So, can't get the hops and malts you really want? What to do? Why grow your own, of course, which is what Oregon's Rogue Ales decided to do with their GYO (Grow Your Own) "Chatoe" series of beers. I can't say for certain that Rogue couldn't get what they needed elsewhere. But I do know that, as a gardener myself, there's definitely a satisfaction in walking out to your garden and plucking a fresh tomato  from the vine. The fact that it can be enjoyed at peak freshness adds so much to the enjoyment, as does the knowledge that you grew it yourself.

And so, GYO. The first such beer I came upon from Rogue was Chatoe Rogue Dirtoir Black Lager, which I assumed to be in the German Schwarzbier (black beer) style. Dirtoir is brewed with German lager yeast, and the following ingredients from the Rogue website:

Malts: Melanoidin, Carafe Special II, Black, Chocolate and Rogue Micro-Barley Farm first growth Risk malts.
Hops: Rogue Micro-Hop Yard first growth Independent and Revolution.

Yeast & Water: Oktoberfest Yeast & Free Range Coastal Water.

Specs are given as follows:

15º PLATO

35 IBU

68 AA

75º Lovibond

Pretty cool stuff going on here, and I admire the fact that Rogue is going to such lengths to produce this beer. Of course, none of it would matter, though, if the beer wasn't good. Thankfully, it's good. very good.

Chatoe Rogue Dirtoir Black Lager pours to a jet black color with a thick creamy tan head formation and a slightly sweet dark malty nose. I'm expecting something smooth and very drinkable, and I get that, although in typical Rogue fashion they've also managed to go over the top with this one.

Sure, it's smooth in body, but it's also packed with flavor, too: intense chocolate notes at first, then a hint of licorice, fruity olive, and espresso. The finish is spiced perfectly with some grassy hops to accent the roasty bitterness. All these flavors work so well together, too, that it's hard for me to stop sipping. High praise indeed, I think.

Chatoe Rogue Dirtoir Black Lager is certainly intriguing, easily the most assertive Schwarzbier I've ever tasted, and halfway to being a bottom fermented Baltic porter. Well worth seeking out, and kudos to Rogue for the very reasonable price. I found Dirtoir worth every penny of the six bucks I paid for a 22-ounce bottle.

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