November Explorer Series to Feature Selections from Rogue Ales Including Beard Beer
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, a traditional casual dining restaurant known for its expansive selection of craft beers, announced today it has proudly partnered with No-Shave November to raise awareness and funds to support cancer prevention, research and education.
With its next Explorer Series kicking off on Nov. 11, Old Chicago has joined forces with Rogue Ales to offer featured selections throughout the series, which includes Rogue’s Beard Beer, the official drink of No-Shave November. Beard beer is in fact brewed with actual yeast created from brewmaster John Maier’s beard. Throughout the entire month of November, participating locations will donate 50 cents of every glass of Beard Beer ordered to No-Shave November.
Old Chicago and Rogue have also worked together to create a “collision” beer for the series, the Rogue Old Chicago Dopplebock. This beer is all about the malt, paired with just enough hops to balance out some of the sweetness. The copious amounts of imported German pilsner and Munich malt give the brew a strong backbone, and a touch of roasted malts give off notes of caramel, toffee and chocolate that make for a pour that’s deep dark red to brown in color.
“We’ve been working toward a partnership with Rogue ever since we launched the Explorer Series last year, and it all came together at such a perfect time,” said Jason Murphy, Old Chicago’s brand manager. “We had the opportunity to travel to Portland and work with Rogue brewers to create the collaboration beer for the series, the Rogue Old Chicago Dopplebock. Rogue’s involvement with No-Shave November also opened the door for us to solidify a partnership with the organization, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to support such a great cause throughout the month of November while also offering our guests a new craft beers.”
In addition to donations from the Beard Beer, Old Chicago will sell design-your-own beard or mustache icons for $1, $5 and $10 donations where guests can design and name their facial hair creation and hang it up on the wall at their local Old Chicago. To honor the release of the Explorer Series collaboration Dopplebock, participating locations will hold the Mustache Olympics on Nov. 11. For an entry fee of $25 going to No-Shave November, guests will partake in a series of events at the restaurant, where they will be scored and judged based on their performance in the competition. Prizes and bragging rights will be awarded to winners, so friendly competition is encouraged!
Based in Oregon, Rogue is truly at the forefront of the craft beer revolution, growing their own hops, mating barley, rye, pumpkins, honey and other ingredients for their beers. In addition to the Dopplebock and Beard Beer, the following selections will be featured in Old Chicago’s Explorer Series starting Nov. 11 until the tap runs out:
- 7 Hop IPA – A bold collaboration with Mother Nature, this IPA is made with seven meticulously selected and blended varieties of Rogue’s aroma hops.
- French Roast – Made with Rogue’s barley roasted fresh at the brewery, the barley is taken directly out of the roasters and rushed over to the brew kettle to create a unique and different taste.
- Double Chocolate Stout – Appearing in a lustrous red bottle, the mellow flavor of oats and real chocolate are balanced perfectly with the right amount of hops for a bitter-sweet finish.
As an added perk, guests who try the Rogue selections will be able to take home their very own commemorative pint glass for just $2.
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom (Old Chicago) is a traditional, casual dining restaurant specializing in Chicago-style pizzas, taproom classics and craft beer. Founded in 1976, Old Chicago operates in 22 states with 100 restaurants. With over 30 craft beers on tap, Old Chicago is also the home of the World Beer Tour, which rewards members for enjoying 110 of the best craft beers from across the globe. Visit www.oldchicago.com to learn more and to find the restaurant nearest you. For information about franchise opportunities, visit www.ocfranchising.com.
CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries, Inc. is the largest craft brewery restaurant operator in the country with nearly 200 franchised and company-owned restaurants primarily operating under the Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurants and Rock Bottom Restaurants & Breweries brands. As a leader in the craft beer focused casual dining segment, CraftWorks also operates strong regional brands, and employs more than 12,000 people throughout the U.S. All of CraftWorks’ restaurant brands have innovative menus with made-from-scratch food and a vast selection of unique craft beer, as well as unbeatable service and loyalty programs with over a half-million active members. Based in Broomfield, Colo., CraftWorks is not only committed to serving its loyal guests, but also the communities in which its restaurants operate. The CraftWorks Foundation has contributed millions of dollars, positively impacting communities throughout the country. For additional information about CraftWorks, the Foundation, and its restaurant brands, please visit www.craftworksrestaurants.com.
