Deschutes, Great Lakes Brewing release imperial smoked porter collaboration brew

Deschutes Brewery and Great Lakes Brewing Co., both founded in 1988, have come together to create an imperial smoked porter to celebrate their shared silver anniversary. This beer is the second in Deschutes Brewery’s Class of ‘88 collaboration series, which celebrates the anniversary of craft breweries around the country that were founded in 1988. This new beer was created to build on a history of great porters from both breweries: Great Lakes Brewing Co.’s Edmund Fitzgerald Porter out of Cleveland, Ohio, and Deschutes Brewery’s Black Butte Porter out of Bend, Ore.

“We enjoy creating collaboration beers, and the sense of camaraderie and partnership that it brings, both to us and to our fans,” said Mark Hunger, brewing and quality control manager for Great Lakes Brewing Co. “This collaboration was especially gratifying as we are recognizing a true landmark in the history of both our companies – 25 years of bringing craft beer to market. What a great way to celebrate.”

Hunger and Deschutes Brewery brewmaster, Cam O’Connor, traveled to each other’s locations to work together on the development of the beer. The beers were brewed using the same raw ingredients, with the exception of the yeast and water in each respective location. The result? Fans will have to decide how much the two versions of the beer differ (or not) from brewery to brewery.

Both breweries have distribution in the states of Minnesota and Illinois, so side-by-side tasting events are being planned for mid-May in those regions. Stay tuned to the Deschutes Brewery events page and Great Lakes Brewing Co.’s website for more information. Both beer versions will be available in each respective brewery’s distribution area for a very limited time in 22-ounce bottles. ABV: 9 percent IBUs: 50

The first beer in the Class of ‘88 series was a barley wine made in collaboration with Rogue Ales and North Coast Brewing Co. The other planned brew in Deschutes Brewery’s Class of ‘88 series includes a Belgian-Style Strong Golden Ale with Chicago’s Goose Island Beer Co.