you can make something doesn’t mean you should.
Here’s my complete review
Rogue’s Voodoo Doughnut Maple Bacon Ale (5.6% alc)
A brilliant burnt orange in color, the beer pours with a healthy amount of carbonation and a head that quickly dissipates. Strong aromas of sweet candied maple, just like the glazed donut, along with the essence of a smoked marzen beer (meaty bacon and beech smoke) greet you on the nose. The palate is a confusing 180 from the nose, opening with a light and watery mouthfeel with a slight amount of carbonation. The beer’s essence is extremely muted and one is hard pressed to identify anything but a slightly sweet smoke tinged aspect. Finishes with the expansive taste of wet cigarette butts that is only palatable when the beer is warmer than cellar temperatures. A disappointing effort and gimmicky product from Rogue Brewery.
Retails Around $11-15
Interested in Voodoo Doughnut? Here’s a short video by Cailin O’Neil:
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Wet cigarette butts? You’ve sold me!
I wouldn’t suggest drinking it either, but Tim’s sister sure can bake with it!
Not withstanding the bottle has the colour of pepto bismol. Not a lot of appetite appeal.
I did substitue this beer for stout in a dark chocolate cupcake recipe, with maple french butter cream and candied bacon on top. It worked. It was a one time experiment because I don’t cook with 12 dollar bottles of beer, I also marinated a flank steak with what was left, (12 dollar bottle of beer). That turned out nice too. Otherwise I did try the beer by itself and the review was spot on.
Thanks Heather and at least now I know what to do with the leftover mostly full bottle of beer that will not be consumed from a glass.
I’ll pass on the beer, I think everyone should. Beer is supposed to help you wash down sugary things, not add to the kick. That donut shop is amazing. I’ve never seen a place so dedicated to the over-indulgence of sugar and colourings and fats. But good on them for finding a niche market and building a successful business xx
You are totally right, Jed. I’m not too much of a beer drinker, but I can’t see a way for that combination of flavor to taste good…
An expansive taste of anything containing wet nicotine is a thoroughly excusable reason to accept your invitation to pass on this one. =)
I should hope so!
I wouldn’t ever taste the stuff. I cannot get passed the bottle. Eva’s right. It looks too much like Pepto Bismol. I wonder how much they paid the stoners who came up with this idea?
Better question: How much are they making in profit off of each bottle?
Thanks for sharing my video! That drink sounds “interesting”
You’re welcome and thanks for making your video available.
I dont know why but I like the bottle.. These doughnuts are crazy!
Have a good one Jed!
Could it be because of the maple leaves?
Maybe because doughnuts are not so popular here, this beer sound like a crazy mixture of flavours. The bottle looks crazy too. I cannot imagine how it tastes, but I would love to drink some of it one day.
It’s an interesting experience that is is for sure.
I have refused to buy this stuff. I find it kind of patronizing. And you have to have a pretty stupid beer for beerbecue to not be a good sport about it. Congrats Rogue.
Although, if I found it cheap enough, I might try to it just to taste for myself. As it stands, though, it is priced surprisingly high.
I have a feeling that sometime in the future you might just find some on the discount rack at Ricks. Otherwise, you’re right to stay away.
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ha ha love the review and that video! I totally want to try a doughnut! I agree that eating the maple bacon doughnut with a Rachbier sounds more appetizing and intriguing