Deschutes Black Butte XXV

This is an 11.3% ABV Imperial Porter from Deschutes Brewery of Bend, Oregon. They release a version of this each year to mark their birthday, this was year 25 from 2013. It was brewed using dates, figs, and cocoa nibs with 50% aged in bourbon barrels and blended with 12.5% that had black currant added.

The beer pours black, with some dark ruby tints when held to the light. There is a half-inch of tan, semi-creamy head. The aroma is dark fruits, rich chocolate, light bourbon, with oak and vanilla, all melded into a balanced whole. The beer follows the aromas, the dark fruits take the forefront, adding in a tang, then the dark malts hit, chocolate and a bit of char, then it goes back to the fruits, hitting their dried tones, herbal, moist tobacco, with just a touch of bourbon through it all.  The finish is mostly dry, with a dark fruit tanginess, and a moderate bitterness. The beer drinks relatively smooth, but it could use just a bit more of a heavy, creamy body to stand up to all those flavors, the dark fruits especially cut through and leave it feeling just the tiniest bit watery. Fine point criticisms for a very well-done beer.