Beer 356/365 – Deschutes The Abyss (2009)

Style: Imperial Stout

ABV: 11.0%

Purchased at: Sent to me by Jared for the home stretch.

What makes this beer different: Most of these are infected, but I am pretty sure I dodged a bullet on this one.

Will I be drinking this again: Yes but going to let it age a bit more.

Grade: A

10/30/2010: So I am sure most of you are aware, but there has been a huge problem with the 2009 Abyss bottles being infected. I went to a tasting back in July, and we cracked open 3 bottles… all of which were infected. Very disappointing because I have never tried this beer, and have heard only good things about it up until this infection issue. Jared was nice enough to sent me a big box of beer with some hard-to-finds for my home-stretch, which included a 2009 bottle of Abyss. Thanks again Jared!

The anticipation of smelling this beer is killing me… so far so good. No signs of infection in the nose; mostly roasty and molasses. The flavor is a lot of roasted malt, molasses, some caramel, some chocolate, and (unfortunately) black licorice flavor. Not really getting a whole lot of bourbon/oak? A bit on the sweetish end but thats ok with me. Alcohol is hidden well for 11%. Mouthfeel is just about perfect, on the full side of average, nice carbonation, but very creamy/slick mouthfeel. Overall this would have ranked up there with the best stouts I have ever had if it weren’t for the licorice flavor (a flavor I am not fond of).

Picture of the day: The biology of a hangover.