Green Lakes Organic Ale

Beer: Green Lakes Organic Ale
Brewery: Deschutes Brewery, Bend Oregon
ABV: 5%
Style: Amber Ale
Sample Medium: Bottle
Size: 22 oz

Impression: This is the closest thing to homebrew I think I have experienced from a brewery. It drinks like homebrew with bubbly mouth feel and carbonated zeal bursting forth just after swallowing, eventually giving way to a sustained mouth coating. The rusty brown color fills the glass with a deep beautiful presence I find most inviting. Upon the initial inhale a cider like aroma greets you. The flavors are intriguing and likely due to the 5 types of malt used in brewing this ale. This beer is enjoyable and sumptuous without undue complexity. I really enjoy the tobacco and molasses like accents somewhere near the end and upon exhale I am greeted with subtle coffee notes. Hands down Green Lakes sets the standard for organic beer in my book as (gasp) Deschutes has actually created beer and not just a watered down gimmick. If you choose to resign yourself to organic beer this will suit your daily needs. Since I don't, I would rather order up a Black Butte Porter.

Cascade Ale

Beer: Cascade Ale
Brewery: Deschutes Brewery, Bend, Oregon
ABV:4.5%
Style: Blond Ale
Sample Medium: Bottle
Size: 12oz

Impression: This is a light blond ale that pours up a hazy golden glass topped with a pure white velvety head. What makes this better than your average light beer are the hops. Deschutes provides enough hopping to garner citrus and fruit aromas which almost walk this libation into the pale ale class. I would guess that Deschutes probably used some adjuncts to achieve the lightness of body, but there aren't any detectable off flavors as a result. In the end Deschutes has created a perfect lazy weekend beverage to quench that midday thirst. It is my choice when I am not quite in the mood for the bolder hop elements of Hazed & Infused or Hop Knot. In many ways it reminds me of Session Ale and the general theme of that post would apply here as well.

Mirror Pond Pale Ale

Beer: Mirror Pond Pale Ale
Brewery: Deschutes Brewery, Bend, Oregon
ABV: 5%
Style: Pale Ale
Sample Medium: Bottle
Size:12 oz


Impression: This is a straight forward expression of the pale ale style. Mirror Pond is light and smooth without compromising a rich body or satisfying flavor. This ale pours up a lush creamy head. Unfortunately the head didn't last long, but the beautiful orange-yellow color more than made up for that. By far my favorite aspect of this ale is an elegant hopping that provides a crisp clean finish. The construction is just so perfectly balanced that each swig really satisfies and makes you want another sip. To be fair I must admit that I am a bit of a Deschutes fan boy but, then again their style of brewing matches my tastes. At the end of the day that is what every beer enthusiast is looking for, a brewer making beer you like to drink. Overall I rate Mirror Pond in the top 1/3rd of beers. It isn't going to blow your socks of or surprise you. It will however, consistently provide you delightful hopping and satisfying refreshment.

Buzzsaw

Beer: Buzzsaw Brown Seasonal Ale
Brewery: Deschutes Brewery, Bend, Oregon
ABV: 4.8%
Style: Brown Ale
Sample Medium: Glass
Size: 12 oz


Impression: The beautiful brown complexion that Deschutes references as chestnut, and a thick, lush, foamy head make this beer quite a sight to behold. However beside the elegant presentation, this beer is really light and finishes all too quickly. While I think this beer is fine overall it is also easily forgetable. There is a minimal note of carmel and a hint of sweetness but this isn't what I consider one of Deschutes finer beers. I don't mean to sound overly down on this brew, you could certainly thow a few back without a problem, but if I am going for a light brew from Deschutes I prefer Cascade Ale.

Black Butte Porter

Beer: Black Butte Porter
Brewery: Deschutes Bewery, Bend, Oregon
ABV: 5.2%
Style: Porter
Sample Medium: Bottle
Size: 12oz

Impression: This is a rich porter with plenty of malty goodness complemented nicely by deep chocolate and coffee notes. Pour it in a pint glass to fully appreciate this black beauty. It has a full bodied mouth feel and an apparent syrup quality, but an excellent hop balance makes this beer refreshing and keeps it extremely drinkable.You can easily order up a few of these without pause. This is probably my favorite porter and I would strongly recommend it.