When Deschutes opened in Oregon in 1988, Black Butte Porter was its first beer, and it went on to become one of the best-selling craft porters in America. It is a smooth, rich, dark ale with a lovely balance of chocolate, coffee and a little American hop character. It is a benchmark for the style. I picked up a batch for this guide.
Deschutes Black Butte Porter at a glance
| Style | American porter |
| ABV | 5.2% |
| Calories | Around 170 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | Deschutes Brewery, Oregon, USA |
| Character | Chocolate, coffee, creamy, light hop |
| Best served | Lightly chilled, in a glass |
How it tastes, by the numbers
This is a smooth, creamy porter, rich in chocolate and coffee with a gentle hop lift.
The full review
It pours a deep, dark brown, almost black, with a creamy tan head. The aroma is rich and inviting, dark chocolate, roasted coffee and a light earthy hop.
The flavour is smooth and satisfying. There is a rich chocolate and roasted-coffee character over a creamy, medium-full body, with a gentle American hop character adding a little lift and a balanced, not-too-sweet finish. It is roasty without being harsh.
That balance is what makes it a benchmark. It has plenty of dark, chocolatey flavour but stays smooth and drinkable at 5.2%, the kind of porter you can enjoy a couple of rather than just sip. It is a proper everyday dark beer.
A smooth, rich, benchmark American porter with real history. If you like dark beers, it is a must-try and an easy recommendation.
It has plenty of dark, chocolatey flavour but stays smooth and drinkable.
- A benchmark American porter
- Rich chocolate and coffee character
- Smooth, creamy and balanced
- Drinkable at 5.2%
- Not as intense as an imperial stout
- Roast may be a touch much for some
Who it is for
If you want a smooth, rich, everyday American porter, Black Butte is a benchmark. Perfect for anyone who loves dark, chocolatey beers.
Deschutes Black Butte Porter FAQs
What is the difference between a porter and a stout?
The lines are blurry, but broadly a porter is a dark ale with chocolate and coffee notes and a medium body, while a stout is often darker, roastier and fuller. Black Butte is a classic smooth, chocolatey porter.
What does Deschutes Black Butte Porter taste like?
Rich dark chocolate and roasted coffee over a smooth, creamy body, with a gentle American hop lift and a balanced, not-too-sweet finish.
How strong is Black Butte Porter?
It is 5.2% ABV, a standard-strength porter that stays smooth and drinkable.
Where to buy Deschutes Black Butte Porter
Deschutes Black Butte Porter is available across much of the US in bottles and cans. Buy it using the button above.
The verdict
Deschutes Black Butte Porter is a benchmark American porter, smooth and creamy with rich chocolate and coffee. Balanced and drinkable, it is a proper everyday dark beer and an easy recommendation.
FAQs
Who makes Deschutes Black Butte Porter?
Deschutes Black Butte Porter is brewed by Deschutes Brewery (independently, employee-owned).
What kind of beer is Deschutes Black Butte Porter?
Deschutes Black Butte Porter is an American porter, at 5.2% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Deschutes Black Butte Porter?
Deschutes Black Butte Porter has an ABV of 5.2%.
How many calories are in Deschutes Black Butte Porter?
Deschutes Black Butte Porter has Around 170 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Deschutes Black Butte Porter gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Deschutes Black Butte Porter is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Deschutes Black Butte Porter taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is Deschutes Black Butte Porter made?
Deschutes Black Butte Porter is brewed by Deschutes Brewery in Oregon, USA. For more from that country, see our best Usa beers guide.
How do I open Deschutes Black Butte Porter without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Deschutes Black Butte Porter?
Lightly chilled, in a glass. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
