Obsidian Stout By Deschutes Brewery

For most of us, we live in areas where spring is quickly turning into summer and the temperatures are warming up. That should be a signal to drink lighter beers but I can’t deny that I love stouts year round. A great stout option in the summer is The Deschutes Brewery Obsidian Stout.

Not a fan of stouts in the summer?

Keep reading and maybe I can convince you that this one is worth checking out – regardless of what the weather forecast says.

Review Of Deschutes Brewery Obsidian Stout

I’ve had Obsidian Stout quite a few times but it wasn’t until I started to right this article that I wondered about the meaning of obsidian.

Turns out that obsidian is a type of volcanic rock. It is glass-like in it’s appearance due to solidifying quickly without crystallization.

Based on that description, I’d say that Deschutes did a great job naming this beer.

One of the best things about this stout is its availability. You can find Obsidian Stout year round. For many breweries, they only make stouts in the fall and winter.

I love when a brewery commits to providing a wide range of beer styles throughout the year to ensure all beer drinkers have access to their favorite styles.

Obsidian has an ABV of 6.4% and IBUs of 55. Which is moderately low compared to the high ABV stouts that many have become accustomed to.

Here is how Deschutes Brewery describes their Obsidian Stout:

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

Initial Thoughts

Stouts are the beer equivalent to a friend that I’ve known for a long time. They’ve always been there when I need them but there seems to be certain seasons where they fit best.

And for most people, winter is the season where stouts are best suited. While I tend to agree, I am not shy about drinking them year round.

However,stouts aren’t as easily available outside of the cold months. That’s not the case with Obsidian as it is an year round offering from The Deschutes Brewery. And I appreciate them for that.

Obsidian pours a dark black with a light tan head that has really nice retention.

The aroma is quite muted as it just has a touch of roasted malt.

Tasting Notes

As expected, Obsidian provided all of the right elements needed to make it a great stout.

There is a solid roasted malt flavor throughout. This will make you almost sense some coffee in it but it never really develops into a full coffee flavor.

This roast is balanced by a noticeable bitterness from the hops. This isn’t a hoppy bitterness like you will find in an IPA but rather an passive level that makes it interesting to drink.

As you might expect, there is a touch of sweetness in the finish which is accentuated by the creamy texture.

All of the elements are in moderation making it a very well balanced stout.

Final Thoughts

Many stouts are heavy in both body and alcohol but that isn’t always the case. Obsidian has a moderate ABV and medium body. This allows it to play well in most any situation and season.

It’s truly a stout that can be enjoyed throughout the year. And with the lower ABV, you can have a few without burning out too fast.

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Conculsion

If you drink stouts year round, which types do you enjoy the most? There are many different variations from Milk Stout to Russian Imperial Stout.

This style can range from around 6% ABV to over 12% or higher. Along with the ABV, the body and flavors can grow in intensity.

I tend to enjoy lower ABV stouts more in the summer and save the heavy hitters for winter.

Whether you drink stouts year round or just during the colder months, Obsidian Stout is a craft beer that should make it into your normal rotation.

It has great flavor, smooth texture, and an ABV that won’t make you regret having one more.

Have You Tried Deschutes Brewery Obsidian Stout?