Black Butte XXIV - Deschutes Brewery

jegross2

Illinois

4/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

BEER REVIEW #400!!

Reviewing a vertical of Black Butte XX, Black Butte XXI, Black Butte XXIII and Black Butte XXIV from the Deschutes Brewery from Bend, Oregon to commemorate my 400th written review (per BeerAdvocate)! A major thanks and shout out to Edgar Chavez for making this vertical tasting possible. Each vintage of the Barrel Aged Black Butte release is a different formulation.

Black Butte XXIV is Deschutes' Black Butte porter brewed with dark chocolate nibs, Daglet dates and Mission figs, and partially aged in Bourbon Barrels.

Black Butte XIV Score: 90

2012 vintage bottle served side-by-side with the 2008, 2010 and 2011 vintages and enjoyed on 02/10/13 with a few friends.

Appearance: The appearance is strikingly similar on all vintages -- this brew is similar to a dark molasses in appearance/color. The XXIII pour is a little lighter, faintly orange-ish in color in comparison to the other three. Each vintage pours a thin layer of light mocha head that settles to a ring around the glass on all of them. Average lacing and retention using the worst glassware possible. 4/5

Smell: Fig, hops, chocolate and a little soy. More dark fruit forward than the other vintages, which is unsurprising. There is a little bit of a "red wine"-ish scent to this vintage. The XIV's nose kind of reminds me of the 2011 Darkness a little bit. There was something also vaguely "herbal" about the XIV nose. There's definitely a little maple present too. 4/5

Taste: Dark fruit, less chocolate than the nose and a touch of soy too. There is a touch of spice on the back of the tongue and a little heat from alcohol. Additionally, there is a bit of port-like sweetness that reminds me a little of the Haymarket Acrimonious. 3.75/5

Mouthfeel: Each of the vintages' mouthfeels are a little heavier than medium bodied, but far from full bodied (and not quite medium-full bodied either). Low carbonation as well. Each of the vintages has a real nice, drinkable balance (none is too sweet or acidic (well the XXI has a little acidity, but in a good way) or whatever). Oily slick feel on the tongue. Only the freshest vintage (XIV) has a little "alcohol heat" to it. 4/5

Overall: I feel like verticals are often "reserved" for rarer and bigger beers like Dark Lord and Bourbon County (Brand) Stout, or even barleywines dating back to the 90's (i.e., Bigfoot), but this was a really fun vertical to do. Nothing was really can't miss here, but nothing had "fallen off," and nothing here was undrinkable by any stretch of the imagination. My favorite vintage in the end was the XXI, but each vintage struck me in a unique way at different points in the vertical as it warmed up. Cold, the XX and XXIII were my favorite.

Cost: $12.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle that can cost as much as $19.99.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2013 05:29:29 | More by jegross2

FosterJM

California

3.9/5  rDev -8.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

1722nd Review on BA
Bottle to Woodshop Snifter
22oz

Shared at Herbies Birthday

App- This was much darker than I wouldve thought for a porter. A more inky black color with a huge dense center and no color loss on the edges. The head was a major let down for me. The head was almost no where to be found except for a small 1/8" bubble ring around the edges. No cling or lace.

Smell- The beer gets better with the nose. A bit more chocolate and malt comes out with the addition of the earthy figs. It was slightly dry with a bit of grains behind it, but didnt tie everything together on the aroma.

Taste- The flavors of this one were better than the 1st two parts of the beer. It had more smooth and rich malts with a good amount of chocolate and roast flavors. Slightly bitter and earthy due to the use of the figs. A good amount of flavors combined to be better than the parts.

Mouth- A semi-medium body with a medium creamy carbonation. A bit more smoothness that I was thinking due to the flavors and the nose but still good none the less. A lot of fig remained on the finish for me.

Drink- I will rate this as a 4. Solid but not what I was hoping when I shelled out the $$ for this one. I might have to track another bottle down to sit on to see if it comes together like the others I have had.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2013 01:15:43 | More by FosterJM

mdaschaf

Washington

3.79/5  rDev -11.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Had on tap at Deschutes. Review from notes.

A: BB24 was black with a one finger tan head on top. Decent retention, slowly reducing to thin cap on top. Streaky lacing formed down the sides.

S: Lots of roast mixed with some milk chocolate, brown sugar, and some dark fruit, mostly raisin on the aroma.

T: Not as exciting as I was hoping for. Some roasted malt, but overly sweet with chocolate and a little bit of dark fruit, but really not as much as I was expecting.

M: Medium-full bodied with low to medium carbonation.

O: Easily my least favorite of the series thus-far, but then again, had the others with some age on them and out of the bottle. Would be interested to try it again in a year or so.

Serving type: on-tap

02-10-2013 05:16:33 | More by mdaschaf

MADhombrewer

Oregon

3.53/5  rDev -17.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance- Black with a dark tan head that dissipates quickly. Leaving a ring around the edge and some lacing in the glass. 4/5

Smell- Odd aroma. Wood, dark fruits, cherries (?) 3/5

Taste- Alcohol, wood. The aroma is in the taste but not as prominent. 3.5/5

Mouthfeel- Thinner than I expected but still good for a porter. 3.5/5

Overall- Not as good as I was expecting. I was very intrigued with the figs and dates but it doesn't seem as they added much to the final product. 3.5/5

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2013 16:37:40 | More by MADhombrewer

Clonies720

Texas

5/5  rDev +17.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Appearance: Oil black. This is DARK beer. I can only see a few bubbles of carbonation on the outer edges because it's so dark. An aggressive pour gave me a lackluster 1/2 inch of a creamy tan head. Retention is not that great as the head dissipates quickly. Regardless of the head retention, this beer looks warm and inviting.

Smell: Strong notes of figs and dates. Very slight roasted coffee smell. The malts used in this beer smell sweet

Taste: VERY strong taste of figs and dates. Again a slight bit of roasted coffee. Slight biscuity taste. This beer is very sweet and rich. The bittering hops used in this beer were likely very clean and neutral, which allows for the fig and date flavors to come shining through the beer and dominate the mouth. Light bitterness.

Mouthfeel: The carbonation is moderate-low to moderate-medium. The mouthfeel is light and smooth with some nice warmth in my cheeks coming from the alcohol. It finishes very wet in the mouth and keeps me coming back for more. I find it hard to put this down.

Overall: Overall I'm very impressed by this beer. Sweet beers are usually not my thing, but this would pair very nicely with similar sweet things. At 11% ABV, this beer is definitely a slow sipper meant to be enjoyed for a special occasion. Perfect all the way around.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2013 01:05:14 | More by Clonies720

Archimedes

Kansas

4.46/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a deep dark black with a milk chocolate head. Has a nice roast smell with hints of cherry and chocolate.

Black and mild smoothness. The chocolate and cherry are definitely there with the roast malt in the background. Finish is so smooth with nice hints of sweetness. I'm not a huge porter fan, but this one made me a believer!

Wish I had bought another bottle.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2013 19:41:15 | More by Archimedes

Onenote81

North Carolina

4.25/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Big thanks to YumYumGumGum for this bottle in a trade awhile back!

Bottle split and shared with a couple friends during the Packers game on Saturday. Poured my allotment into my Hardywood snifter (also thanks to YumYumGumGum).

Pours a thick, viscous, dirty motor-oil black with a small tan head on top. Fair retention of the foam. Some light sticky globs hang around after each sip. Rich flavorful aromas of chocolate, roasted malts and coffee, bourbon - all enveloped in a sweet scent of fruit. There's something about these big bold stouts/porters when they mix in fruit character that I really dig.

Amazing feel as this viscous beer wraps up the palate in a wash of velvety goodness. Subtle carbonation, heavy feel. This is a sipper for sure. A wonderful treat to close out the night with. Big flavors of dark fruit - plum, fig, raisin. Sweetness pulls through with notes of vanilla, bourbon, brown sugar. Mild roasted quality helps bring this one around and prevents this from becoming a total sweet bomb.

This was a really great beer, and a reminder why this is one of my most anticipated releases each year. Wasn't a fan of the XXIII, so this was a pleasant treat. A wonderful marriage of dark fruits and dark chocolate in the form of a fantastic beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2013 13:52:52 | More by Onenote81

Powderhornphil

Minnesota

4.23/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This porter pours more black than a lot of stouts. No light gets through, even at the edges. Milk chocolate head that sticks around a while.

Smell is roast, chocolate and dark fruits. Really nice smelling beer.

Tastes great. Chocolate, deep flavors of dark fruits. There is a bit of the barrel and bourbon in there as well. A bit too much fruity sweetness on the finish to be a 4.5. So I am giving it four. Really good taste though.

Full, thick feel.

Outstanding all around.

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2013 03:14:00 | More by Powderhornphil

jmarsh123

Indiana

4.2/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Pours jet black with a finger of creamy tan head. Decent retention and good lacing.

Big licorice and dark chocolate notes in the aroma. A bit of dark fruit as well.

Lots of dark chocolate flavor up front along with licorice. Similar to the nose. I get a lot of raisin in the back end as well.

Very creamy appropriate carbonation. Mouthfeel really brings everything together.

Very nice. Perfect mouthfeel ramps up all the individual components. I'm sometimes sensetive to licorice flavors in my stouts, but this one has it beautifully integrated.

Serving type: bottle

01-03-2013 17:54:22 | More by jmarsh123

woosterbill

Connecticut

4.43/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Bomber courtesy of Levon15, enjoyed at a bottle-share at NEBCO. Reviewed from notes.

A: Black body, brown highlights, and a finger of fine tan head. All right retention, good lace. Nice.

S: Huge licorice, dark chocolate, and dark fruits. More fruity than roasty. Very interesting.

T: A bit of chocolate up front, followed by a hint of licorice and finished with gigantic fig flavors. Super sweet and fruity, very tasty.

M: Rich, creamy, well-carbonated. Perfect.

O: Distinctive and delicious. The figs in particular really stood out, and did a nice job balancing the bitter licorice notes. Very glad I got to try it.

Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

01-03-2013 02:45:27 | More by woosterbill

tewaris

Minnesota

3.3/5  rDev -22.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Dark brown, garnet highlights; fast disappearing "soda" head. Exotic sweetness, plenty of licorice in the aroma. While the label mentions dates and figs, I don't get any. Maybe some dates but no figs. This is also surprising because date/fig notes are pretty common in beers even without actual additions.

Anyway, moving on. Taste has a good kick of roast and a very prominent dark chocolate note and aftertaste. I like how this is sweet on the palate but clean in the finish. But whatever they put in it, it seems to be muddled. Also, I don't know if any part of this beer went in any barrels but this sure doesn't taste like that to me.

Mouthfeel is inoffensive. Overall I am divided about this beer. What I CAN say though is that it is not worth its price (in bottled format).

3.5, 3, 3.5, 3.5, 3

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2012 11:25:53 | More by tewaris

davey101

Connecticut

4.33/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22 oz black waxed bomber into a Bolt Cutter glass. Best after: 07/23/13. Thanks Steimie!

A - Pours a pitch black body. Just a slight bit of light makes it through the edges to show a dark brown color. Short lasting two fingers of khaki foam. Decent lacing and retention.

S - Super smokey malts. Burnt caramel, savory black peppercorns, herbal licorice, sweet dark chocolate and loads of figs and dates. Its like a fig newton was dropped into a smoked porter. Insanely complex and unique.

T - Roasted malts lead into an interesting plethora of flavors that weave in and out of savory and sweet. Caramel, brown sugar, peat, black pepper, dark chocolate and rich figs. Aftertaste of char. Taste is phenomenal and just all over the place.

M - Alcohol heat is present but welcome. Medium bodied with a nice level of carbonation.

O - A bit confusing and overwhelming but very tasty and unique. Would certainly be interested in seeing how it turns out after the "Best After" date.

Serving type: bottle

12-26-2012 04:15:56 | More by davey101

DavidST

Texas

4.25/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 22oz bottle into a snifter, best after 7/23/13. This ours a pitch black color with a large mocha colored head with good retention and leaves a lacing. The smells are fantastic, I can smell the espresso, chocolate and dark roasted malts from 3 feet away as I pour, up close, I get a hint of alcohol, some dark roasted malts, a little pepper. The feel is thick and creamy. The taste is good, there is some definite alcohol heat, beyond that you get some dark creamy roasted malts, a little bitterness, espresso and chocolate, a little age on this one might tame it a hair, but its still exceptional and has enough going on to balance it out.

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2012 06:24:12 | More by DavidST

draheim

Washington

4.43/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

22oz bottle (best after 7/23/2013) into a tulip. Pours a deep rich brown w/ a thick mocha head, sticky lace.

Aroma is dark chocolate, bitter roasted malt, dark sweet fruit. Smells amazing, deep and clean.

Taste is rich pure chocolate, dark roasty malt. An outstanding balance between pure, elemental flavors. Chocolate truffles in a glass.

Mouthfeel is full-bodied, luxurious. Nice bitter finish.

Overall an outstanding anniversary version of Black Butte porter.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2012 07:02:21 | More by draheim

Hatzilla

California

4.43/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours very dark with a huge dark tan head leaving lots of lacing. Aroma is cocoa, coffee, figs, bourbon, vanilla and oak. Taste is similar to the nose, with lots of cocoa, chocoalate, bourbon, oak and more chocolate. Medium body with a creamy texure and lively carbonation. Finishes with a dry, cocoa powder touch. Alcohol shows in the aftertaste as it warms. Overall, a tasty sipper with lots going on. Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

12-17-2012 02:19:50 | More by Hatzilla

TheSixthRing

California

4.2/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had on tap at Final Gravity Taproom in Roseville, CA

Appearance - Served black as midnight, full to the brim with no head, only a fine row of soapy bubbles clinging to the lip of the glass.

Smell - The fruit in this beer can be smelled from a mile away! Strong date and fig presence, almost producing a funky wine aroma. Vanilla, anise and/or clove hit on the nose as well. Really complex, intriguing aroma.

Taste - Follows the nose pretty closely: hits hard on the fruity date and fig character, while vanilla and anise flavors aren't far behind. Lesser notes of clove and/or nutmeg. Slightly numbing on the tongue. Touches briefly on chocolate. Finishes sweet, along with faint, roasted malt character.

Mouthfeel - Full-bodied and with active carbonation. Sticks to the lips. Nice smoothness and quite drinkable.

Overall - I didn't care much for last year's XXIII; I thought it came across as a bit of a boozy mess. This year's is tits! Complex, without confusion; the multitude of flavors blend with a seamless cohesion. If this were more affordable, and more widely available, It'd certainly merit another purchase.

Serving type: on-tap

12-16-2012 22:52:47 | More by TheSixthRing

JoEBoBpr

Missouri

4.55/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Deschutes Black Butte 24

Poured into a 4oz tasting glass at iTap Soulard.

Pours black and bold with a nice cream colored quarter inch head. (4.0)

Aroma of coca nibs and some nice bitter dark coca notes are very intense. Slight licorice notes and some dark sweet fruits. Slightly roasted. (4.5)

Flavor is nice and roasty with some nice rich and deep dark chocolate notes. Very chocolaty and yummy. The roasted notes and dark malt notes blend very well with the cocoa. There is some nice vanilla and cinnamon notes mixed in with great coffee roast and the awesomeness of the cocoa. Full bodied with some nice creamy notes and a good roast finish. (5.0)(4.0)

Overall. Well crafted and delicious porter. Great chocolate notes with some mild but yummy roast. (4.0)

Serving type: on-tap

12-15-2012 23:34:15 | More by JoEBoBpr

zeff80

Missouri

4.43/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Tap at Sycamore in Columbia, MO.

A - Poured an opaque, jet-black color with a one-finger, light brown head of bubbly foam. It left sticky sheets of lace on the glass.

S - It smelled roasty with dark chocolate notes. I think I could detect the figs and dates.

T - Good roasted malt flavor with toffee and dark chocolate. There was a touch of dried fruit flavor. Again, couldn't distinguish the dates from the figs.

M - It was crisp, sharp and smooth. A dry-finishing, medium bodied porter.

O - This is fantastic. I love having the opportunity to drink this on tap at Sycamore.

Serving type: on-tap

12-15-2012 21:08:08 | More by zeff80

PrinceDarren

Illinois

4.78/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This is an exceptional barrel aged porter. This definitely ranks very high amongst the best porters I've ever had.

Aroma reflects strong barrel character, but not excessive. Just the way I like it.

Sweet and full flavored without being sticky. Well balanced.

Deschutes hit the ball out of the park with this one. It is to Porters what GI BCBS is to Stouts and it does it well.

Serving type: nitro-tap

12-15-2012 05:52:32 | More by PrinceDarren

t420o

California

4.13/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Deschutes Black Butte XXIV

A- pour produces a nice 2 finger mocha colored head resting on a very dark brown/near black body. Good retention and lacing 4.5

S- cocoa, dates and figs, vanilla, bourbon, and almost like a coconut smell. 4.5 

T- chocolate, dates and figs, vanilla, black licorice, bourbon. It masks the abv quite well but I think the time will do this well. Looking forward to revisiting this. As it is, it's still excellent. 4  

T- very smooth with a nice medium body. 4

O- an excellent beer. Good drinkability given the abv and richness. 4

A-

Serving type: bottle

12-14-2012 22:18:50 | More by t420o

51mmz0rz

New Jersey

4.35/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 22oz bottle into a 0.5L Duvel tulip. Date on bottle says "Best After 07/23/13". Come on guys, I'm not that patient.

A: Black body, medium brown head. Head is nice and dense with very good retention and excellent lacing.

S: Difficult to put my finger on this smell. Probably the aroma of the dark chocolate, but with a slight acidity from the beer, and an herbal quality from the hops.

T: Big chocolate flavor, round a full right up front, as well as some of the herbal quality from the nose. Nice gentle roast with an aggressive hop balance on the finish. Slight warming, but no harshness from the alcohol.

M: Somewhat low carbonation, but a full mouthfeel nonetheless.

O: This one surprised me with the complexity. A powerful, intense experience.

Serving type: bottle

12-14-2012 04:34:28 | More by 51mmz0rz

SHODriver

California

4.33/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: poured into a snifter to a deep black with a small tan head that fades quickly.
S: Smells of chocolate, a bit of caramel sweetness, fruity date and fig aroma plus some alcohol
T: chocolate, caramel and some vanilla on the palate with a bit of figgy and date flavor toward the middle. slight roasty malt flavor at times as well. aftertaste is more chocolate and fruit addition goodness with a bit more caramel. the label doesn't mention it but the flavor hints at spending some time in a barrel.
M: full in the mouth but still feels kinda light. carbonation is adequate and just under prickly.
O: A very tasty beer from Deschutes. Good flavors and complexity and for the level of alcohol it isn't hot or really apparent in the taste.

Serving type: bottle

12-06-2012 02:43:00 | More by SHODriver

JamesShoemaker

New York

4.05/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

650 ml poured into two snifters. Thanks to Kenye for this one, great trade!

A - pours black, ombre from the edges into the darkness in the middle. Clearly a little thin, but not unimpressive. Mid-range foam from a harsh pour, recedes very quickly, giving away the carbonation level.

S - mmm. Dark fruits, plums, grapes, dates. And booze, lots of booze. It's been a while since I've had a high-ish ABV brew that didn't hide its booze subtly. This should be interesting.

T - big, bitter, dark fruits at the beginning, giving away into alcohol. It's got a boozy finish, which unfortunately masks what I think are the subtler complexities at the back end of the taste. Certainly interesting though. I like beers that give me a clear beginning, middle, and end.

M - the thinness drops this score a little bit. Overly carbonated, too boozy in the mouth, and not even the syrupy flavor that usually accompanies high ABV offerings. The dark fruit flavor clings to the back of the mouth.

O - I like it because it's interesting, readable, and one of the few beers I've had that delivers non-citrus fruits successfully. Some errors brought the score down though.

Serving type: bottle

12-06-2012 00:29:55 | More by JamesShoemaker

sirtomtom

California

4.58/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured into two pint glass. Inky black, let in very little light. A nice thick head, that dissipated slowly

Served with a bowl of homemade tri-tip and vegetable chili, and cornbread.

Huge body to this beer, as expected of their anniversary beers. The figs and dates pop out almost immediately and are held on as the sweetness of the beer combined with body stay awhile in your mouth.

The finish was very good, but could have been better. It was smooth, but the alcohol popped out a bit strong at the end. I figure this will smooth out a bit with age.

Overall an excellent new release for Deschutes' Anniversary series and one of the best they've concocted.

Serving type: bottle

12-06-2012 00:10:06 | More by sirtomtom

bum732

Maryland

4.48/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

S: Loads of dark fruits, fresh figs, dates, sweet chocolate, sweet caramel, touch of vanilla, slight roast as it warms.

L: Very dark brown, close to black. Light tan creamy head that dissipates slightly. Good lacing.

T: Dark fruits with a deep chocolate flavor, quite sweet up front. Low bitterness with a big, rich dry chocolate with a sweet date and fig taste. Finishes slightly ashy with additional cocoa.

M: Medium full body, medium carbonation. Rich, but not too heavy on the palate.

Great beer, big bold flavors without being overbearing. Nose followed the taste nicely. Another classic from Deschutes.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2012 02:46:58 | More by bum732