Deliverance - The Lost Abbey

Odysseyalien

New Jersey

3.25/5  rDev -24.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

I give this a "3" because part of my problem with this brew is that it tastes more like a liquor rather than beer. Maybe not a fair judgment but if I want a liquor, I'll get a liquor. I don't care for saison's either cause they taste too much like soda. If I want a soda, I'll get a soda.

I like some strong ales...this isn't one of 'em. I couldn't even finish the glass I poured and I'm sorry about that. Big disappointment. :(

Serving type: bottle

06-16-2013 22:48:26 | More by Odysseyalien

BrianJohnson

South Carolina

2.68/5  rDev -37.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.75

Pours a black color, almost like a stout. No head to speak of, and really no carbonation either. Bourbon is very strong from the get-go, smell and taste. Almost drinks like a glass of liquor, not beer. I wasn't terribly impressed with this beer mainly because the bourbon taste overwhelms any other beer taste on this one.

Serving type: bottle

06-09-2013 00:55:55 | More by BrianJohnson

Rutager

British Columbia (Canada)

4.19/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Appearance. Pours a thick looking deep dark brown, almost black in the glass. Topped with a thin skim of tan head that quickly fades to a thin ring.

Smell. Very woody bourbon, buttery caramel candy, leather, and some chocolate and vanilla.

Taste. Big bourbon and vanilla, caramel candy, old wood, butterscotch, cocoa powder. Quite sweet, boozy, and very rich.

Mouthfeel. Full body with low carbonation.

Overall. A massive beer with tons of barrel influence. Nice to find an appropriate amount of carbonation (though that should never be a welcomed surprise...).

Serving type: bottle

06-03-2013 00:56:22 | More by Rutager

KFBR392

Illinois

4.08/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: Pours with a medium body and zero head. Pitch black in the glass. This beer has a very menacing and intimidating look, the high ABV would lend toward this look.

Smell: A heavy bourbon front hits right away. Maple syrup and molasses can be detected. Some unique sweetness from the brandy barrels but overall the bourbon is the biggest player in the aroma.

Taste: The lack of carbonation really makes this one drink like a glass of bourbon or cognac. The front hits with a thickness and taste of maple syrup. Molasses and bourbon hit during the body. While many of the flavors make you thing of a stout. the body reminds you that this is a strong ale, does not have the thickness of a stout. Sweetness from the brandy kicks in during the back end of this beer. The high ABV leaves the palette dry.

Mouthfeel: Dry, the lack of carbonation makes this a unique one.

Overall: I've always wanted to try some of the harder to obtain Lost Abbey products and I'm glad paid the high price tag for this one. A unique strong ale that has some very good barrel accents. The body is a little thin and some of the flavor get a little lost.

Serving type: bottle

05-27-2013 20:49:50 | More by KFBR392

ArrogantB

Colorado

3.38/5  rDev -21.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

375ml bottle that I only bought because I found it for $11, I feel bad for anyone who paid $17 because this beer is way overpriced. Black color, a decent head, it was not completely flat! Aroma was a bit of booze and malt, meh. Flavor was barrel and grapes, I mostly tasted the angel's share because I kept thinking of cognac. Decent beer but ridiculously overpriced even at $11. Booo.

Serving type: bottle

05-17-2013 01:57:18 | More by ArrogantB

MDDMD

Pennsylvania

4.28/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

A-dark brown color with minimal tan head and minimal lacing

S-bourbon, caramel, dark fruit, molasses

T-dark malt, brown sugar, dark fruit, chocolate, molasses, bourbon,hint of coffee

F-medium to full body with minimal carbonation, rich and smooth, a little boozy

O-delicious, really enjoyed sipping this one, the blend seems to work well

Serving type: on-tap

05-14-2013 10:43:10 | More by MDDMD

Kadonny

Pennsylvania

4.11/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a corked and caged 375ml bottle into a snifter glass. This is over a year old.

A: A dark brown/black color that does let a little bit of light in. A one finger light brown head sits atop. No lacing.

S: Deep dark malts coupled with heavy bourbon and some fruit. A bit oaky and earthy too.

T: I got roasted malts up front with lots of bourbon. These get mixed with dark fruit flavors, raisin, some chocolate, vanilla, oak and some coffee notes. Sweetness holds the beer together with caramel and some toffee notes. The roastiness stays on the finish as it stays sweet. Alcohol is huge and lingers.

M: Full, coating, a bit syrupy and a heavy alcohol presence (bourbon, of course). Carbonation was light but sufficient.

O: A very good beer, but not spectacular IMO. Give me the Angels Share any day of the week over Deliverance. I think the blending works, but I just don't think is as good than AS.

I'm glad I finally got to try and review this beer. I felt a little disappointed just because I din't think it was "spectacular", but no doubt it was a very good beer. Honestly though, for the price I doubt I'll ever pick up another.

Serving type: bottle

05-13-2013 14:33:08 | More by Kadonny

jdhilt

New Hampshire

4.43/5  rDev +3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Pours without a head so no lace. Pitch black color, no highlights. Very light carbonation and medium-heavy bodied. Molasses and bourbon nose, flavor is almost burnt, sweet molasses and alcohol. Some alcohol burn. Seriously expensive at $17.99 for a caged & corked 375ml bottle from Julio's Liquors Westborough, MA.

Serving type: bottle

05-08-2013 22:20:00 | More by jdhilt

Resuin

Massachusetts

4.53/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 375 mL bottle into a Teku glass. I believe this is from 2012.

Appearance: Pours a deep, deep brown, nearly black and leaves behind about a finger of tan head which fizzles away quickly.

Smell: Bourbon and chocolate flavors upfront along with some brandy and cherry. Some earthiness to it as well as.

Taste: Bourbon, chocolate, cherries, oak and vanilla. Finishes with some brandy which is very nice. A lot of the familiar bourbon barrel aged stout flavors but some differences, especially towards the finish of the flavor. A very prominent oak/rooty flavor throughout also makes it a bit different.

Mouth-feel: Medium bodied with a light carbonation - surprisingly smooth though.

Overall: This one has picked some some interesting flavors from its time in the barrels. Earthy tones accompany the delicious bourbon, chocolate, dark fruit flavors along with a hint of cherry which is nice. Overall, I was satisfied with this brew which mixed some familiar flavors with some different things to make for an interesting beer and its smoothness is exceptional.

Serving type: bottle

05-05-2013 23:09:36 | More by Resuin

ngeunit1

California

4.33/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Dark black with a finger of frothy khaki-brown head. Fades quickly.

S - Sweet caramel and chocolate malts, vanilla, oak, Bourbon, brandy, caramelized malts, brown sugar, molasses, black licorice, booze.

T - Sweet caramel and chocolate malts, vanilla, oak, Bourbon, brandy, caramelized malts, molasses, black licorice, coffee, brown sugar, and some booze.

M - Full bodied with mild carbonation. Smooth with a sweet and warming finish.

D - Great balance barrel aged strong ale. Nice blend of beers.

Serving type: bottle

05-04-2013 23:49:24 | More by ngeunit1

danbeam

California

4.21/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.5

The smell at first is slightly chemical, slightly piney, as it warms more coffee, espresso, cocoa. It it barely scented. I have my doubts.

At the first sip they are wiped away, drowned in a sea of majestic smoothness. Overwhelmingly strong raisins, brown sugar, dark roast coffee.

I'm too drunk to continue but this beer is grand.

Serving type: bottle

05-04-2013 09:05:22 | More by danbeam

mactrail

California

4.38/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Sensational mellow boatload of flavors. On tap at Churchill Cigar Lounge in Old Town.

Black and velvety in the tulip. Lots of lacing and a handsome beige foam that persists to the last sip. Sprightly on the tongue, with the carbonation mingling with the hot alcohol.

Really sweet and boozy, but kept in check by the hoppiness. Not too bitter, not too woody. Tastes exactly like a whiskey barrel. Huge dark roasted malt flavor with the alcohol scratching at your throat. Sweet and glowering flavor, rich and buttery, endlessly rewarding sipping. The tap version was listed as 10.9% but who knows.

Serving type: on-tap

05-03-2013 05:35:16 | More by mactrail

Axnjxn

North Carolina

4.29/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

375ML corked bottle poured into a snifter

pours an extremely dark brown color with no head. none whatsoever...0 carbonation. not unusual considering this is from the lost abbey. smell is bourbon, though no overwhelmingly so. the taste is where this hits the mark. somewhat sweet, with a dominating bourbon flavor. very thick. alcohol is very present but not overbearing. if you are a fan of whiskey then this beer will be a favorite of yours... if that's not your thing, then stay away as you'll hate this one. as for me, bourbon is my favorite...so i really like this beer.

Serving type: bottle

04-27-2013 00:48:55 | More by Axnjxn

thegoon55

South Carolina

4.3/5  rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

vintage 2012 into a three floyds teku

A- dark brownish black, light tan head.

S- strong strong smells of sweet bourbon and a hint of brandy. followed by some chocolate and mild fruit. (the more it warms the better it smells, sitting at room temp. this smells fantastic

T- strong barrel in the initial taste, very in your face chest warming followed by some nice dark fruits. very tasty beer.

M- medium bodied, medium carb.

O- good beer, glad i got to have it

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2013 22:10:41 | More by thegoon55

magictacosinus

California

3.63/5  rDev -15.6%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

Included in the first monthly "Beermageddon Night" with several people. Review is from my notes. I cannot thank Jon enough for bringing this to the tasting. Poured into a teku glass from a 375ml bottle. No bottling date, unfortunately, although this monster of a beer could probably age forever.

First off, we all know that the Lost Abbey is notorious for the under-carbonated beers, but this is ridiculous. It took about half a minute of struggling to take out the cork, and when it did, it dully opened with no pop of carbonation whatsoever. Pours absolutely no head to speak off, with a dark, almost violet looking film at the edges. It's pretty much opaque, but there's an interesting density change that happens at the center of the glass, ranging from black to a lightly tinged brown at the edges when held against the light. No alcohol leggings. When I got the dregs, there were some bubbles that showed up on the rim. A particularly intimidating looking beer indeed.

The smell, in particular, is ridiculously intense. Classic Lost Abbey raisin notes, plums, bourbon, brandy sweetness, chocolate, raspberries, blueberries, and syrupy sweetness piled way under a massive boozy backbone. I'm a huge fan of Serpent's Stout, and while I've never had Angel's Share, nor either of them aged in the respective barrels featured here, luckily the stout backbone in this beer seems to be winning. Maybe it's the power of bourbon, but regardless, it produces a more bready, roasted flavor that I find appealing over the presumably opposite intended reaction, which would be candied and vinous. Not bad at all, but definitely intense.

The flavor takes the insanity to the next level. This has a ton of heat! Flavors include chocolate, raisins, vanilla, charred wood (from SS), and vinous, fruity, candied flavors from AS. The brandy and bourbon in particular meld in a hedonistic way, to say the very least. Absolutely an explosion of all kinds of flavors that do indeed go well together, but still overwhelm the senses with the amount of alcohol dryness and soaked sweetness that occurs with every sip. This is one of the ultimate sipping beers I think I've had by them. I absolutely took my time with this thing throughout my small portion, and still felt the heat by the end. Totally nuts.

How does one review a beer this insane? I'm very glad I divided this with three other people. There's no way I could get through a bottle of this on my own. I would honestly suggest sitting on this for some time to let the heat drop a bit. The stout bourbon and brandy notes are really one of a kind here, but I must warn everyone of their overwhelming characteristics before drinking. This is definitely an ideal digestif, but is better consumed in small portions. Can't say I'd have it again any time soon, but I'm glad I got to try it. There's something to be said about recipes this ambitious in craft beer.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2013 04:32:32 | More by magictacosinus

watsonmd

Georgia

4.69/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

12.7 oz bottle, 51 Degrees, served into snifter

A: Pours incredibly dark for an ale. Dark brown head.

S: Bourbon, chocolate, raisins, very complex.

T: Similar. Boozy, slightly hot, bourbon and brandy coming through.

M: More of the same. Thick, sticky, coating....

O: Great beer. Glad I tried one of these. Need to add this to the cellar.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2013 03:24:30 | More by watsonmd

Agent1

Alberta (Canada)

4.23/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 2 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 4.25

Appearance – A dark, menacing elixir. A deep, black and somewhat evil appearance. Terrible head. In fact, none at all. Half the bottle was poured gently with almost no bubbles whatsoever. Then pouring violently, still no head. No lacing, no head at all. Perhaps a poorly carbonated batch? If not, this is a beer that could use some active yeast.

Smell – Dark chocolate. Lots of alcohol on the nose, which cuts through quite a bit. Molasses and bourbon are very prevalent. A slightly sour malt smell.

Taste – Intense and impressive. This is where this beer shines so far. Tons of deep, dark sugars and lots of alcohol burn. This is very similar to drinking bourbon itself. Vanilla, rye/ whiskey/ bourbon toffee notes, dark roasted coffee bean (from the grains), prunes and dates. Very nice dry, woody notes and the taste is extremely complex. Very sugar forward. Not noticing a significant amount of brandy with this, but the bourbon is definitely there. The brandy is mostly found on the aftertaste. Beautiful vanilla notes on the aftertaste. Very impressive. Strong brown sugar on the finish as well. Toasted dark malts and chocolate are at the forefront. Chewy and heavy. Very heavy.

Mouthfeel – Terrible carbonation. Almost none at all with this bottle. I am hoping this is not an oversight or typical characteristic of each bottle. It is flat and dull with very little mouthfeel. However, this still manages to stimulate all parts of the tongue and roof of the mouth. Oily, slippery and thick. Creamy with a smooth feel. Imagine what this would be like with a little carbonation.

Overall - Given the ABV and given the shitty carbonation, this beer is begging to be aged. Part of me wishes I did not open this, given the fact I have no access to it until I revisit the US. Assuming the yeast is not dormant, this could age up to 10 years at 12.5 % abv and perhaps become amazing with age. This could also potentially fix the extremely poor carbonation issue. Overall, this is incredibly boozy and not for the faint of heart. If you are not a scotch or bourbon drinker, you may want to stay far, far away from this, as it is an aggressive punch to the head. Delicious and complex. I would buy this again, but at $17/ bottle, hopefully the carbonation isn't an issue when aging or drinking every bottle.

Serving type: bottle

04-19-2013 06:10:05 | More by Agent1

kemoarps

Missouri

4.63/5  rDev +7.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

Pours a deep almost black with a red hint to it. You can see how thick it is. Minimal cinnamon coloured lacing, doesn't stick around.

little bit of bakers cocoa and bourbon. boozy dark fruits. so good.

It's... all of the things? That are good? it starts almost sweet, before giving way to the boozy dark fruits, with the bourbon and cocoa coming in to finish. Seriously this is really really good.

Creamy and smoothe which belies the alcohol bite that finishes it. Bitter bakers cocoa and alcohol finish it.

This is seriously one of the best beers I've ever had. If you have to push elderly people down concrete steps to get to it, well, you might be a terrible person, but so long as you end up with this beer you shall find deliverance. Seriously. Drink it

Serving type: bottle

04-15-2013 06:21:21 | More by kemoarps

yankeepride

New Jersey

4.34/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25

Finally took the splash and ponied up the bucks for one of these, and used my own advice of not cellaring something the first time I've had it. Had a rich, deep-deep amber/caramel coloring, and a potent smell. Split it wife my wife while sharing some brownies, and it was a perfect pairing. I got a strong sense of the brandy sweetness, more than I thought with the strong bourbon smell coming out of the snifter. It had a delicious alcohol flavor without too much burn, which was excellent. The only thing that I left out on my scoring was the room for improvement that would very likely occur if left to mellow and blend with time, allowing more of the actual stout and old ale flavors to come out and play.

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2013 19:09:45 | More by yankeepride

koopa

New Jersey

4.15/5  rDev -3.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Appearance: Pours jet black with a 2 finger brown crown that displays good retention and moderate lace.

Smell: Bourbon, grain alcohol, lots of chocolate, and some roast malt.

Taste: Same as the nose with the bourbon and alcohol dominating too much.

Mouthfeel: On the thin side of thick bodied with creamy carbonation.

Overall: A decent blend worth checking out once.

Serving type: growler

04-10-2013 23:17:39 | More by koopa

gr0g

New Jersey

4.38/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

375 ml bottle, 2013 vintage. Pitch black in color, looking very much like Serpent's stout. Head formation yields only a small cap of tan foam. Spotty lacing dots the glass. Aroma is barrel-forward and somewhat boozy. Prominent oaky-vanilla and ripe, candied dark fruit notes. The alcohol hides some of the complexity in the aroma.

The Serpent's Stout, which is the only one of the two components of this blend I've had, is immediately noticeable. The roastiness is tempered by the barrel aging and the addition of Angels' Share. Sweet, but not too sweet, and strong. Alcohol is more restrained on the palate than on the nose. Chocolatey stout character leads followed by tons of oak, vanilla, and a slight alcohol sting. The light carbonation nicely matches the heft of this beer, while there's a slightly syrupy feel to an otherwise thin mouthfeel.

While expensive at $15 for a 375ml bottle, Deliverance lives up to its promise and then some. Without a doubt, this is one of the best barrel-aged beers I've had the pleasure of tasting.

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2013 17:34:30 | More by gr0g

LiquidAmber

Washington

4.65/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a Lost Abbey Rastal San Marco Glass. Pours a very dark, nearly opaque broown with a fine, half finger light brown head with good retention and lacing. Aroma of dark and roasted malt, vanilla, wood and bourbon, nice. Flavor is really, really nice; dark and mildly roasted malt, chocolate, bourbon, oak, dark dried fruit, finishes with a hint of brandy and sherry. Medium, creamy bodied. Tastes like a perfect blend of its two components with excellent balance between the Angel's Share and stout. Both are excellent ales and this is also superb. Definitely a very warming alcohol presence, but this too is melded into the flavor well. Heavenly.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2013 03:33:39 | More by LiquidAmber

Zach225

Arizona

4.28/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Appearance: Dark, dark brown. The closest color to black while still considerably in the brown category. The appearance is not that of the most full-bodied beer, but does look rather syrupy and oily. A thin mocha head recedes into a film of small bubbles. Some strong alcohol legs as expected from the 12.5% ABV.

Nose: Opens up with big chocolate and caramel. Lots of booze. The bourbon and brandy are both present. Chocolate, coffee, caramel, alcohol, and some dark fruit and brandy/fruity-oaky heat synchronize like a chaotic symphony.

Taste: Rushes over the palate slick and oily. Dark chocolate takes over but immediately heats up from the alcohol. The alcohol is very strong, especially in taste with this beer, but isn't too menacing. It flows nicely with the beer and makes the overall product aggressive. Giving this beer some age would probably result in something truly spectacular and really mellow the hot barrel characteristics. Mid palate is warm and bourbon-y. Finishes long and warm with brandy.

Overall: Gives a feeling of foreboding as you progress through the bottle. The heat from the alcohol is massive and almost overbearing. I couldn't honestly say that the alcohol is well-masked or balanced nicely with the other flavors, but it still works. As I take a sip, I feel criticism for the beer because of this heat, but keep going back for more. It is complex, enjoyable, and definitely sharable. A real "on the fence" beer for me. Definitely worth a try and positively worth cellaring.

Serving type: bottle

04-03-2013 04:10:11 | More by Zach225

ElSid

California

4.45/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

The Beers of California

#78

Vintage 2013

A: Velvety black on the pour with a small cap of espresso foam which fades to a collar on the glass.

S: Big alcohol notes complimented by wood, vanilla, molasses, brown sugar and dark berries.

T: The alcohol is towering, smooth, and warming with highlights of wood. There is dark sugar, vanilla, molasses and dark berries which bring a countering sweetness to the alcohol. The malt is grainy, oaty and bready with moments of burnt cocoa nibs and espresso. The finish is warm with an accompanying earthy spiciness.

M: Full bodied and smooth with minimal carbonation.

O: This stout, strong ale blend boasts big flavors and big alcohol with subtleties and nuances that make for a complex and worthy brew. Hope to try the component beers soon.

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2013 02:49:04 | More by ElSid

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

4.29/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

This poured out as a deep black color with a thin tan head on top. The retention is minimal with a touch of scattered lacing. The smell of the beer is boozy, fruity, wooden, vanilla and bourbon. The taste reflects the nose, rich flavors of roasted malts and caramel in there as well. Subtle vanilla in the finish. The mouthfeel is creamy smooth and oily, moderate carbonation. Overall it's very good, really eligant flavors and te mouthfeel is impressive. Well worth the price of admission.

Serving type: on-tap

03-29-2013 22:06:58 | More by Knapp85