Rogue Ales & Spirits, Newport, Ore., announced that it will add barrel production to its resume with the creation of a new division called Rolling Thunder Barrel Works. A facility to house the new barrel production is expected to be complete by late fall with barrel production beginning early next year, according to a company spokesperson.

"We are thrilled about Rolling Thunder Barrel Works," said Rogue President Brett Joyce in a statement. "Making our own Oregon oak barrels will provide us with endless possibilities for aging our ales, porters, stouts, lagers, braggots, meads, gins, vodkas, rums and whiskies. Coopering is a time-honored tradition and highly skilled craft that will have a great home in Newport. This adventure will be full of learning and discovery, and while we're not exactly sure what the final products will look like, we are certain that it's going to be a lot of fun along the way."

The white oak used to construct each barrel will be hand-selected from the centuries-old oak groves of the Oregon Coast Range, located less than 100 miles from Newport.

Using Oregon white oak furthers Rogue's commitment to brewing and distilling with a proprietary palate of flavors, it says. All of Rogue's beers and spirits are crafted with ingredients grown on one of its two farms in Independence or Tygh Valley, Ore.