Rogue Ales and Spirits

In 1987, some like-minded Rogues had an idea to start a "Brew Pub". The next year, a Revolution in beer began in the basement of the Rogue Public House in Ashland, Oregon. The Brewery and Pub opened in October 1988 with the brewery housed beneath a 60 seat Pub. The first beers brewed were American Amber and Oregon Golden.

The brew pub was located in a very pretty and scenic location along a little stream called Lithia Creek. The beer flowed freely and soon Rogue began to seek new land upon which it could grow the Revolution.

In early February 1989, one of Rogue's founders wandered to Newport in search of the perfect place for another Rogue pub. A terrible and unusual snowstorm struck and our founder was stranded in Newport along its Historic Bay Front. He walked the streets and happened upon Mohava Niemi, founder of Mo's Restaurants. Mo extended her signature hospitality, welcoming him to the city with a her famous clam chowder.  Over a bowl, Mo shared her dream of living above a bar and described the perfect spot for the next Rogue Ales Brew Pub. Mo had a large building that sported three apartments upstairs, a sweater shop, an art gallery, 1,100 sq. ft. of empty storefront, and an 800 sq. ft. garage that was used to store antique cars.