Black Butte XXIII - Deschutes Brewery

tewaris

Minnesota

3.78/5  rDev -12.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Happy Gnome.

Looks dark but not remarkable. Might also have to do with shitty glassware at one of the town's best beer bars. Something is wrong in the aroma and I suspect it has nothing to do with the beer... I have had this odd note (bandaid? cleaning supplies? medicinal?) from beers at the Gnome before. Once you get past that, sweet chocolate comes next.

Slightly sweet taste, very chocolaty, perhaps some pepper at the back, some tartness, general richness. Not bad at all.

Good mouthfeel although the carbonation could be lower (and serving temperature higher!).

I need to visit this again.

3.5, 3, 4, 4, 4

Serving type: on-tap

08-10-2012 21:09:12 | More by tewaris

tobelerone

New Jersey

4.23/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A very nice anniversary brew that opened up and revealed considerably more depth as it sat and warmed. Black body, a few fingers of tan head that settle slowly; decent lacing.

Aroma of roasted malt, chocolate, faint orange, anise, boozy Bourbon and a hint of vanilla.

Complex and layered flavors emerge: roasty, almost charred malt and burnt sugar; subtle orange; bittersweet chocolate, bourbon and vanilla. Lesser notes of anise and espresso; moderate sweetness, drying finish.

Medium-full bodied, medium carbonation that was just ever so slight fizzier than I’d have liked. I guess with a little more fullness of body this would really be an imperial stout. Still, a pretty decent mouthfeel.

As I said before, I liked this one quite a bit and it really developed in the glass.

Serving type: bottle

07-26-2012 16:49:14 | More by tobelerone

Duff27

Illinois

4.35/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a short head that stays around forever! Splotchy lacing. Looks great.

Smelling a lot of roasty chocolate.

Ahhhh yeah! Detecting the oranges, very similar to citrus hops but without the bitterness. The pepper aspect may be perfect for a beer of this makeup. Wow.

Medium-full mouthfeel, good carbonation.

I know the the BA ratings on the XX, XXI, and XXIII but after having all of them in one sitting this one may be my favorite. Omnom. Lucky for anyone who stocked up on this one. Thanks TATURBO.

Serving type: bottle

07-23-2012 00:39:53 | More by Duff27

ngeunit1

California

4.43/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - Pours a dark brown-black color with a finger of frothy khaki colored head. The head fades down at a normal pace leaving behind some good lacing.

S - Aroma is a mix of roasted chocolate malts, cocoa, orange, some coffee, oak, vanilla, Bourbon, molasses, and a bit of booze.

T - Starts off with a mix of roasted chocolate malts with some molasses and orange flavor. Through the middle, the cocoa comes through with some vanilla, oak, and Bourbon, with a bit of coffee and dark fruit. The finish is a mix of cocoa, dark fruit, molasses, orange, vanilla, oak, and some booze.

M - Medium-full bodied with moderate carbonation. Feels smooth with a sweet and warming finish.

D - Very drinkable. Nice Imperial Porter with a good balance of flavors and a nice touch with the orange flavor.

Serving type: bottle

07-23-2012 00:27:18 | More by ngeunit1

billab914

Virginia

4.2/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 22oz bottle into my CBS snifter. It poured black in color with a frothy tan head barely covering the top. Nice retention and lacing as I drank it.

The aroma has some really interesting flavors to it. I get a mix of orange chocolate and bitter sweet baking chocolate. I'm getting a bit of a hot pepper spice to it that I'm really liking. The barrel flavors are pretty light, but noticeable.

In the taste, the cocoa nibs are the most prominent flavor. They give it a milk chocolaty flavor at first, but quickly turn into more of a bitter-sweet baking chocolate towards the finish. The orange citrus is noticeable as well and really mixes with the chocolate well. There is a little bit of a like spice in the finish as well that I'm really liking. I get a little more of the barrel aging as it warms, it's not as bold as I'd like but it's very complimenting none the less.

The mouthfeel is on the heavier side with carbonation being moderate for the style. Overall, it was a really good beer. I loved that it had a bit of a uniqueness with the orange and pepper spice to it. I'd love a little more barrel flavor to it though. It had a lot of additions and competing flavors, but they came together very well. Very enjoyable beer overall.

Serving type: bottle

07-22-2012 00:49:07 | More by billab914

arizcards

Arizona

4.33/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Picked up 2 bombers from the Arrowhead Total Wine in early July 2011 for $11.99 each. Best after 6-15-12.

Beer poured dark brown with a decent tan head on the initial pour that disapated quickly.

Nose initially was molasses. Cocoa and light bourbon appear later.

Taste is cocoa, vanilla, bourbon, chilies, and citrus bitterness are crafted in nicely. Alcohol warming with the initial sip.

Mouthfeel is medium to full bodied, satisfying, and pretty smooth.

Overall a well crafted beer, definitely nice to experience!

Serving type: bottle

07-21-2012 23:25:19 | More by arizcards

alexgash

Connecticut

4.23/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

22 oz. bottle. Best after 6/15/12.

Dark mahogany. Garnet edges. Two fingers of whipped, thick, light khaki head. Great lacing. Licorice, cocoa nibs, vanilla, oak, milk chocolate, a little bourbon, and roasted coffee.

Coffee bitterness up front. Dark chocolate. Quickly becomes sweeter, with milk chocolate, candied dark fruits, scorched sugar, and molasses. Notes of vanilla, oak, and a little bourbon toward the finish. Sweet, but not cloying finish with lingering coffee/roasted barley bitterness. Full-bodied, thick chewy feel. Delicious dessert beer and a sweet sipper.

Serving type: bottle

07-21-2012 03:10:21 | More by alexgash

DavoleBomb

Ohio

4.53/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a pint glass for some reason. Big thanks to SteveFinny for this.

4.0 A: Black color. Two fingers of frothy tan head. Retention is pretty good given the ABV and a moderate amount of lacing is left.

5.0 S: This smells a fuck ton like molasses. Lots of caramel as well. After those come the cocoa nibs with the orange being surprisingly strong. Thick, richly malty with a good bit of roast. Just a touch of leathery bourbon, but the oak itself is probably stronger. The nose on this is absolutely huge, complex, and enticing.

4.5 T: Huge amounts of molasses, caramel, and chocolate. Strong roast, lot's of malty sweetness, a touch of astringency from the barrels I suppose. The orange fits in better than I would have guessed, but I probably would be happier without it. The bourbon is light, but present and offers an earthy leather.

4.0 M: Heavier body. Good moderate carbonation. Creamy, but could be a bit more so.

4.5 D: Excellent beer that I'm happy to have tried.

Serving type: bottle

07-17-2012 22:25:38 | More by DavoleBomb

Pahn

New York

4.58/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

22oz bottle into a Duvel tulip. Split 3 ways. Huge thanks to BA csano for including this beer as an extra in a recent trade!

Appearance: Free pour yields a small, offwhite head. Pours black / dark brown. Occasional spots of lacing.

Smell: As soon as I put the glass to my nose, I got very excited. Serious toffee aroma, with grains, American oak, and some orange highlights. Not ultimately very complex, but outrageously good.

Taste: Same as the smell, but deeper and better. Goes on a long time, starting with tons of toffee and pale malt up front, vanilla oak in the middle, with some roasted malt coming out in the finish. Smooth, delicious barrel aged porter.

Mouthfeel: Full side of medium bodied. Smooth, though occasionally has a slight wateriness (doesn't bother me).

Overall: I love this beer. I could drink this kind of thing every day. These rich toffee and pale malt notes match perfectly with the oak barrel influence. A real homerun of a beer.

Serving type: bottle

07-16-2012 00:34:13 | More by Pahn

Bfarr

Washington

4.08/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Black and a frothy brown head with great retention. Roasted malts, cocoa, and herbal aromas. Balanced molasses, sweet chocolate and pepper finish with citrus notes and herbal linger. Strong alcohol warming. Smooth, silky feel.

Best after:6/15/12 opened 6/16/12
Well, I waited a whole day after. It could probably use some more time because it is a little hot but it doesn’t distract too much but it is a little overwhelming. It’s really a great beer that could definitely age for a while.
It certainly makes me wonder if the tap I had was a year old, I swear it said XIII...

Serving type: bottle

07-15-2012 21:52:58 | More by Bfarr

4thelvofbeer

Virginia

4.73/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Wow! Cracked open a bottle of this on 12 Jul 12. This was really, REALLY nice! A nice nutty, caramelly, smoky, chocolotty, bourbon flavored porter....a great depth of flavor and tastes....and if you like porters, you will love this beer. It has a lot of characteristics of a good stout, without the thickness and heaviness of a stout. I am a huge fan of Deschutes beers and my first try of this beer definitely did not disappoint! Mouthfeel is smooth and refreshing. Not a bad thing at all to say about this awesome beer!

Serving type: bottle

07-12-2012 21:27:19 | More by 4thelvofbeer

rfbenavi80

Missouri

4.15/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bottle shared with 2 friends. Poured into a mini snifter.
Bottle Best after 6-15-12.

A- Pours what looks like pitch black in the glass with only small amounts of light brown highlights at the edges of the glass, with a small amount of deep mocha colored head that quickly goes away.

S- A very aromatic beer with hints of bourbon barrel, lot's of sweet chocolate, light roasted coffee, and dark fruits.

T- Rich, chocolaty bourbon. A small amount of smokiness. Very small "kick" from the chilies. Quite tasty.

M- Smooth easy drinker. Not overly heavy. Very little carbonation.

O- Happy Birthday Deschutes. Keep these good ones coming!

Serving type: bottle

07-06-2012 03:33:23 | More by rfbenavi80

Rutager

British Columbia (Canada)

4.1/5  rDev -4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance. Pours a deep brown with red that gets through when held up to the light and half a finger of smooth creamy light tan head that doesn't last long.

Smell. Woody bourbon, sweet chocolate syrup and roasty malts, some hot peppers and just a little bit of tropical and citrus fruit juices.

Taste. Coaco powder, sweet bourbon, medium roasted malts, a little bit of orange rinds, fresh wood and booze with some bitterness from both hops and well roasted malts.

Mouthfeel. Full body, a bit sticky, lower carbonation.

Overall. I like this but it could probably use another year or two to mellow the booze a bit further. Very rich and a sipper for sure.

Serving type: bottle

06-28-2012 01:46:06 | More by Rutager

draheim

Washington

4.3/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

First off, thanks to quirkzoo and beertunes for helping me choose this beer to review for my first anniversary of reviewing. Cheers!

22oz (best after 6/15/2012) into a snifter. Pours a deep dark brown with reddish edges. A 1-finger head settles slowly to a nice wispy film.

Aroma is dark cocoa up front - like rich chocolate truffles. A hint of bourbon and oak shine through, along with some unidentifiable fruity notes. Rich and nutty on the swirl.

Taste is a rich, complex blend of bitter, chocolatey, vaguely tangy. Still has a spicy kick from the chillies. I think I taste the orange too, a vague tangy acidity, but can't be 100% sure. Really interesting mix of intense flavors.

Mouthfeel is smooth, coating but not thick or chewy, medium-bodied. Leaves a pleasant, lingering aftertaste.

Overall this is an interesting, complex take on a porter. It almost has kind of a Mexican mole twist that I like, but I couldn't drink this every day. Definitely has some flavor intensity.

Serving type: bottle

06-21-2012 05:37:18 | More by draheim

wordemupg

Alberta (Canada)

4.48/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

650ml bomber poured into tulip 15/6/12 bottle sent by the most generous Rutager cheers dude

A nearly jet black with a cola edge that went deeper then I expected, streams of tiny bubbles going up the side feed a dense finger of light brown foam that falls to a thick film and leaves several rings of lace

S Terry's chocolate orange comes too mind right away, mild smokey bourbon but I'd guess more then a 1/4 was BB aged , Nesquick chocolate syrup and woody vanilla mix up with black strap molasses, smells great with just some boozy heat preventing perfection

T bakers chocolate covered candied cherry on top of what I smell, a little char and burnt nuts, rich and tasty with again just booze preventing perfection

M thick...., a little syrupy and sticky with a very long strong aftertaste, soft carbonation seems too get the flavors to come out more and even waiting half an hour into the best after date the heat's still there

O a weird complexity works very well for this one, interesting orange chocolate and bourbon barrel notes are kicking ass with the rich thick brew

I waited half an hour into the best after date before I realized this was brewed in a different time zone, I'm upset I may have opened this half an hour before it was due. I somehow doubt it would've been mattered, great beer that kicked my ass and I let it, thanks again Rutager for the bottle

Serving type: bottle

06-15-2012 07:35:50 | More by wordemupg

natemort13

California

4.03/5  rDev -6.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a deep garnet, nearly opaque, with a foamy tan head.

Nose is sweet milk chocolate, sweet bourbon, slight coffee.

Taste is caramel, with a nice long bourbon finish. The orange balances out any bourbon heat, but really the bourbon is well integrated. Yeah for only 25% bourbon barrels! More milk chocolate.

Mouthfeel is tingly from the alcohol, medium bodied with some oilyness.

Overall this is a very pleasant beer, on the milder side for a ba porter, but i likes it.

Serving type: bottle

06-10-2012 05:47:27 | More by natemort13

actone2001

California

4.65/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A - pitch back, nice tan/brown head on pour.

S - Nice dark fruit, chocolate aroma. Molasses, roasted malt.

T - dark fruit, cocoa, coffee, tad of citrus, roast, and enough oak to make an appearance, but not overpower. Great balance across the palate, and maybe a tiny hint of the chili as it warms. The nice sweetness fades into a nice hop bitterness. I get a little more vanilla as it warms.

M - Velvety smooth, prickly carbonation, both of which bring out the best in this porter.

O - One of my favorite beers (period!). Rich and complex, yet smooth and drinkable. Wow, this beer only gets better as it warms. I've had it fresh, and now with age, either way it's a fantastic example of what a porter can be.

Serving type: bottle

06-10-2012 02:20:21 | More by actone2001

AgentMunky

Alabama

4.45/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5

Served in a tulip glass the Rose & Crown in Palo Alto. From notes. Reviewed 26(?) April 2012.

A: Black. Great head, mocha-colored, fades fast. Opaque.

S: Huge, bright fruit. Raspberries and sticky chocolate-covered cherries.

T/M: Delicious! Loads of fruit, yes, but deep-robust malt dominates. Flat and smooth, but it works. Coffee/roasted malt bitterness on the end and aftertaste.

O: A great beer that merits the highest accolades. Unusually full of blueberries. Highly recommended.

Serving type: on-tap

06-08-2012 02:27:51 | More by AgentMunky

lurpy1

Minnesota

4.28/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Excited to try this one. Mildly let down by the base Black Butte each time I tried it, here goes to see if a specialty works better for me.

The pour is dark black, sticky, not much carbonation or head. Cleaves to the glass.

Aromatically, man, this is a goulash of a beer. Orange. Dark Chocolate. Smoke. Bourbon. Nuts. Roast. Pretty much everything short of cat's ass. But it all comes together quite nicely to create an odd, citrus-led symphony.

Taste, reminds me of those weird Droste chocolate oranges I had in Europe when I was a kid. Upon further review I decided those things weren't very good. Not the case with Black Butte. Fruit beer, meet porter. Quite good.

Mouthfeel was nice and thick, and nearly uncarbonated, but also a little bit chalky.

Final verdict, damn good beer, one of the better and more daring porters I've ever had.

Serving type: bottle

06-07-2012 15:39:35 | More by lurpy1

whatthehull

California

4.8/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Tulip

A - Dark black, 1/4 finger tan head and some sticky lacing

S - Beautiful bouquet, citrus hops, tons of chocolate, very nice coffee, vanilla, molasses, some dark ripe fruits, soil, American oak, sweet bourbon, roasted/sweet malts, anise and awesomeness

T - anise, chocolate, vanilla, molasses, coffee, ripe dark fruits, bourbon, wood, earth, soil, tons of malts, nice citrus, floral hop and more sugary goodness

M - full bodied, well balanced, medium acidity, great complexity and long sweet/bitter finish

D/O - So tasty, refreshing, crisp, awesome and just all around a great drinking and well made porter. Best I have had to date

Final thoughts - 11% abv and $11 a pop. Well done deschutes!

Serving type: bottle

05-31-2012 08:38:26 | More by whatthehull

Retail1LO

Pennsylvania

3.95/5  rDev -8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a waxed bomber into a Founders CBS snifter. Pours jet black with a generous head of 3 fingers +, with a pour from 4-6" above the bottom of the snifter. Nose is soy heavy, with hints of cocoa and vanilla. The taste, especially as it warms, still has a decent soy presence, but the cocoa is definitely prominent, long with booze. I can't find the oranges anywhere. Disappointing, seeing as how I love those chocolate oranges. The mouthfeel is awesome for a porter. I do not like overly carbonated porters. This is smooth as silk. Reminiscent more of a stout than a porter with some decent heat. The oranges make their first presence known, but it's subtle. Overall, this is good beer. Would have again.

Serving type: bottle

05-10-2012 02:40:57 | More by Retail1LO

warnerry

Michigan

4.3/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a tulip

A - Pours nearly pitch black with almost two fingers of light brown head. Head has very good retention buut doesn't leave much in the way of lacing.

S - A surprising amount of citrus and some bourbon. Bourbon smell is a bit too much of the hot alcohol variety, and not as much of the deep vanilla and oak, although those elements are present as well. Also quite a bit of cocoa, roasted malts, and a touch of milk chocolate.

T - Lots of chocolate initially, mostly bittersweet but with a bit of milk chocolate as well, with cocoa, roasted malt, and bourbon notes that contain a big barrel presence, quite oaky. Orange seems to be a subtle component all the way through the taste. Very nice.

M - Medium mouthfeel, not overly heavy. Pretty smooth if not exactly creamy, with a drying effect from the cocoa, roasted malt and oak. Oak taste lingers for awhile.

O - Very enjoyable. Maybe a touch too much oak, but overall nice flavor combination. Look forward to trying this one again down the road.

Serving type: bottle

05-04-2012 00:38:44 | More by warnerry

mikereaser

Pennsylvania

3.65/5  rDev -15.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a pitch black with a big 2 finger frothy tan foam that is just sitting on top crossing its arms and refusing to budge. There are signs of a to be glassful of sticky lacing. You first pick up the bourbon right before the cocoa creeps in and sweetens the deal. I can faintly pick up some of the orange and it all mixes together nicely. The flavor is nice, the chocolate and bourbon fight for dominance with an overall sweetness that could become a bit too much by the end. There seems to be a bit of a chalkiness to it and the bitterness from the chocolate i'm guessing detracts a bit from the overall impression. There is also a bit of an overroasted characteristic to it in my opinion.

Serving type: bottle

04-28-2012 05:05:58 | More by mikereaser

Jeffo

Netherlands

4.33/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Got bottles of this in trades with chewy08rx and DaveHS a while back. Cheers gents. This particular bottle comes from Doopie's Garage of Happiness. Drunk it right before the XX.

From a bomber into a snifter

APPEARANCE: Clear brown pour yields a two finger, medium looking, fluffy, tan head with decent retention. Slightly crackly, noisy head as well. Transparent sienna brown body, almost black, with higher levels of carbonation. Head slowly fades to a wisp and clings to the sides of the glass. A faint wisp remains and leaves splotches of lacing down the glass.

SMELL: Smells wonderful. Dark malts and chocolate notes on the nose, combining with some wonderful bourbon barrel notes. Vanilla and oak work well. Bold and very well balanced, with the barrel complementing the base beer nicely.

TASTE: Same story here. Dark malts and lots of nice chocolate flavors up front. Bourbon barrel with vanilla and oak, then some definite alcohol and orange notes show up at the swallow. Very interesting indeed. Bold aftertaste of dark malts, bourbon, chocolate and a touch of orange citrus linger on the palate. Some alcohol hangs around as well.

PALATE: Medium body and medium carbonation. Creamy enough on the palate, goes down fine and finishes slightly sticky. A touch of heat lingers on the palate.

OVERALL: This was a really enjoyable brew. The feel could have been a little bigger and the carbonation a little more restrained, but other than that, this was a top notch offering from a top notch brewery. Give it a go if you see it. Thanks again for the trades on this one gents, and cheers Doops for sharing. Recommended.

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2012 20:53:45 | More by Jeffo

DCon

Missouri

4.58/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bought a 22oz bottle of this from Texas Liquor in Carlsbad, CA for $15.99. Poured from the Black Waxed top & Grey/Black labeled bottle into a 12oz Snifter Glass. Has BEST AFTER: 6/15/12 on the side of the bottle.

Aroma- Huge fruit and especially orange aroma hits the nose hard. Strong and malt dominant like it should be. A nice roast and burnt malt aroma finishes this one off. VERY complexed!

Appearance- Pours a 1 finger, dark brown head that has average retention for the style. Has a deep brown colored body with quite a bit of depth (and opaque of course). Leaves light suds behind.

Flavor- Tons of bourbon and deep sweetness comes across as the main flavors. Fruit is only in the background and tough to find. Very complexed in here as well and finishes with a medium bitterness level.

Mouthfeel- Medium-Full Bodied, Light Carbonation, Creamy, and has a perfect boozy finish. Not too much alcohol but more complexed with orange and bourbon included.

Overall Impression- I'm glad I waited almost half a year to enjoy this one! It definitely has became more complexed in the bottle. If there are bottles still around St. Louis, I'm going to be seeking to purchase more of this! Enjoy!

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2012 18:07:57 | More by DCon