32 years ago this Saturday, June 27, Deschutes Brewery opened its doors in downtown Bend. This year’s COVID-19 pandemic has put a damper on anniversary celebrations but the brewery is still releasing its anniversary specialties.

Here are the details from the press release:

Deschutes Brewery, Bend’s original craft brewery born in 1988, celebrates 32 years of family and employee owned independent craft beer on Saturday, June 27th with the release of their anniversary Black Butte Imperial Porter.

“Each year we honor our original flagship, Black Butte Porter, by crafting a barrel aged Imperial version for release on our anniversary,” said Gary Fish, founder of Deschutes. “This year our anniversary celebration will look a lot different, but we’ll be celebrating our memorable journey and our fans all the same.”

This year’s spin on the brew was inspired by the flair of a Spanish Coffee, specifically from Huber’s, a popular Portland, OR bar famous for their version of this cocktail. Infused with cold brew coffee and spiced with nutmeg and vanilla bean, Black Butte XXXII was aged in 12 year old Colombian Rum Barrels and combines aromas of chocolate, roasty notes, and coffee.

This annual tradition for the brewery is getting more than a new flavor profile this year, it will launch in 12 ounce bottles in 4 packs for the first time. “This way you can enjoy one, share one, and age a couple.” said Fish.

Black Butte XXXII is 13.4% ABV and 50 IBUs and is currently shipping to distributor warehouses. It will be available for a limited time everywhere Deschutes is sold in 12 ounce, 4 pack bottles and on draft.

But, Deschutes isn’t stopping there. Following shortly behind this launch is the release of Black Butte³ in July. Typically only available in Oregon, this release will expand to the greater market for the first time. Black Butte³ is a highly exclusive beer that takes 4 to 5 years to create. It begins with the Anniversary Black Butte Imperial Porter base that’s then aged in first fill Black Butte Whiskey casks, producing a unique and equally decadent beer.

Launching July 8th, Black Butte³ is 14.1% ABV and 35 IBUs and will be available for a limited time in 500mL bottles everywhere Deschutes is sold.

I like the 12-ounce bottle format for the XXXII, especially for such a big beer. And Black Butte³ is a great beer all around; I believe I still have a bottle from the first release. Perhaps I’ll open that or a past XX(X) series this weekend to toast Deschutes from home.