Review – Deschutes Black Butte XXI

From Deschutes Brewing Co. – “It may seem a little unusual to release a dark, heavy beer in the middle of the summer, but to us, it was only fitting,” said Gary Fish, founder of Deschutes Brewery. “After all, the company has thrived for 20 years, largely on the back of Black Butte Porter.”

Deschutes Brewing – Black Butte XXI (21st Birthday Reserve) – 22 oz. bottle poured into a goblet. 11% abv.

Appearance: Pours a midnight brown with a frothy pinstripe and swirls at the top.

Aroma: Coffee grinds, wet paint, cocoa nibs, licorice, and a bit of booze and spicy hops.

Taste: Coffee, chocolate, bourbon notes with vanilla and caramel, some peaty malt notes as well as some spice warmth.

Mouthfeel: Silky, velvety, rich.

Overall: The best beer I have had by Deschutes to date, far better than Abyss.  Most definitely a dessert/cigar beer. I think it would compliment a nice scoop of French Vanilla ice cream.