[1] Rogue Ales was founded in Ashland, Oregon in 1988 by three Nike, Inc. executives: Jack Joyce, Rob Strasser, and Bob Woodell.

In March, John Maier, a former Hughes Aircraft F15 designer and Seibel Institute graduate, joined the company.

[4] Rogue has sponsored the annual surfing event "The Gathering Longboard Classic" on Newport's South Beach.

[8][9] Maier says that all of their beers are meant to go with food, and the company has worked with chefs,[10] brewing industry experts,[11] and restaurateurs.

Rogue has entered contests held by the Brewers Association multiple times, and has received several medals.

Rogue was accused at the time for union-busting tactics at their Newport brewery, and has been questioned for their salary standards.