Just like Christmas Vacation’s Clark Griswold, the craft beer legends at Deschutes love traditions.

But, instead of driving waaaay out into the middle of nowhere in the freezing cold to cut down a tree the size of a skyscraper, they treat their fans to a new release of their barrel-aged Black Butte Porter every year for their anniversary!

This year, we’ve got access to three different vintages of these bold, barrel aged beauties! Surprise your spouse with one of these, and they’ll forget all about the fact that Cousin Eddie decided to roll up in his RV and crash your otherwise flawless holiday.

Black Butte XXI 

Get ready for a boozy Christmas bonus that’ll make your buddies jealous! Black Butte XXI is a whiskey-laced rendition of Deschutes’ flagship Porter. The brewers crafted it for their 21st anniversary in 2009, aged it in bourbon oak barrels, and have kept it safe, sound, and cellared for ELEVEN years! 

The additions of coffee and cocoa nibs have bloomed into rich, inviting aromas of dark chocolate and oaky vanilla, with a whisper of smoky tobacco. The thick, velvety liquid envelops your tongue in flavors of chocolate dipped espresso beans and caramelly bourbon. 

Black Butte XXIV

Brewed for their 24th anniversary, Black Butte XXIV takes things a step further, with the additions of dates and figs. Like its predecessor, it was also aged in bourbon oak barrels. Eight years of cellaring have opened up flavors of chocolate covered nuts, belly-warming booze, and a whisper of well-worn leather. 

The aging makes the 11% ABV almost undetectable, but after a few swigs, you’ll forget all about the eggnog.

Black Butte XXVIII 

Time to gather the fam together, ‘cause this final edition is so multi-layered that it’ll rival any brilliant light display! 

Deschutes crafted it for their 28th anniversary in 2016 and aged it in both bourbon and scotch barrels! They infused it with cocoa, vanilla bean, peated malt, and sweet orange peel. It clocks in at an impressive 11.6% ABV, and you can just taste the subtle notes of smoky Scotch. As it warms, intoxicating flavors of rich chocolate, vanilla, and orange rise to the surface, for a delightfully nuanced experience.

You can snuggle up by the fire and try them side by side, or cellar them at home for even more boozy complexity! Or, you can give this Porter package to your favorite person on your holiday list, and start a brand new family tradition! Just, maybe don’t waste it on Cousin Eddie. 

Black Butte XXI is rated 4.24 on Untappd; 97/100 on BeerAdvocate!

Black Butte XXIV is rated 4.26 on Untappd; 95/100 on BeerAdvocate!

Black Butte XXVIII is rated 4.25 on Untappd; 94/100 on BeerAdvocate!

*While we’ve procured as many packages of Black Butte as the brewery allows, we apologize that every member can’t wake up with one under the tree. 

Tavour strictly supports independent beer. Deschutes Brewery is certified independent by the Brewers Association