Rogue Ales & Spirits Launches Exclusive Cherry Wheat Ale & Cherry Bitters at its Rogue Salem Public House on March 15th
Oregon’s Rogue Ales & Spirits is set for expansion with a new pub opening in Salem, Oregon. On Saturday, March 15, 2025, the Rogue Salem Public House will open its doors at 555 9th Street NW, at the former location of Gilgamesh Brewing’s The Woods.
Rogue Ales & Spirits makes its return to Oregon’s Willamette Valley with the forthcoming Salem Public House. The Newport, Oregon based brewer once had a location in the region, Rogue Farms Tasting Room in Independence, but this location closed a little over four years ago. Now it’s back in the hear of the Willamette Valley.
“Opening the Salem Public House is not just about expanding our footprint; it’s about deepening our roots in the state we’re proud to call home,” says Rogue President Steven Garrett.
The new Rogue Salem Public House will feature indoor and outdoor seating with plenty of beverages from Rogue available for onsite consumption or to go. Rogue will debut its brand-new, cherry-inspired beer and handcrafted cherry bitters at the grand opening of Rogue’s Salem Public House on March 15th. This special release not only celebrates Rogue’s expansion into Salem but pays homage to the agricultural heart of Oregon, embracing the region’s rich farming heritage with a classic Rogue twist.
The Willamette Valley in Oregon is known for its fertile lands, world-class produce, and renowned cherry orchards. Inspired by the valley’s rich agricultural history, Rogue crafted its 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.
In addition to the Rogue Salem Public House Grand Opening, it will also be hosting a few other events this spring. Details below.
Rogue Salem Public House Spring Events
March 15 – Salem Public House Grand Opening
Time: 11am-9pm
Details: Come celebrate in true Rogue style! We will kick off the day with a ribbon cutting at 11am followed by live musical performances, raffles, exclusive new beer and bitters to sample, and more!
March 27 – Blazers Watch Party
Time: 6pm-8pm
Details: The Blazer’s dance team and Blaze himself will be coming down to Salem to kick things off before the Trail Blazers face off against the Atlanta Hawks.
March 29 – Taste of Newport
Time: TBD
Details: Come taste the classics of Newport! We will have the Mother Shuckers group shucking fresh oysters and Rogue’s limited-edition Oyster Stout on tap to try. Food trucks will also be on-site for some Newport nibbles.
April 26 – Pups and Pints
Time: TBD
Details: Thinking of adopting a puppy in search of their forever home? Come by the Salem Public House for a chance to bring home a furry friend. Not looking to adopt? No problem! For every pint of beer sold, $1 will go to supporting the local animal shelter.
April – Community Brewing Night
Date and Time: TBD
Details: Celebrate the Salem brewing community with a night of discussions! Rogue’s Head Brewmaster will be there along with fellow Salem brewery representatives to discuss all things Oregon craft beer.
And if you make your way to Salem on March 15th, you’ll be there in the midst of cherry blossom season! Similar to Portland’s waterfront, Salem boasts a display of stunning cherry blossoms that bloom in early spring. For the third year in a row, 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 31.
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.
Rogue Salem Public House is open daily from 11:00am to 9:00pm. For more information on Rogue Ales & Spirits, visit www.rogue.com.
Rogue Salem Public House – 555 9th St. NW – Salem, OR
About The Author
DJ
D.J. is a Portland, Oregon based writer that spent his formative years in the Midwest. With over 25 years under his belt of drinking beer at festivals across America and the world, he has developed a strong appreciation and understanding of craft beer and the industry that surrounds it. He can be found in any of the great breweries or beer bars that make Portland the best beer city in the world. His writing can also be found in the archives of Northwest Brewing News and can be followed on Twitter and Instagram at @hopapalooza.