Rating: 7/7
2017 The Abyss Tequila by Deschutes Brewery is an 11.8% ABV
American Imperial Stout aged in Tequila barrels
Imperial stout brewed with black strap molasses, licorice with cherry bark and whole vanilla beans, 100% aged in tequila barrels for 10 months.
Barrel aged to hell and back.. This thing amazing… Some subtle cherry cordials and agave tequila… Love these types of beers
Rating: 7/7
Black Butte XXIX 29th Birthday Reserve by Deschutes Brewery is a 12.2% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with Dutche cocoa, Saigon cinnamon, and cayenne. 50% aged in Bourbon and Rum barrels.
Label:
In celebration of our 29th anniversary this year’s Imperial Porter delivers notes of dark chocolate and cinnamon spice with hints of coconut, vanilla, and dried fruit finished by a warm dash of cayenne.
==Introduction==
Essentially a Double Barrel Porter aging in both Rum and Bourbon. Every year, I try to pick up this annual release of their anniversary beer. Each year is a different blend entirely and while I feel some blends I really liked for the ingredients used, overall, I think each installment is more and more delicious with time. This year they decided to go with a chocolate, cinnamon and cayenne take with Rum and bourbon. That is crazy using a double barrel half take with what seems to be like a Mexican inspiration. Let’s see how the flavors of this one are, cheers!
Aromas:
Rich piloncillo sugar cone, cinnamon, nutmeg, yams, sweet potato pie, vanilla, caramel, bananas, dark fruit prunes, raisins, plums, figs, dates, rum, bourbon, oak, mint, sweetened condensed milk, coconut and marshmallow smores.
Flavors:
Sweet potato pie, capirotada/Mexican yams, piloncillo sugar cone, maple srup, dark chocolate, chocolate milk shake Mexican Chocolate, Belgian chocolate, German Chocolate, Bakers Chocolate, cocoa powder, rum, bourbon, oak, Dark fruit prunes, raisins, plums, figs, dates, currants, cherries
Pancho Pantera chocolate milk shake, banana sundae. Sweetened condensed milk, flan, crème brulee, tres leches cake, pecan pie, bourbon, marshmallows, almond joy, toasted coconut, molasses, mint, clove spice, bananas, grilled plantains, Danish cream, rye bread, piña colada, oatmeal cookies, raisins bread and more!
Aftertaste:
Finishing with dark fruits, cinnamon, ginger bread, fruit cake, earthy notes, dark chocolate, pecan pie, tobacco, oak, marshmallows, floral tartness, caramel, vanilla and tobacco hints. No alcohol in the taste, Pitch Black Midnight Full body, silky, velvety and smooth mouthfeel and a super easy drinkability which is dangerous. Just like each year, its smoothness will make you want to drink the whole bottle in one sitting.
Overall:
Seems like every year, a different beer and a different way of preceiving the greatness which is the Black Butte anniversary. This year it seems more of a Mexican style of taste. While although spicy, the overall consensus, it was not super hot but definitely zlong the lines a Mexican desert flowing. Indeed this scream sweetness but the peppery heat is not present. Along with the many versions out there, this one should definitely be picked up!
Anime Corner:
Twili Midna from The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princes was chosen once again this year for the Black Butte release as well as the other releases. Just like previous tears, I had chosen her in the previous releases since I wanted to represent the mixing of 2 of the same ale together but one specially blended. Since I did not use the chibi version of Midna for this iteration, I figure I let the adult version of her do all the talking. In this year, the Chocolate, Cinnamon and cayenne represent somewhat of a Mexican Dark Mole feel to the beer. It is actually more towards a Mexican sweet potato pie if it was mixed in with Mexican Hot Chocolate. So since Midna has a cloak like the tilma of the virgin of guadalupe it sorta ties in that Mexican culture aspect of this beer. Who’d of thought Midna would complement this iteration even more!
Rating: 7/7
Black Butte XXVIII (28th Anniversary Reserve) by Deschutes Brewery is 11.5% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with Cocoa, Vanilla, Peated Malt and Sweet Orange Peel with 50% aged in Bourbon and Scotch barrels.
Label:
Imperial Porter brewed with cocoa, vanilla, peated malt and sweet orange peel, with 50% aged in bourbon and scotch barrels–“The result is our 28th anniversary imperial porter with bright orange and vanilla aroma, layers of roasty chocolate and a warm, smokey finish”
Description:
Every year, we celebrate our anniversary with an imperial, barrel-aged version of our flagship Black Butte Porter. Our brewers love to experiment and they always add some fun new ingredients to this beer like chilies, cranberries, figs and other such treats. This year, to celebrate 28 years of brewing, they’ve added the interesting mix of ingredients above for another multi-layered flavor experience.
==Introduction==
Essentially a Porter and Wee Heavy Blend. Every year, I try to pick up this annual release of their anniversary beer. Each year is a different blend entirely and while I feel some blends I really liked for the ingredients used, overall, I think each installment is more and more delicious with time. So with year’s version, they decided to go with a chocolate and orange and additionally aging in Scotch. Let’s see how the flavors of this one are, cheers!
Aromas:
Dark fruit raspberries, cherries, prunes, raisins, figs, currants, blackberries, Chambord raspberry liqueur, Smoked Peat, Chocolate Orange cream hints, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, chocolate covered pomegranates, bananas, piloncillo sugar cone, raspberry preserves, Danish cream, coffee cake, Mexican Gansito cake hints, clove spice, licorice, anise, molasses and brown sugar.
Flavors:
Smoked Peat, Chocolate Orange cream balls, orange candies, dragon fruit, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, chocolate covered pomegranates, bananas covered in chocolate, roasted malts, Bourbon, Scotch, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, dark candi sugar, coffee, chocolate mousse, oak, bubblegum hints, fudge cake, dark fruit raspberries, cherries, prunes, raisins, figs, currants, blackberries, walnut cake, pecan pie, clove spice, licorice, anise, molasses, Chambord raspberry liqueur, Mexican Gansito cake, creme brulee, flan, sweetened condescended milk, marshmallows, wine grapes, almond joy chocolate, rye bread, abuelita chocolates, piloncillo sugar cone, raspberry preserves, Danish cream and coffee cake.
Aftertaste:
Dark fruits, stone fruits, earthy notes, Dark chocolate, pecan pie, tobacco, oak, marshmallows, floral tartness, caramel, vanilla and tobacco hints. No alcohol in the taste, Pitch Black Midnight Full body, silky, velvety and smooth mouthfeel and a super easy drinkability which is dangerous. Just like each year, its smoothness will make you want to drink the whole bottle in one sitting.
Overall:
Incredible, each year’s version of this beer is nothing short of supremely exceptional. They really out do themselves every anniversary. The complex flavors of the wee heavy, bourbon, chocolate orange and much more really stood through with every sip. This brew was so damn amazing I accidently finished the whole bottle in one sitting! Whoops! Lol but seriously though, not a lot of beers make it this far and even if common ones are this good, you know hypes are trends. Never underestimate what a common beer can do! I highly recommend getting a bottle of this one or two to drink and cellar.
Anime Corner:
Midna (Both Forms) from The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princes was chosen once again this year for the Black Butte release as well as the other releases. Just like last year’s, I had chosen her in the previous releases since I wanted to represent the mixing of 2 of the same ale together but one specially blended. They are both the same person and both are kick ass but that was obvious from the fact that I use them for the same beer every year that I represent Twili Midna, the taller one, as the one that represents the barrel aged percentage. In this year, the orange peel and vanilla do complement both of them as they both have orange hair and the chocolate and vanilla by the black and white of their tones.
Sources:
https://66.media.tumblr.com/5d0541f783409437d3cfe56e7b4b5479/tumblr_o0iuklT29i1t09dnqo1_500.jpg
http://orig00.deviantart.net/af6d/f/2014/274/9/f/midna_zelda_by_cyberunique-d819kdh.jpg
https://cdn3.patreon.com/1/patreon.posts/LtIYhP7FvNFFJmYSrV1JyyKN5mRHlegqU8LXSFrgz3PC5IgfYHRWIlLiEUJWzZcV_large.jpeg?w=1600&v=D6NyMcMd9e6pwTpO6MkN9AEAN0KG77_QH9m8_jmGNSc%3D
Rating: 5.75/5
2015 The Stoic by Deschutes Brewing is a 10.9% ABV Belgian Quadrupel/Strong Dark Ale brewed with Pomegranates with 16.5% aged in oak wine barrels and 16.5% aged in Oak Rye Whiskey Barrels.
Label:
Four Nuanced Fermentations. Aged, Sequestered, in select wine casks. Ergo a stoically brewed quad, with the spell binding complexity of its medieval ancestors.
==Introduction==
Brewed every 4 years, there is a debate going on whether this is a Quadrupel or a Belgian Strong Dark Ale. Despite the debate, many brewers know that the key to great Belgians is in the Belgian Candy sugars. What I believe makes a good Belgian Strong as a home brewer is basically experimentation. The fact is, experimentation is the biggest form to brew a strong complex beer. The fact that you are using a Belgian strain of yeast in your experiment is what set it aside from a quad. Put it this way. If you intended to brew a basic quad, a great deal of different grains and and lots of Belgian candi sugars would go in your brew. If you add extras, it may deviate into a Belgian Strong. Even, then, this is is still a Quadrupel. You know why? The base beer is the start enforcing “Belgian Candi sugar sweetness” throughout its entirety. If that is the case, then a Belgian Strong goes beyond this type of sweetness possibly incorporating something else. The confusing part is when a basic quad starts to taste similar to a Belgian Strong. For that instance, you may also have to look at its stronger roots whether it deviates away from the Belgian Candi or not. It is a complicated matter but even beer should not be complicated, so cheers.
Aromas:
Rich dark fruits, pomegranates, bananas, clove spice, dragon fruit, passion fruit. Mango hints, leather, molasses, flan, phenolic notes, stone fruit peaches, apricots, pear, brown sugar, Belgian Candi Sugar, Rock Candy, citrus, maple syrup, walnuts, almond milk, rye bread, leather notes, waffle cone and honey.
Flavors:
Rich Stone fruit peaches, apricots, pears, lychee fruit mango hints, Rich dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, blueberries, c figs, flan, port wine notes, Rich dragon fruit, passion fruit, pomegranates, pomegranates, marshmallows, coconut, almond joy, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, bananas, clove spice, oak, whiskey hints, flan, molasses, brown sugar, rich Belgian Candi Sugar, Rock Candy, citrus, maple syrup, walnuts, almond milk, rye bread, leather notes, waffle cone, honey, lavender, floral notes, peppercorn and sweetened condensed milk.
Aftertaste:
Lots of rich dark fruits, oak, wine, bourbon, some stone fruit and exotic fruits, Belgian Tripel and Dubbel notes, floral notes, and pomegranate tartness. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, Crimson Clear body, smooth, creamy and crisp mouth feel, easy to moderate drinkability despite the ABV. What’s going on here?? Danger for sure.
Overall:
All and all, to me this is a quad because it started out as quad. The fact that it added the whole barrel aging aspect is the extra part which goes into the Belgian Strong Dark Ale area. The fact is, if the beer was already “super complex to begin with leaning away from Belgian Candi sugars” then this is your Belgian Dark Strong Ale. Trois Pistoles, for example, is not a quad since it already had those port wine notes even before anything else would be added which was not.
Anime Corner:
Tenshi Hinanawi from the Touhou project series was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair something similar like I did with Flandre Scarlet in the aspect of overlooking the planet as total bad assery. While the Stoic (unlike NOT the Stoic) reserves its place as not tainted by evil but still holy and powerful showcasing every aspect of delicious complexity with every sip. The colors pair those flavors in terms of the colors of the ingredients.
Sources:
http://images.forwallpaper.com/files/images/9/9236/9236690e/398113/above-gensokyo.jpg
Rating: 6/5
Jubel 2015 by Deschutes Brewery is a 10.4% ABV American Strong Winter Warmer with 50% aged in Pinot and Oregon oak barrels.
Label:
Affectionately referred to as “Super Jubel”, Jubel 2015 is an imperial take on our festive winter ale. Notes of toasted caramel, raisins, dates and figs are complemented by spicy and herbal hop aromas. Originally planned as a once-a-decade-ale; we just couldn’t wait another five years.
==Introduction==
This beer was supposed to be released in 2020 but it seems Deschutes wanted to release it earlier. The story behind this legend is that there was a thief who tried to steal a keg of Jubelale. When the thief realized he couldn’t carry it anymore, the beer froze over in the winter cold. When the owner found the keg, they saw half was frozen but the concentrated remains of what was left over was legend born by accident. As a result, they released this beer in 2010 but then would release it 5 years later and age it in pinot and Oregon oak barrels. This beer I was able to obtain at bringonthebeer.com I am uncertain if all stores that sell Deschutes will get this one as it is pretty damn limited. One thing is certain though, for this only out 5 years and the colors of the label speak magic and potions, I had to get this for sure.
Aromas:
Lots of dark fruit raisins, figs, prunes, dates, black cherry yogurt, hazelnut, pecan pie, rich fruit cake, gingerbread, wine grapes, stone fruit apricot hints, candy sugar, toffee, vanilla, dulce de lecher, butterscotch, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, pears, apples, port wine, pinot noir, nutmeg, blackberry preserves on rye bread, concorde grapes and red velvet cake hints.
Flavors:
Rich Fruit cake, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, figs, prunes, dates, black cherry yogurt, ginger bread, nutmeg, cinnamon, rock candy, candy sugar, figgy pudding, pinot wine, oak, port wine, dark chocolate, flan, toffee butterscotch, brandy, marshmallows, chocolate smores, molasses, anise, red velvet cake, stone fruit apricot, peaches, pecan pie, sangria, apples, blackberry preserves on toasted rye bread, sweetened condensed milk, pears, wine grapes, concorde grapes, toasted coconut hints and milk chocolate.
Aftertaste:
Fruit cake, dark fruits, hints of stone fruit peaches, caramel, vanilla, oak, pinot, port wine and chocolate. No alcohol in the taste, dark brown medium to full body, sipping drinkability and slightly syrupy mouthfeel.
Overall:
Damn exceptionally awesome winter warmer. The end of winter is pretty much near here and to end it perfectly as winter rolls trough St. Patrick’s, all green in color, this winter ends with a bang! On to the spring. The beer has so much damn complexity. I know it is not sour nor it is just a plain winter warmer but all the elements combined make for one ridiculously exceptional brew that is only out every 5 years. Do yourself a favor and if you can find this one for yourself, please do. You may not see nothing like it til 2020.
Anime Corner:
Rydia of the Mist from Final Fantasy IV was used in this pairin to pair with the colors of the label but also the magic of aging. In the story, Rydia was young but then was swallowed by a monster (Leviathan) only to come back a full fledged adult with very power magic and summoning spells. While the monster/esper world seems to go much faster than the normal world, she had spent many years in training while it was only a few days/weeks/months in the current timeline of the game. Her development from a young joyous girl (Jubelale) to a more powerful woman (Super Jubel aged in pinot and Oregon Oak barrels). The transformation into a much more complex beer/person is what really makes this one pair the best. Such Magic, Much Power, Wow Fancy.
Sources:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/…/160c9d8233c1cf271e0a…
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2012-02-23-478344.jpeg
Rating: 5.85/5
2014 Reserve Mirror Mirror by Deschutes Brewing is an 11.2% ABV World Class English Barleywine with 50% aged in wine barrels.
Label:
The Reserve Series romance all began with our first release of this limited-edition brew. Mirror Mirror, born of a double batch of Mirror Pond Pale Ale, is an inspired, barrel-aged barley wine layered with intriguing nuances. Explore this latest incarnation and enjoy its delicious complexity in every sip.
Malt: Pale, Victory, Crystal, Maris Otter, Cara-Pils
Hops: Millennium, Cascade
Barrel-Aging: (50%) 10 Months in Oregon Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, and Malbec Barrels
___
Picked this one up at Uncle Henry’s deli. I have been passing this one up for the longest time and after trying the NOT the Stoic, I wanted to see what this one was all about as I heard great things about this one. Pick this one up if you can find it. Deschutes makes some bad ass beers that are very coveted. Like I said, I missed this one by like a sliver and lucky for me Uncle Henry’s in Downey California had this one in stock.
Aromas:
Dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, cherries, toffee, molasses, maple, earthy notes, oak, port wine, old mango, leather, anise, blackberry and grape preserves, dark chocolate notes, vanilla and cinnamon grilled apples.
Flavors:
Lots of dark fruit raisins, figs, cherries, plums, lots dulce de leche caramel, oak, wine grapes, earthy hop notes, papaya, grilled pineapple,coconut, old mangoes, papaya, dragon fruits, molasses, grape marmalade of rye bread, toffee, grapefruit, butterscotch, clove spice, brown sugar, cinnamon apple pie, pecan pie, pralines, maple syrup and French vanilla ice cream.
Aftertaste:
Earthy hops, rye bread, grape marmalade, leather notes, oak, caramel, toffee, dark fruits and maple lingers but then has a semi dry finish. Well hidden alcohol, none in the taste, a sipping yet smooth beer. Syrupy and deadly!
Overall:
Well…Damn…. Needless to say, this is pretty damn fantastic. It is definitely on top notch with some of the best Barleywines in the world. The addition of the wine barrel aging gives this one a semi barrel age feel that is freaking delicious and is responsible for that semi dry finish. Now you are drinking a closer to wine beer. Highly recommended for those that can find this beauty.
Anime Corner:
Reaper Angel original artwork by artist unknown (Please let me know who this belongs to) was used in this review to show case the aspect of mirror mirror. Mirror Mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all. Beauty is only skin deep and this pairing goes to show that no matter how beautiful one is on the outside, it is what is on the inside that counts. We all have to answer to the reaper in the end and the duality of the beer making half be aged in wine barrels is showcased by the reaper side. So either way, enjoy life, take it one step at a time, have some beers and realize that perspective of the world can be an interesting when you look at both sides of the coin.
Rating: 5.75/5
The Abyss 2013 Release by Deschutes Brewing is an 11% World Class Imperial Stout brewed with Black Strap molasses, Licorice with cherry bark and vanilla added with 6% aged in oak bourbon barrel, 11% aged in Oregon Oak Barrels, and 11% aged in oak Pinot Noir wine barrels.
Label:
It’s dark. It’s deep. It’s mysterious. Aged in French Oak and Bourbon barrels, this special brew has immeasurable depth inviting you to explore and discover its rich, complex profile. The flavor of molasses and licorice draw you in further and further with each sip. The Abyss beckons. Enjoy the journey.
___
I have previously reviews the 2009 version of this beer. I decided to give it another round as I may not often get around to reviewing this one again. Upon looking at this one, I saw it was made a bit differently than the 2009 version. I had to give it a shot.
Aromas:
Madrugada Obscura, basically sour stout notes, wine notes, roasted coffee, dark and milk chocolate, smokey oak, dark fruits, coconut, cherry notes, flan notes, espresso, molasses, licorice, clove spice, cinnamon and other complex notes.
Flavors:
Wine, Bourbon, Stout, Marugada Obscura, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, cherries, dark fruits, raisins, figs, smokey quality, Port wine, vanilla, caramel, oak, roasted chocolate, coconut, flan, licorice, molasses, pinot noir and earthy hops. After letting it warm up it started to evolve in flavors again. Funny as the 2009 version evolved too. Now this thing is tasting a bit like banana notes, crème brulee, raisin bread pudding, overall bitter roasted coffee, Kahlua, mocha, barley wine caramel, toffee, butterscotch, almonds, pecan pie, cherry, plums, hazelnut and well, it seems to keep going. I will stop right here.
Aftertaste:
Finishes off very complex with the dark chocolate, dark fruit, dark oak, dark bourbon, dark flan, dark dark dark!! Good Luck finding the 11% ABV in the taste. She is pretty deadly seeing as it is asipping beer but with chances are you want to drink and drink. Evil!!
Overall:
Exceptionally World Class just like the 2009 version. However, the addition of the extra blending has definitely changed the flavors to even more complexities giving it that much earned extra credit. Like I said in my last review: (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/12/11/the-abyss-2009-vintage-reserve-by-deschutes-brewing/ ) it keeps you on your toes trying to see what other complexities come up. Think of it as a Haunted house, you have no clue what the fuck is gonna pop up as you go along. Scary shit… Evil Beer…. Loveable experience. Much needed recommendations
Anime Corner:
Rukia Kuchiki (Hollified version) from Bleach was used in this pairing to show several things I had in mind when pairing this beer. In the series, the hollow form is what happens when after a soul passes and loses its tie to the body. If the soul reaper does not cleanse the soul, it will roam the earthy, become a monster and try to eat other souls. Rukia is a Soul reaper in the show but there are many characters such as humans and even soul reapers that have treaded into the hollow form and were able to come back to their original form. Rukia never becomes hollow but this only serves as a representation of what that form would look like. Most hollows are mindless and possibly evil. In some cases, she can be seen as sadistic with no remorse or pity for anyone. Aim for the kill, hunger for more flavors. Thus, this evil version of Rukia is paired with this beer to show how evil the beer is. That is why you have to be careful not to drink it all in one sitting. Since the hollow form is a form of evolution into possibly higher form of power, you can say the evolution of flavors as the beer warms up and the alcohol content represents this hollow form. Also, the Cero Blast that Rukia is charging up in her hand represents, The Abyss. The Cero is like an endless charge of energy concentrated and sucked up like a black hole. This infinite darkness is this beer, The Abyss.
Rating: 5/5
Fresh Squeezed IPA by Deschutes Brewery is a 6% ABV World Class India Pale Ale
Label:
This mouthwateringly delicious IPA gets its flavor from a heavy helping of Citra and Mosaic hops. Don’t worry, no fruit was harmed in the making of this beer.
___
Picked this up recently at the local Bev-Mo near work. Heard that there was a lot of talk about this beer. Normally for me, I try to look at different IPAs and see what are the most tropical, the most hoppy, the most herbal or even the most orange juice and caramel I can find. Every single IPA or DIPA brings something to the table. As best as I can, I will try to analyze this one. Hell even, the label makes it look like its gonna be a tropical thunder.
The smell is like grapefruit juice or Squirt Grapefruit soda. This is quite different already as I never seen a more grapefruit forward IPA. There are also aromas of biscuit, caramel, lemon candy, orange jolly rancher, pineapple, orange, subtle piney and grassy hops, kiwi almost like a strawberry or a berry note and mango.
Flavors are quite different but awesome. Lots of pineapple and grapefruit juice, oranges, caramel, piney and grassy hop notes, mango, kiwi, strawberry notes, dragon fruit, orange jolly rancher notes, pecan notes, buttery biscuit, tangerine marmalade, peaches and cream, orange cream popsicle, grapes, raisins, blueberries and papaya.
The aftertaste is awesome. A well balanced bitterness of the piney hops with nice grapefruit and pineapple tropics. I think what really makes this beer great is the balance and drinkability. Very awesome for sure.
The talk wasn’t just that, all talk. This beer is an awesome IPA. I love sweetness of beers and hoppy as well. This one brings both together is such an awesome way that literally works extremely well. This is something I wish I could drink for breakfast everyday. Right next to the Heady Topper, almost, except this is the sweet pink grapefruit where as heady is the orange juice of IPAs.
The art work is sort of like a surprise. Matching the label as best I could, think of it as Master Chief (Green for hops) unveiling the secret sweetness inside :3
Rating: 5.45/5
Black Butte XXV (25th Anniversary Reserve) by Deschutes Brewery is an 11.3% ABV Imperial Porter brewed with dates, figs and cocoa nibs with 50% aged in bourbon barrels and 12.5% with black currants added.
Label:
Dates, figs and chocolate. Black currants, barrel-aged in bourbon casks. The result is an Imperial Porter with a tart berry and chocolate aroma with luscious layers of dried fruit, oak and vanilla. A fitting tribute to the 25th Anniversary of our flagship beer
___
I did a review of this beer last year (https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/01/black-butte-xxiv-by-dechutes/ )
However, this year they mixed it up a bit by adding dates, currants, figs and cocoa nibs making this one a very special beer. Probably close to a Dubbel/Porter Hybrid
Aromas are of bananas, chocolate, raisins cherries, black berries, blue berries, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, bourbon, oak, vanilla, toasted coconut, fruit cake, mocha, currants, bit of wine grapes and sweetened condensed milk. Smells like the ultimate chocolate fruit dessert. Awesome.
The flavors are of milk, dark and bakers chocolate, mocha, coffee, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel notes, oak, bourbon, currants, cherries, blackberries, blue berries, raspberries, dates, figs, toffee, banana notes, tart wine grape notes, coconut, lots of bread quad and dubbel notes and chocolate port wine fruit cake.
The after taste is pretty sweet leaving with a nice roasted coffee bitterness followed by lots of berries, vanilla and caramel to help it along. It finishes a little dry but that is the best part too. Due to this beer’s complexity and dryness, it just makes you want to sip more. Careful though, that is how it it teases you. You see, once you start, you may like and sip after sip you won’t realize that you finished the entire bottle.
This beer taste a lot like the Brewdog/ Stone Collaboration Bashah in Raspberries and Highland Whiskey Barrels. Lots of fruit, a great amount of chocolate, bourbon, vanilla, caramel, bananas and more. I never tried the XXI version of this beer but if that one is a lot like Chocolate Rain, awesome, but this beer is phenomenal in the chocolate berry department. It really did turn out similar to a Dubbel/ Porter hybrid. I would say the difference between this beer and my last review of the Stone Farking Wheaton W00tstout, is that the other one has more pecans and caramel chocolate where this one is more berries and chocolate. Quite the different spectrum here. But the hybrid is similar. Some type of Belgian Stout or Porter aged in Bourbon barrels. Close enough to some of the best beers I have reviewed on the blog which have exceeded my limits.
Rating: 4.75/5
Obsidian Stout by Deschutes Brewery is a 6.4% World Class American Stout
Label:
Deep, robust and richly rewarding, this is beer to linger over. Obsidian has distinct notes of espresso, chocolate, roasted malt and black barley, with just enough hop bite to cut the sweetness.
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Considered the second best regular American Stout in the World by Beer Advocate. A common beer at that, I wanted to see what makes this one good.
Aromas are of dark and milk chocolate, roasted coffee, vanilla, caramel hints, licorice, molasses, hazelnut, tobacco hints and a bit of smoke.
The flavors are of dark and milk chocolate, roasted coffee, vanilla cream, rye bread, brownies, caramel notes, tobacco, licorice, smoked ham, earthy hops, currants and espresso notes.
The beer almost feels like a dry Irish stout except for the fact that the flavors stay lingering so technically not dry at all. Only an illusion of the palette. Lots of coffee bitterness in the aftertaste.
Maybe because I am a fan of Russian, Belgian and American Imperial Stouts that I cannot see this one in the heights of the awesome imperial stouts. But in the height of just basic American stout, trust me, Guinness bows before this one’s might! The different amount of flavors is enough to distinguish it as one of the best. As you let it sit, the bitterness does seem to dissipate giving way to nice chocolate and caramel flavors. I think the key as to why this beer is good is because of the developing flavors that change with every sip. Kinda like, Abyss?…well… not that far, but it’s a start.
Brewerianimelogs (Anime and Beer Lore) 