Update: I learned that the name of this beer had changed from when the first media release came out, and instead of “Black Pearl” this beer is now called “Origin Story.” Which is a much better name, in my opinion.

As part of its 30th anniversary this year, Bend, Oregon’s Deschutes Brewery reached out to past brewers to collaborate on seven new beers. I’m highlighting each of these beers in a blog post each day leading up to the brewery’s anniversary on June 27.

Origin Story (Sweet Stout)

Description: 30th Anniversary Collaboration with Frank Appleton (draught only). Frank Appleton joined Deschutes Brewery in 1988 as a brewing consultant, creating the formulations of Deschutes’ beloved brands such as original formulation for Cascade Golden Ale, Bachelor Bitter and Black Butte Porter. In the early 1990’s Frank returned as a design consultant for Deschutes’ production facility. “My first feelings about Bend was how small and remote it was, and I wondered, ‘Where are they going to sell all this beer in this little Budweiser town?’ Well, Gary and the team sure showed me! Bend was only the beginning!” Appleton worked with Robin Johnson, Deschutes’ assistant brewmaster at the Bend pub to create the recipe for this pub exclusive smooth milk stout.

Beer Geek Information:  5.2% ABV |  35 IBUs
When: Late June release
Where: Limited distribution in Oregon

Appleton started the Horseshoe Bay Brewery in Horseshoe Bay, British Columbia, in 1982, the first brewpub in Canada. He also wrote a book, Brewing Revolution: Pioneering the Craft Beer Movement, that “touches upon the foundation of what shaped the craft-beer industry in Canada.” Worth checking out.

Brewer Quotes

Frank Appleton

“It is hard to believe that thirty years have passed since I rolled into Bend with the brewing plant for the
brewpub, and met Gary, John Harris and the new brew crew. My first feelings about Bend was how small
and remote it was, and I wondered, ‘where are they going to sell all this beer in this little Budweiser
town?’ Well, Gary and the team sure showed me! Bend was only the beginning!”

All of these anniversary collaboration beers will be on tap at the Brewery’s Party in the Park on Saturday, July 30.