Deschutes Brewery
Bend, OR
Available: OR, WA, AK, MT, ID, CA, HI, AZ, CO, NM, NV, WY, UT, TX, BC
Deschutes Brewery overlooks the wild and scenic Deschutes River. Starting as a local brewpub in downtown Bend in 1988, Deschutes now sells beer across the western United States and recently opened a second public house in Portland.
ABV: 6.4
ABW: 5.09
Color: 120
Bitterness: 50
Original gravity: 1065
Oh, Obsidian Stout, how I have forsaken thee! Once, I was entranced by your tall, dark presence and your rocky, tan head. At one time, I couldn’t get enough of your big, boozy, coffee-like aromas and your soft, creamy touch. I relished in your dark flavors; your sweetness that reveals a bitter, espresso edge. And on more than one occasion, I felt the power you always conceal within. Other stouts have come and gone, but you are always there for me. I have missed the playful way you always finish with citrusy hops and roasted coffee. Please take me back! I have plans for you—and chocolate.
I love stouts and this is one of my favorites. It amazes me that such a big-tasting beer of 6.4 percent ABV, that pours like liquid tar, can be so quaffable. The term obsidian refers to the shiny flow of volcanic glass that can be found close to the Oregon brewery. The beer mirrors this as closely as a beer can―from its opaque, near-black complexion to its smoky aroma of roasted grain. The eruption of flavors extends from bitter, dark chocolate and tangy hop to pronounced liquorice, over a bedrock of malty sweetness, all lingering well into the satisfying finish.
Lisa Morrison, aka The Beer Goddess, writes about beer whenever she can and also gets to talk about it on a weekly radio show in her hometown of Portland, OR.
Author of the Good Bottled Beer Guide and The Book of Beer Knowledge, Jeff Evans is an eight-time editor of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and one of Britain's best-known beer writers.
