Any news on that clone attempt? Just at a glance I thought the 20 minute addition of Simcoe might go against the notion of a less piney flavor, but that opinion is for the most part based on my experience with an single hop ipa made with simcoe...super piney...not sure which addition timings in the boil that will typically come from, but I figured a 20 minute addition might make this a pine bomb.
I tasted a sample of this beer a year ago at the Bend Brewery before a tour, and I have never pondered a single taste more seriously. naturally, I bought a bottle, which I drank a month later, remembering such immaculate balance of roast, chocolate and hops.
It was the first of the style I would taste, and for the past year I have tried and failed to find another that even compares. I am currently on vacation in Eugene Oregon, and as of last night can confirm that this one tops the rest, at least those available in the midwest. Good job Deschutes. 22 trials really paid off.