Deschutes Black Butte Porter

Deschutes is another great regional brewery not known in our market until just last summer. I'd had Black Butte several times in visits to Oregon or Washington, and got my first bottle during the reviewing day in December of 2003, from a trusted trader. Just tapped my first keg at the Nile, and here are those notes from then. Every word still holds true. Classic American porter in every way, with enough of a snappy hoppy bite over the roasty malt. Wait, when am I sharing those notes, anyway? Right...now!

Deschutes Black Butte Porter,
5.2 % ABV, 30 IBU,
Deschutes Brewing, Bend, OR

"Deep, dark brown color, showing crimson edges, with an active, fizzy tan head, though quick to settle.
Aroma: smooth, creamy, with a whiff of bitter hops.
Taste: nice, gritty texture, but smooth thereafter. Little hop presence on the palate, but full malt, full body, and rich in cocoa, coffee flavor. Very sweet and fruity in the end, with ultimately excellent balance, and thoroughly accomplished drinkability.
Overall, an excellent, everyday, workhorse porter, with no overboard flavors, just smooth, tasty, thirst-quenching and solid. One I've enjoyed before and would happily employ again as a session ale, if I could. "

This is the beer that started it all. A delicate, creamy mouthfeel contrasts with layered depth revealing distinctive chocolate and coffee notes. Dark and rich, yet easy to drink.