Deschutes Brewery (www.DeschutesBrewery.com), the nearly 25 year-old brewery named after the adjacent Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon has done it again. They’ve released two new seasonal beers just in time for us to enjoy as the weather cools and the holidays approach.
Black Butte Porter debuted 24 years ago as Deschutes’ first and flagship brand. This new release, actually a Reserve double porter (the fifth such vintage of this anniversary beer lives up to its reputation as a bold brew. It opens with heavy coffee aromas, then follows with citrus and hints of spice. In the mouth, that coffee is evident but given intrigue with cocoa and a touch of sweetness in the finish. A slight hop bitterness emerges and lingers in the finish. I was captivated by its creamy, lush and substantial texture. After tasting it, I wasn’t surprised to find these intense, complex flavors and mouthfeel resulting from the use of Theo cocoa nibs, Mission figs, and Deglet dates in the mix.
The Stats (12 oz serving):
Alc. 5.2% | IBUs 30 | 192 Calories,
Malt: Pale, Carapils, Chocolate,
Crystal, Wheat
Hops: Cascade, Bravo, Tettnang
And for the 25th year, Deschutes has produced “Jubelale,” a spicy, malty, hoppy winter seasonal. Jubelale was the very first beer to ever be bottled by Deschutes. This version evokes the season with strong aromas of chocolate and warming chocolate notes. Touches of citrus are joined by heady scents of spice. Pouring the beer through its creamy head, those chocolate and coffee elements are evident. A touch of bitterness lifts the profile, while it finishes with creamy smoothness. And I like the citrusy hops that linger in the aftertaste.
The Stats (12 oz serving):
Alc. 6.7% | IBUs 60 | 192 Calories,
Malt: Pale, Carapils, Chocolate,
Crystal, Wheat
Hops: Cascade, Bravo, Tettnang
Also of note is the 2012 label displaying artwork created by Bend, Oregon artist Kaycee Anseth Townsend. Through a complex collage process comprised entirely from pieces of Jubelale labels from years past, she has created a fitting tribute to the season.