Kultures Clashing at Rogue

This week, Kulture Clash, a collision of kombucha and beer from Rogue Ales and Brew Dr. Kombucha, hits shelves nationwide. The Oregon fermenters worked patiently to brew the perfect complement—both the kombuc

ha and beer were brewed specifically to meld together beautifully.Opening with bursts of bright citrus on the nose, both kombucha and beer flavors are represented in Kulture Clash: spice notes from the imperial blonde ale transform into notes of black tea from the kombucha.

“Kulture Clash is perfect for drinking in spring—the flavors pleasantly collide, oscillating from beer-forward to kombucha-forward and back again,” says Rogue Brewmaster John Maier. “It’s a great tasting beer, easy to pair with food and ideal for sharing.”The painted 750ml bottles of Kulture Clash feature Otis, Brew Dr.’s unofficial sloth mascot. Longtime Brew Dr. fans may recognize him, as he’s been hiding behind the label of every kombucha bottle from the beginning.

“When we opened our first tea shop in Portland, Ore., we had a friend paint an animal tea party scene to display by the front door of the teahouse,” says Townshend’s founder and CEO Matt Thomas. “One of those animals was a contented-looking sloth, slowly stirring his cup of chai with his pinky claw. He captured the ideal embodiment of what tea (and Townshend’s) is about: taking your time and enjoying each moment. When we started Brew Dr. Kombucha, we snuck Otis Sisgood (a play on, oh this is good) on the label of every bottle, but this is the first time he’s been anywhere major. We’re excited that he’s getting a chance to be front and center and share his story.”