Review: Deschutes Obsidian Stout | Craft Beer & Brewing

Style: Stout

ABV: 6.4 IBU: 55

Aroma: 12
Appearance: 3
Flavor: 20
Mouthfeel: 4

Deschutes Obsidian Stout

What the brewers say

Deep, robust, and richly rewarding, this is a beer to linger over. Obsidian has distinct notes of espresso, chocolate, roasted malt, and black barley, with just enough hops bite to cut the sweetness.

What our panel thought

Aroma: "Coffee, floral, and slightly soapy notes with hints of cacao nibs and a sweet roast aroma. Clean woody roast smoothly melds with a light but distinct hop aroma."

Flavor: "Intense dark chocolate and cacao nibs up front, aggresive roasted bitterness coupled with hops bitterness. Espress-like roast is balanced by light vanilla sweetness and medium-full body. The finish is chocolaty and lightly astingent and alcoholic. Some burnt coffee flavor, with some sweet chocolate that comes through and a bit of citrusy hop character. Roasty finish leaves a pleasantly bitter aftertaste."

Overall: "A very assertive beer that remeans very drinkable. Roasty and chocolaty, but the clean finish makes it easy to have a pint or two. It doesn't apologize for beating up your tongue with its stouty goodness, and while it's perhaps a little too hops-forward for the style, it's so deliciously drinkable that you don't care."


