Black Butte Porter is a rich, dark beer brewed by the Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon. With its robust roasted flavors of chocolate and coffee, it’s a popular choice among porter enthusiasts. But like any beer, one question is top of mind for health-conscious drinkers: how many calories are in a bottle of Black Butte Porter?
A Brief Overview of Black Butte Porter
Black Butte Porter is Deschutes Brewery’s flagship beer, first brewed in 1988. It’s named after the Black Butte volcano located not far from the brewery in central Oregon. This rich porter gets its trademark black color and dark chocolate flavors from the generous use of roasted barley in the brewing process. Other specialty malts like Munich and chocolate malt lend additional layers of flavor and complexity.
With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5.2%, Black Butte Porter packs a moderate punch. It pours an opaque black color with a creamy tan head. Aromas of chocolate and roasted coffee lead into rich, multilayered flavors of bittersweet chocolate, molasses, and toasted nuts. The mouthfeel is full-bodied and smooth.
Available year-round, Black Butte Porter satisfies porter enthusiasts who desire a robust, flavorful dark beer. It also appeals to stout lovers looking for a highly drinkable yet bold brew. This versatile beer pairs well with hearty foods like steaks, burgers, and barbecue. It’s especially excellent with chocolate desserts.
Nutritional Information for Black Butte Porter
Now let’s examine the all-important calorie content. Black Butte Porter contains the following nutrition facts per 12 fluid ounce (355mL) bottle:
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 16 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
The main source of calories in Black Butte Porter comes from the alcohol content (5.2% ABV) and carbohydrates from the malt sugars. Like most beers, Black Butte Porter does not contain any fat or protein to speak of.
Calories from Alcohol
Using a standard conversion, we can determine how many calories come specifically from the alcohol content of Black Butte Porter:
- 5.2% ABV * 2.5 calories/gram of alcohol = 130 calories from alcohol per 12 oz bottle
So out of the 210 calories in a bottle of Black Butte Porter, about 130 come from the alcohol itself. The remaining 80 calories come from carbohydrates and other sources.
Carbohydrate Content
Black Butte Porter contains 16 grams of carbohydrates per 12 oz serving. Using a standard calorie conversion:
- 16 grams carbs * 4 calories/gram = 64 calories from carbs
So the remaining 80 non-alcohol calories consist of 64 calories from carbohydrates, primarily malt sugars. The few leftover calories come from trace amounts of proteins and other compounds.
Calories Compared to Other Beer Styles
Now that we know a 12 oz bottle of Black Butte Porter contains 210 calories, how does this compare to other popular beer styles?
Light Beer
Light beers are usually in the range of 95-125 calories for a 12 oz serving. For example, Bud Light has 110 calories per 12 oz bottle. So Black Butte Porter contains nearly twice as many calories as typical light beer options. However, light beers sacrifice flavor and body.
IPA
India Pale Ales range quite a bit in calorie content due to differences in alcohol percentage. Lower strength IPAs like Sierra Nevada IPA contain around 175 calories per 12 oz serving. Stronger double or imperial IPAs can contain 300+ calories. So Black Butte Porter lands right in the middle IPA range for calories.
Stout
Like porters, stouts are dark beers known for roasted flavors. Oatmeal stout from Samuel Smith’s contains 180 calories, while higher alcohol imperial stouts like Founders KBS clock in at 330 calories. So Black Butte Porter’s 210 calories slot slightly above an average oatmeal stout.
Pilsner
Classic pilsners like Pilsner Urquell contain 150 calories in a 12 oz serving. So Black Butte Porter contains around 40% more calories than an average pilsner due to its higher ABV and darker malts.
In summary, here’s how Black Butte Porter compares in calories to other beer types:
| Beer Style | Calories (12 oz) |
|---|---|
| Light Beer | 95-125 |
| IPA | 175-300+ |
| Stout | 180-330 |
| Pilsner | 150 |
| Black Butte Porter | 210 |
Ways to Make Black Butte Porter Fit Your Diet
Now that we know a bottle of Black Butte Porter contains 210 calories, here are some tips to enjoy this tasty beer while still meeting your dietary goals:
Drink it Occasionally
Black Butte Porter has robust flavor and makes an excellent occasional treat. But at 210 calories a bottle, drinking it daily can quickly impact your calorie intake. Save Black Butte Porter for special occasions rather than an everyday beer.
Watch Your Serving Size
Resist the urge to gulp your Black Butte Porter! Savor each bottle slowly. This allows you to fully appreciate the complex flavors while keeping your total calorie intake moderate. Limit yourself to 1-2 bottles per sitting.
Pair it With Physical Activity
Enjoy your Porter after cycling, running, or another workout. The calories will seem well-deserved, and the carbs help replenish spent energy stores.
Substitute Lower Calorie Drinks
When dining out, substitute a glass of wine (150 calories) or spirit like whiskey (70 calories) for your usual pint of Porter. This slashes calories while still letting you enjoy a delicious drink.
Consume With Low Calorie Foods
Balance out the Porter’s calories by pairing it with low calorie foods. Enjoy it with a salad, veggie soup, or light protein like chicken breast.
Consider a Smaller Serving
Some breweries offer 8-10 oz tasters of specialty beers like Black Butte Porter. The smaller serving slashes calories while letting you sample the Porter’s delcious flavor.
Share it With Friends
Split a 22 oz bomber bottle of Black Butte Porter with one or two friends. You’ll cut the calorie intake significantly while enjoying good company.
The Bottom Line
Black Butte Porter is a robust, flavorful beer with a calorie content on par with many IPAs and stouts. At 210 calories per 12 oz bottle, enjoying this brew in moderation is the key to keeping your calorie intake in check.
Use the strategies above to work Black Butte Porter into your diet in a responsible way. Focus on smaller serving sizes, occasionally substituting lower calorie drinks, and balancing it with increased physical activity. This allows you to savor the beer’s deep flavors and full body while maintaining your dietary goals.
So don’t avoid rich, flavorful beers like Black Butte Porter altogether. With some mindful planning, you can fit this satisfying brew into your regular routine in moderation. Just be sure to track your calories and watch your portion sizes. Then lift your glass of this classic porter and enjoy!
