Deschutes Brewery

Black Butte pours to a very dark brown, almost black color. There’s a slightly detectable carbonation despite the dark color, and a thin foam that quickly dissipates. The nose shows an initial nuttiness, probably walnut, as well as a dry roasted coffee and caramel aroma. There’s also a very (barely noticeable) light sign of hops. Compared to others I’ve tried in this style, this is a relatively light on the palate, with just a little carbonation, which makes this something of an easy drinker. There’s an underlying burnt smokiness throughout the flavor. A little light sugary sweetness greets you at the start, while the beer thickens more in the middle showing a caramel maltiness and becoming increasingly toasty. The finish is dry and coffee-like, while the smokiness remains long into the aftertaste along with a little dark chocolate. Nice full flavor and pretty easy drinking.

Pale slightly hazy orange amber color, with promising signs of carbonation. There’s a nice appealing fresh fruitiness to the nose, a floral hoppiness, and a nice mellow maltiness that hints towards caramel. This is pretty light on the palate for an ale, with a slight spritzy carbonation that combine to make this fairly easy drinking and refreshing. The hop takes charge of the flavor, offering a soft melon and lemon citrus freshness throughout. There’s some pale maltiness supporting the lighter hop, although not as distinct as I would have guessed from the aroma, offering very light suggestions towards caramel as well as some smooth mellow comfort in the middle. The finish reinforces the fruitiness, with a crispness and a subdued lemon tang and sourness that suggest something of an IPA. The malt makes a come back in the aftertaste and balances very well against the citrus.