Rogue Ales - History and Manifesto

History and Manifesto

The story of how Rogue came to be headquartered in an Oregon coastal fishing town is documented in an interview with CEO Jack Joyce. Joyce recalls visiting Newport at the suggestion of a partner (then director of the Port of Portland) who was acquainted with the Port of Newport director Mo Niemi, (owner of Mo's restaurant chain, long recognized as an "Oregon institution", Mo was as well known for her generous spirit as for her clam chowder) who was interested in operating a brewpub on the Newport waterfont in a property her family owned. Although Joyce, (who was stuck in town for four days due to a rare snowstorm on the coast) was initially skeptical about running a full fledged brewery, Niemi managed to convince him that it was achievable, and in spite of some unusual clauses in the lease agreement he decide to partake in the venturea. Niemi also encouraged the company to give back to the local community saying "If you're lucky enough not to go broke, feed the fishermen." Although now deceased, Mo's legacy lives on at Rogue, her likeness graces the Half-e-weizen bottle (originally Mo's Ale and now MoM Ale). Joyce has described the company's goals as, "We try to do four things - keep making great product, keep trying to make our packaging great, keep trying to integrate ourselves in our communities, and keep creating unique thunder (in promotions)...". Rogue maintains a company manifesto that expands on their values.

The company gives back to its community in a variety of ways, for example helping the City of Newport celebrate its 125th anniversary with the issue of a limited edition Newport Anniversary Ale, whose historical label pays tribute to the Yaquina Brewery, Newport's firste. Rogue also donates ongoing proceeds of a specialty brew series to the Oregon Coast Aquarium (past beers have included Spiny Lumpsucker Ale, Wolf Eel Ale, Shark Tooth Ale and Sea Otter Amber). One (Whale Ale) was even crafted in honor of Keiko, the orca, the Aquariums most celebrated resident and star of the movie Free Willy before his release into open waters. In addition there are ongoing sponsored activities like the annual surfing event "The Gathering Longboard Classic" on Newport's South Beach.