Deschutes Obsidian Stout 6Pk

Deschutes Obsidian Stout 6Pk is a year-round American stout from Bend, Oregon, brewed at 6.4% ABV and sold in six-pack format. It earned a 93 "Outstanding" rating on BeerAdvocate and took Gold at the 2024 International Brewing Awards — placing it among the most decorated American stouts in regular production.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.4%  |  IBU: 55  |  Origin: Bend, Oregon  |  Style: American Stout  |  Brewery: Deschutes Brewery

Production & Heritage

Deschutes Brewery, founded in 1988 as a brewpub in downtown Bend, has grown into one of the largest craft breweries in the Pacific Northwest. Obsidian Stout draws its name from the volcanic glass formed by rapidly cooling lava flows found throughout Central Oregon — a nod to the region's dramatic geological landscape. The grain bill layers Pale, Crystal, Carapils, Munich, Black Barley, Roasted Barley, and Wheat malts against a hop blend of Nugget, Bravo, Delta, and Northern Brewer, dialed to 55 IBUs. Irish moss — a red algae — serves as the clarifying agent, contributing to the beer's clean, dark appearance without relying on animal-derived finings.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rich and inviting, opening with deep roasted malt and toffee before settling into molasses-like sweetness. Espresso and dark chocolate dominate the nose, with hop character staying well in the background.

Taste: The first sip delivers a full wave of coffee and roasted barley, dense but not syrupy. Mid-palate, dark chocolate and caramel malt build body, while the 55-IBU hop backbone provides enough pine-edged bitterness to cut through the sweetness. The balance between roast and hop is precise — neither overwhelms.

Finish: A tangy, dry aftertaste lingers with espresso-like bitterness and a faint mineral quality. The finish is moderately long, leaving roasted grain and a trace of dark cocoa on the palate.

How to Drink Obsidian Stout

Pour into a tulip pint or nonic glass at 45–50°F to let the roasted malt aromatics open up fully; drinking straight from the bottle mutes much of its complexity. Obsidian Stout also works as a cocktail ingredient: try a Black Velvet by layering it with dry sparkling wine for a textural contrast; mix a Stout Flip with a whole egg, simple syrup, and a dash of nutmeg for a rich, dessert-like drink; or build a Coffee Stout Float poured over vanilla bean ice cream, where the beer's native espresso character amplifies naturally.

Best For

• Introducing a macro-lager drinker to full-flavored craft stouts
• Pairing with a steak dinner or weekend barbecue
• Stocking a home fridge with a dependable year-round dark beer
• Gifting a craft-beer enthusiast who appreciates Oregon brewing

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Obsidian Stout taste like? Obsidian Stout leads with bold espresso and dark chocolate flavors built on roasted barley and black malt, balanced by a firm hop bitterness that keeps the sweetness in check. It finishes dry and tangy with lingering coffee notes.

How does Obsidian Stout compare to Guinness Draught? Guinness Draught is a lighter Irish dry stout at 4.2% ABV with a thinner body and milder roast character, while Obsidian Stout runs 6.4% ABV with significantly more malt complexity, higher bitterness at 55 IBUs, and a deeper chocolate-espresso profile. Many drinkers consider Obsidian a step up in intensity and flavor density from Guinness.

Is Obsidian Stout good for beginners? Its approachable balance and moderate ABV make it an excellent gateway into American stouts — the roasted flavors are bold but not aggressive, and the dry finish keeps it drinkable.

Where is Obsidian Stout made? Obsidian Stout is brewed by Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon, a high-desert city in Central Oregon known for its volcanic terrain and thriving craft beer scene.

What foods pair well with Obsidian Stout? Grilled ribeye steak benefits from the beer's roast-forward bitterness cutting through rich fat. Dark chocolate brownies echo the cocoa and espresso notes. Smoked cheddar mirrors the malt's toasty quality. Barbecued brisket finds a natural partner in the beer's dry, tangy finish. Oysters on the half shell — a classic stout pairing — play off the mineral, briny undertones.

What sizes does Obsidian Stout come in? Obsidian Stout is commonly available in 12 oz six-packs, which is the standard retail format for this year-round release.

Is Obsidian Stout worth the price? Obsidian Stout positions as a mid-range craft six-pack that significantly over-delivers for its tier — a 93-point BeerAdvocate score and Gold at the International Brewing Awards place it alongside stouts that often cost more per bottle.

Why Obsidian Stout?

Few American stouts available year-round carry the critical pedigree of Obsidian. Craft Beer & Brewing awarded it 99 out of 100, and BeerAdvocate rates it 93 "Outstanding," ranking it among the top American stouts on the platform. The 2024 and 2019 Gold medals at the International Brewing Awards confirm consistency across production years — not a single exceptional batch. For a beer inspired by the volcanic glass of Central Oregon, it delivers exactly what the name suggests: dark, sharp, and unmistakably bold.