Black Butte Porter -- Deschutes Brewery (Bend, OR)

Super dense. Super chocolatey (of the bittersweet / baker's variety). Super beer. Sometimes the review just doesn't need to say much more.

Characteristics: Dark brown, almost opaque color; low to medium carbonation, medium body; sharp opening of hops and carbonation gives way to dark, bittersweet chocolate malt middle and finish.

Minor Gripes: This beer is very temperature-sensitive. Served too cold, there's no flavor. Allowed to sit to long, it gets too bitter. But in the sweet spot, well, it's top notch.

Bottom Line: Black Butte Porter is the first beer I've tried in ages that approximates the wonder and beauty of Harar Stout, the pride of Ethiopia -- high praise in my book.

Rating: 7 / 10