Deschutes Black Butte Porter and Obsidian Stout & Across Tundras

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Side by side comparison

Black Butte Porter                       Obsidian Stout

Porter
5.2% ABV 30 IBU
4 Malts, 3 Hops.
This is Deschute's Flagship beer,
"The One that Started it All."
 A nice enough start. Since then, in my opinion, they have gone on to much bigger and better beers. Standard Porter, tastes of roasted malt, and chocolate. Compared to the others this is a bit on the thin side. Would be fine if you wanted to drink several. Since it comes in six-packs that might not be a bad idea.
Every year they release an annual reserve edition of this which is stronger, and more interesting.








Stout

6.4% ABV 55 IBU
6 Malts, 3 Hops.
Pours as dark as obsidian (couldn't resist). For me, this was the better of the two. Just a little more flavor and it felt a little thicker. I prefer Imperials so this was just a bit thinner and weaker than I prefer. For those who think Imperials are too strong this would be appreciated. Tastes of chocolate, coffee. Also comes in six-packs.
To be clear, I will not drink this with any regularity but would not turn it down if offered. Just does not pack enough of a punch. Lacks intensity of flavor that I prefer in my favorite style.
Deschutes is not claiming it is Imperial. It is merely a stout.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Hopefully in the future they will make annual special reserve releases of this and increase the strength and flavors.

I know I shouldn't but I just can't help but compare these to The Abyss.
The Abyss is better.