Cherry Blossoms, Cherry Beer & Cherry Bitters at Rogue Salem Public House Grand Opening
In honor of the new Rogue Ales & Spirits Salem Public House opening in the Oregon state capital, Rogue is releasing a brand-new cherry-inspired beer and a cherry bitters. This special release not only celebrates Rogue’s expansion into Salem but pays homage to the agricultural heart of Oregon, and in time for Salem’s new cherry blossom celebration. The beer, bitters, and celebration honors Oregon and the Willamette Valley’s rich farming heritage, world-class produce, and renowned cherry orchards.
Akin to the popular blooms on Portland’s waterfront, Salem boasts a display of stunning cherry blossoms that bloom in early spring. For their 11th year, the Oregon State Capitol Foundation will host a Yozakura — Japanese for “nighttime viewing” — of the cherry blossoms at the State Capital Park. The viewing will begin on March 15 with “Cherry Blossom Day,” and run through March 31st. During this time, the trees will be decorated with lights and illuminated with traditional Japanese lanterns after dark. Visitors can also submit up to two original photos taken in Marion & Polk County by April 30th, 2025 for a chance to win the Cherry Blossom Photo Contest.
More from a press release:
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 2-row, 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 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.
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.
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