Obsidian Stout is a year round brew from Descutes Brewery. From Deschute’s website:
“Obsidian Stout gets its inspiration from one of the world’s largest obsidian flows at Newberry Volcano–just a few miles south of the brewery. “The Big Obsidian Flow,” as they call it, covers more than 700 acres with shiny black obsidian.”

The tasting notes from the World Beer Awards:
“Black as midnight with a dark head. Deep, black chocolate aroma, wonderfully complex and clean. Hoppy and very bitter in the mouth, a great roasted finish. Sharp and dry. Great balance.”

The tasting notes above are not too far off. I wouldn’t say that the stout is very bitter - the bitterness is mild enough to notice, but not so strong to where it is unenjoyable. There are definite notes of cocoa, and interestingly enough, notes of brown sugar. There are also strong malt and wheat flavors. After the temperature rises a little bit, the malt flavor softens and the viscosity seems to increase. The finish lingers, and leaves a sticky, brown bread flavor behind. This is a very easy-drinking stout.

Deschutes makes an awesome product in Black Butte Porter. It is far and away my favorite beer, and I’ve had my share of options. Since I first ran into this at a tasting at Total Wine, I’ve been keeping my fridge stocked. I ran out just last night, and was planning on heading over to BevMo to pick up a couple more cases. Shortly after I got home from work, I received a package.

What’s the next best thing to Black Butte? A Black Butte jersey, of course! And yes, my socks will match my shirt, with the Sock Guy Deschutes socks.

Beer and biking DO mix!*

I’m still not sure if I will be able to make the 12 Hours of Pain & Purpose, but I will definitely be at Kona’s 24 Hours of the Old Pueblo. If you see a 6′8″ Deschutes billboard running around the course, stop and say hello. The plan is to camp out, with a cooler. So I may have an extra bottle of Black Butte for you.

And speaking of, I have to run to the store.

*Responsibly of course! Don’t drink and bike!