Deschutes The Enigma

Formerly brewed at Deschutes Brewery
Style: American Pale Ale
Bend, Oregon USA

Serve in Lager glass, Shaker

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(Draft: 2005 Oregon Brewers Festival in Portland, OR) Another "buzz" beer at this festival, I decided to brave the long line. Pleasant English nose to this beer, light caramel, fruity. The flavor is nutty and fruity, with mild hops and a bit of grapefruity citrus on the back end. Nice smooth palate, medium body. Hazy, light amber color with an off-white head. A nice surprise, and worth waiting in the long line to try this beer.

GABF 2005. Light yellow. Weak aroma. Taste is toffee, caramel. Balanced sweetness with noticable hop bitterness in the finish. Lots of ESB qualities, but nothing special.

On tap at the 2005 OBF. This was mirror pond in Pinot barrels, or so they said. Pours amber with an off-white head. The barrel gave this thing an amazing flavor up front, very earthy, nutty, caramel sweetness, buttery smooth, to a fruity medium hopped finish.

Tasted on Tap at 2005 OBF. Medium amber color. Small to medium sized white foamy head. Aroma is caramel, touch of oak and fruity. A medium bodied American Pale Ale. Malts are caramel and fruity. Hops are earthy and floral. This one is more in the English style of Pale Ales. Yet there is a touch of the Pac NW hops in the beer. The Pinot Noir cask adds an oaky and a slightly vinous quality to the beer. Very Interesting. Mouthfeel is Full and round. Finish is clean and smooth. Aftertaste is slightly bitter.