Beer Review: Obsidian Stout

Reviewing the Obsidian Stout from Deschutes Brewery out of Oregon. They are best known for their flagship Russian Imperial Stout, the Abyss, which I recently acquired a bottle of. This is my first ever beer from this brewery, which and it comes with high regards.

Score: 94

2011 vintage bottle served in an oversized brandy snifter.

Appearance: Pours a black coffee color with a solid finger of creamy mocha colored head that slowly settles into a thin layer. Almost completely opaque, with a tiny layer of brown highlights atop the glass. Noticeable carbonation with absolutely amazing lacing. This is a gorgeous stout. 5/5

Smell: Black coffee and creamer/milk hit up front. Then lots of burnt/roasted chocolate and raw dark chocolate aromas. Getting lots of roasted malt flavors too. Hint of vanilla. The nose is not very complex, but it is absolutely inviting. 4.5/5

Taste: Velvety black coffee and light vanilla upfront. Lots of roasted chocolate on the mid-palate and in the finish. Some smokiness. Finish is burnt coffee and burnt chocolate. Then a "delayed," lingering finish of bitter dark chocolate seems to come out of nowhere and dominate. Yum! 4.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with medium-plus carbonation. Very creamy, silky mouthfeel. Finishes very dry and bitter. 4/5

Overall: One of the best non-imperial stouts I have sampled to date. This is one that lives up to its hype. Cannot wait to try the Abyss. A little less carbonation and a little more viscocity would have made this one near perfect. Given the current state of craft beer, Obsidian Stout is a sheer bargain at less than $10 per six pack. I need to get my hands of some more bottles of this.

Recommendation: This is a great craft brew that both beer geeks and casual beer drinkers can greatly enjoy. A truly magnificent stout.

Pairings: Steak or chocolate cake.

Cost: $8.99 for a six pack.