Black Butte XXIV?

Via a PR release from Deschutes a few days ago:

When: Available starting in July

Last year it was released June 16th.

 

Isn't it pretty much the same every year?

 

Nope-it changes every year-this year it's gonna be dates and figs. I'm not sure if it can match last year's, which I loved, but it still sounds great and I plan to pick up a whole bunch this time around.

 

i wish theyd go back to bbxi, that beer is phenomenal! good thing i still have 1.

its their anniversary beer right? so it should no doubt come out between late june and early july

 

Seconded. I opened one of my last two on Sunday and it was amazing. I need to hunt a couple more down.

 

Well it looks more like it's changing every 2 years if you're right about the dates and figs part. XX and XXI were coffee Imp Porters, XXII and XXIII were both chocolate, orange and chili, I believe.

 

My understanding is their intent is to change it up annually, but 23 was the recipe modified from 22 as the 22 didn't turn out as anticipated and was not released (pending exceptions). I would guess 25 will be different.

 

I was super looking forward to this but not being a fan of dates and figs I am now a little bummed.

 

Deschutes usually goes for balance in their beers, so I wouldn't think it would be a dateandfig bomb.

 

True.

I am sure I will still give it a shot, but I am wary --> not that that it will be bad, I am sure it will be good given Deschutes track record, just that I won't enjoy it.

 

The difference between XXII and XXIII as near as I can tell is the chocolate used. The experimental chocolate in XXII separated in the tanks, and though it didn't have an impact on taste, it was said to look awful in a glass. So XXII was released tap only at Deschutes brewpubs in order for them to maintain final control over its appearance.

And I agree with people who want XXI back. Though I thought XX was even better. Might have to do some side by sides this summer.

 

True, I havn't had XXII but XX was Amazing, XXI great, and XXIII very good

 

Some of the new stuff will be available during Philly Beer Week in early June...

 

I was not a fan of 22 or 23 due to the chillis. Dates and figs, however, are just fine with me.

 

I had XXII at the brewpub and it was awesome. I had some of XXIII but dont really remember it all that much. I still have 2 more bottles and was thinking about opening one soon.

 

I had XXII and XXIII a few times side-by-side...there's no comparison. The extra year on 22 really makes it shine over 23. I also really enjoyed XX and XI, and still have a bottle of XI kicking around I think.

I also had the precursor beer (test batch) to this year's Black Butte XXIV at the Bend Brewpub. It was called Date Night. From their website:

A beer for special occasions! Of course, what you deem special is entirely up to you. This Imperial Porter was brewed with Chocolate, Dates, Figs, Pomegranate Molasses, and conditioned on Hibiscus flowers. Deep with flavors of dried fruit, bitter chocolate and tart hibiscus, this beer leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling.

It was absolutely delicious...better even than XXIII. I'm really looking forward to XXIV.

EDIT: they will be serving Date Night in Philly for their beer week...@ Monk's.

 

I had 22 at a "Deschutes Night" in SoCal. Beachwood BBQ had 20-23 all on, IIRC.