I’ve been saving this beer for a few weeks now. I walked by it a couple times at the co-op and kept convincing myself that I couldn’t splurge…until I finally did (about $9/22oz). I had read too many amazing reviews to have given up the chance to try this Deschutes Reserve Series brew. The decision was well worth it. “The Dissident” is a perfect name for this beer. Brewers at Deschutes mention on their website (www.deschutesbrewery.com) that they have to separate this beer from all the others, as its characteristics demand dominance and attention. And do they ever.
THE DISSIDENT - Deschutes Brewery; Bend, OR
9.00%ABV
Serving: 220z to tulip
I usually don’t comment on the presentation of a bottle, but this one is noteworthy. The mahogany double-layered wax seal and the tan with black shadow label was aesthetically pleasing, which may have contributed to the fact that I stared at this bottle for weeks before I finally mustered the courage to slice it open.
A: Almost a finger of off-white to tan head that dissipates but only so much as to leave some froth here and there floating atop the beer. From top to bottom, the brew was copper, dark brown and red. Absolutely beautiful.
S: Sour fruits, like granny smith apples and other tart flavors paired with sweet malts. An incredibly inviting aroma.
T: Immediately sour, balanced out by sweet malts, including dark cherries and blackberries/raspberries. Reminiscent of a dark fruity lambic. Bitters gently touch the palate but can’t overtake the dominant sweet/sour.
M: Medium body; generous carbonation helps to emphasis the tartness.
D: The alcohol in this beer creeps up from behind. To me, there are zero hop characteristics in this beer, which is an interesting change of pace. If you dislike lambics, you’ll probably dislike this one. A very good and surprising beer for me.
The Dissident - A
i do the pours, she takes the shots
There is not a single Deschutes beer that I will not enjoy. Go ahead, prove me wrong.
