During our recent trip to Portland, The Child and I ended up at Deschutes Brewery & Public House for dinner. I ordered a sampler tray of six beers of my choosing. I know that they will bring the samples to you in the order that you write them down. With that in mind, I made an effort to move from least to most bitter, as well as from lightest to darkest beer. It worked, for the most part.
I also favored beers that (a) I can't get in a store; (b) would be greater on tap than in a bottle; and/or (c) I haven't had before. All in all, it was a great sampler tray.
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Summer's Gone Saison
4 ounce taster, on tap.
IBUs: 18 Alcohol content: 6.5%
"This traditional farmhouse ale has been brewed with 5 different malts and a plethora of spices. The peppery, herbal and fruity aromas and flavors are the dominant character of this ale, highlighted by a clean, crisp refreshing finish."
Hazy, golden yellow body. White head.
Yeast. Spices. Herb presence, stronger than I expected, but in a good way.
This feels a bit weak and watery on the palate, but that is a minor complaint. Good.
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Amber Dawn
4 ounce taster, on tap.
IBUs: 45 Alcohol content: 4.9%
"A malty offering for the late summer cool nights, brewed with all organic malts and Sterling hops, this amber has a mellow finish, with a slight hoppy aroma. A perfect beer for kicking back and enjoying the late summer fun."
Crystal clear copper-orange body is capped with a brilliant white head.
The nose is primarily lemon zest with an undertone of butterscotch candies.
The flavor is lemon and lemongrass on the front, a phantom nuttiness in the middle, and a light and peppery finish. There is also a hint of orange on the finish.I like this more than I think I probably should, but I cannot quite explain what makes this "sing" for me. Great.
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Yam-a-Lam-a
4 ounce taster, on tap.
IBUs: 50 Alcohol content: 5.0%
"The Bend Pub's first fresh hop beer of the season utilizes the same hop that is in the Hop Trip, but also a whole heck of a lot of sweet potatoes for a mild twist on our NorthWest pale ale style."
Clear orange with a ring of white. This is slightly lighter in color than Amber Dawn.
On the nose I catch orange, alcohol, and candied yams. Perhaps, I am imagining the yams, but I don't think so.
The palate is light orange in flavor, sweet, and a bit watery to begin. Then, it transforms on the finish into a strange, plastic, light orange mouthwash. It's okay, but I'll pass if I have another chance to try it.
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Jubelale 2010
4 ounce taster, on tap.
IBUs: 60 Alcohol content: 6.7%
"Perfect for a cozy winter gathering, Jubelale is a festive ale characterized by a large malt body balanced with hop bitterness derived from a variety of American and European hops."
Clear, deep red-orange in color with an off-white head.
The nose is difficult to grasp. Apple? Wooden table?
The flavor, however, is not. Alcohol. Dark chocolate. Spring leaves with young buds and blossoms. The faintest hint of smoky wood bark.
This Jubelale is subtler, yet bolder than I remember in years past. This is a stellar offering. If you find it, buy it and try it.
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Nitro Obsidian Stout
4 ounce taster, on tap.
IBUs: 55 Alcohol content: 6.4%
"As black as the nearby volcanic flow from which it gets its name, Obsidian Stout provides a deep and satisfying experience, with distinct notes of chocolate, espresso, roasted malt and black barley. It is robust and full, with a big roasted finish."
It looks like a Guinness with a tan head rather than grey-beige.
Dark chocolate and wood bark nose!
Chocolate, wood bark, smokiness, espresso, more wood bark. Maybe even a hint of raisin lurking about. Wood bark finish.
This nitrous tap version is much better than the bottled version, which is good in its own right. I like this a lot. Excellent.
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Black Butte Porter XXII
4 ounce taster, on tap.
IBUs: 65 Alcohol content: 11%
"This year's imperial Black Butte is full of subtle flavors from cocoa nibs and dark chocolate from Theo's Chocolates in Seattle; to intensify your experience, we added fresh Seville orange zest and pasilla negra chili peppers for a flavor sensation."
It looks like Obsidian Stout, but with a less foamy head.
Alcohol-soaked dark fruits and alcohol-soaked wood bark are the primary aromas.
Dark chocolate leads the flavors, with alcohol-soaked dark fruits and alcohol-soaked wood bark in hot pursuit. The middle and finish are nutty and buttery, with an additional chocolate cream that lingers.
It's a wee bit watery, but otherwise highly recommended. Excellent.
2 comments:
Nitro Obsidian Stout
"Dark chocolate and wood bark nose!"
The exclamation point did it. I'll must have a pint!
Bonus: Obsidian Stout can be picked up in many local grocery stores. You don't have to buy a six-pack, either. Most stores will allow you to purchase single bottles, so you don't have to end up with five extra bottles of something you don't like.
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