The Abyss - Deschutes Brewery

NWer

Washington

5/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I've enjoyed a sampler at the brewery in Eugene, on tap at a local establishment, and on nitro at the Deschutes Public House in Portland. It's about time I tick off a review - from memory.
The nitro was the most memorable but in no way demeans the beer I had on-tap. Poured dark of course into a funny looking slender/tall glass.
Sipping it slow. Want it to last forever. Smooth. Flavors: what they said. No need to be repetitive.
Can't say enough about this beer. Alcohol well hidden. No burn at all.
I am so glad I've built up a stash of the '10 and '11 to savor over time. Clearly one of the great beers.

Serving type: nitro-tap

01-08-2012 23:21:20 | More by NWer

HuskyinPDX

Washington

4.85/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

2011 Nitro, does it get any better than this. This is my second time having this. The first was during the 2011 release on November 15, 2011. Served in a half pint glass.

A - Served a dark chocolately brown with a nice dark tan head. The head never fades a bit and it leaves solid lacing down the entire glass.

S - The smell is strong chocolate, some slight coffee, nutty, with touches of vanilla and toffee.

T - The taste is very similar to the smell. The vanilla and toffee are a bit more pronounced here. Just an absolute delight to drink.

D - Silky and smooth, nitro baby. A touch of bitterness in the finish, but again. World class.

O - I made a special trip tonight just to have this beer on nitro. I am so glad I got to have it again. If you can, hunt this one down.

Serving type: nitro-tap

12-02-2011 04:24:45 | More by HuskyinPDX

colts9016

Idaho

4.9/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Marcellar put the Abyss on Nitro and it is awesome. Poured into a snifter at 47 degrees. From my notes I write this review.

Appearance: The head is a dark tan color and is foamy and creamy; furthermore, the head has really good retention with lacing on the glass. There is a lot of carbonation in the beer, visible from the sides of the glass. The clarity of the glass is opaque; it is like trying to look through tar. There is a lot of lacing on the beer glass.

Nose: A nice roasted malt, strong coffee, and chocolate aromas. There is a molasses like note with floral ester, resin, biscuit, and toffee. There is also a slight port aroma to the beer. You can smell the burnt character in the beer and the oak. The bourbon barrel age in the beer comes out very brightly and aromatic.

Taste: A very rich roasted malt, oak, espresso, chocolate, and a molasses are the initial flavors. In the background of the beer there is bread, oak, toffee, and a burnt character in the beer. The age in the bourbon barrel give the beer balance and flavor. The hops is subtle but there is floral, pine, and a hint of grapefruit.

The mouth feel is a full bodied brew that is very creamy, coating, and smooth.

Overall: The body of the beer is thick and the finish is full and last for a while on the palate. The beer is very well balanced and beautifully made. With beer being poured on a nitro tap, it just brings a whole new level the beer. There is not much to say, other than a great brew.

Serving type: nitro-tap

04-16-2011 03:50:50 | More by colts9016

hopsbreath

Oregon

4.68/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Undated notes from a recent trip to the Portland brew pub. Served in a 300 ml conical glass and paired with an elk burger and sweet potato fries for lunch. Wet dreams are made from lunches such as this.

It's been a while since I've had un-infected Abyss and this was my first taste of the 2010 batch. Boy-oh-boy what a revelation this batch is...

A: The previously described conical glass arrived to the table with about two inches of tight espresso like foam sitting on top of text book inky blackness. The lacing that The Abyss puts off is just amazing in this format. The foam NEVER faded. 5/5

S: Strong cocoa powder is supported by anise and soft bourbon notes. A treat in a glass is promised. 4.5/5

T: Light vinous notes meld well with the decadent chocolate richness that is amplified to the mousse level by the nitro. Brown liquor is gently warms and brings with it some nice caramel. Bitter cold pressed coffee rounds out the finish and lingers alongside the bourbon notes. This is just a rich complex dessert in a glass. 4.5/5

M: Again the nitro helps improve the score. The creamy elixir is just so damn smooth of the palate. Like a thick chocolate milkshake, a mustache of foam can be left on my upper lip and complete my audition for any future "Got Abyss" billboards. 5/5

D: Fuhgit abaht it... Bahtendah... Ahl 'ave anothuh. 5/5

Serving type: nitro-tap

02-08-2011 07:52:14 | More by hopsbreath

vkv822

Oregon

4.68/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

2010 Abyss on nito-tap.

Beer is black at the bottom of the glass, though as it gets closer to the head it does give some faint brown highlights. The carbonation adds some tan rising bubbles.The head is a brown fluffy cloud sitting atop the the beer. It leaves beautiful lacing that leaves a thing foamy cover of the entire side of the glass. There are thicker rings of foam lacing that show where each sip was finished. Gorgeous.

The aroma gives smooth notes of roasty malts, cocoa, espresso and molasses. The anise notes are there, though only as a faint back note.

The taste follows the nose, with an emphasis on the sweeter chocolate and espresso aspects of the beer. It gives way to more of the black licorice anise and a lightly boozy bourbon note in the finish.

The mouthfeel really blew me out of the water. Amazingly thick, full bodied and creamy smooth. The first thing I said in regards to the mouth feel was that it was like a beer milkshake. Now with all that said, it in no ways becomes heavy on the palate. It actually gives a wonderful fluffy airiness. Hard to describe.
I wish I could score the mouthfeel higher.

This beer is easily one of the most enjoyable and drinkable beers I have had. One word to describe the aroma, taste and mouthfeel? Smooth. Incredibly well balanced flavors, and an out of this world mouthfeel. Also it completely hides 11% ABV which really just makes it dangerously drinkable.

Serving type: nitro-tap

01-08-2011 22:06:43 | More by vkv822

boMD

Oregon

4.53/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

2010 Nitro tap from Deachutes' Portland Pub....

Poured opaque black with a light brown head. Head retained about a centimeter on the surface and plenty of lacing along the walls of the glass.

Nose was roasty, chalky, coffee, and cocoa. Palate was velvety smooth. Which masked the alcohol quite a bit allowing this to be very drinkable. Notes of licorice, chocolate, molasses, burnt brown sugars, ginger, and a whiskey-ish vanilla malt sweetness.

I would say this is one of the best Abyss experiences I have had. Whether fresh or aged. The nitro version is just to die for.

Serving type: nitro-tap

12-19-2010 23:54:05 | More by boMD

HopHead84

California

4.5/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12/18/2010

2010 vintage on nitro at the Portland pub before my flight. 

A: Appears impenetrable black with a gigantic light brown creamy head. Great retention. Looks like a beast, like a gaping crevasse affording the viewer a glimpse of nothingness and totality simultaneously. 

S: Aroma is anise and a moderate roasted malt profile with big blackstrap molasses notes. Dark chocolate is pervasive, and there's an earthy quality present. 

T: Rich and decadent, the beer boasts a big blackstrap molasses presence accompanying bitter dark chocolate, roasted malt, and some booze. The bitter chocolate finish is warming and dry. The beer strikes a nice balance between dry and sweet. Simply delicious. 

M: The nitro mouthfeel is silky and smooth, the body is full.

Overall: Outstanding batch this year. Not overly aggressive and great flavor.

Serving type: nitro-tap

12-19-2010 03:18:45 | More by HopHead84

jwilly03

Oregon

5/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Enjoyed a Nitro 2010 Abyss at the Bend Public House on December 1st...liquid bliss!
Rich and creamy from the first sip to the last, and what a great nose. Served in a snifter so all of those glorious aromas can gather in the bulb, hit your nose, and tell your brain that this is going to be a great experience! Very much a beer I will enjoy until the last keg blows! Cheers!!

Serving type: nitro-tap

12-06-2010 19:37:20 | More by jwilly03

Oldbagofbones

British Columbia (Canada)

4.93/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Not much more I can add other than that I just had a nitro tap at the Pearl brewpub. Hint of marmite on the nose and ovaltine on the palate as the silky elixir slithered down my throat. Sublime.

As much as others may suggest food pairings, resist the temptation and enjoy it on it's own. It deserves your full attention.

Serving type: nitro-tap

12-06-2010 06:54:24 | More by Oldbagofbones

Arbitrator

California

4.53/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

New serving type tick! Seriously though, nitro-Abyss '10 on tap at the Pearl brewpub in Portland was a thing of beauty. Having it side by side next to the tap version was an eye-opening experience. Huge thanks to ramnuts for hosting me and taking me around to try these awesome beers.

A: Pours, as does the regular version, a viscous-looking black with a menacing dark mocha head. The bubbles are fine, cascading up the glass as is characteristic of a good nitro pour. The retention is great, and the lively appearance is exquisite to behold.

S: Unlike the tap version, the sweeter elements emerge here. I typically find nitro beers dull and muted, but here the aroma is still pungent. Strong emphasis on anise, dark chocolate, molasses, brown sugar, and a smattering of espresso.

T: As in the nose, the sweeter flavors take center stage. It's almost candy-like, with a concoction of dark chocolate, molasses, brown sugar, and anise. I seem to pick up marshmallow here, too. Espresso, vanilla and bourbon flit in and out, but the woodiness of the tap version is barely detectable. Near the top of its category.

M: Much smoother than the tap; the fine bubbles give it a creamy, velvety texture. They also suppress the astringency in the finish, seemingly enhancing the sweetness. Bu there is still enough hop presence to prevent it from becoming treacly. Can't criticize anything here, except that it has a mild heat to it.

D: Abyss was the beer that made me interested in craft. I've tried dozens, probably closer to a hundred, barrel-aged imperial stouts since then. I have a small nostalgic fondness for this one, but I feel it's justified given that Deschutes actually hit it out of the park on this one.

If I had to rank the beers in the flight, I'd say...

'10 nitro and '07 tap (tie)
'10 tap
'09 tap
'08 tap (it was still boozy for some reason)

Serving type: nitro-tap

12-05-2010 20:24:11 | More by Arbitrator

cbarrett4

Oregon

5/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

The most perfectly crafted beer I have ever consumed (again)!

This review is for the 2010 release. Tasted with 2010 nitro, 2009, 2008, 2007 releases at the Portland Deschutes brewpub on December 1st, 2010 (Abyss release day!) Sadly they sold out of the limited number of 2007 and 2008 bottles within an hour!

2010 regular tap: showing very well, though youthful with a ton of astringency that will mellow with bottle age. This baby is heavy, rich, unctuous, and lively! The aromas and flavors definitely dwell on the dark and somewhat evil influence of dark, bitter chocolate with fruit notes from the licorice and hops. Tons of freshly ground espresso beans on the nose and palate. Also, there is a rich note of oak with grippy tannins on the palate. Sports a finish that goes on and on and on....

2010 nitro: same as above just slightly more texture and less astringency. Great for drinking now while the bottle and regular tap are a little intense. (Too bad it won't be around long!)

2009: tasted several times over the last year, and this was my latest taste. Still very young with emphasis still on rich tannins and hops. Needs 1 more year of cellaring!

2008: my personal favorite. This vintage is a little slutty ~ lots of rich chocolate on a polished and more subtle texture than the newer vintages. Cellaring has definitely made an improvement!

2007: if the '08 were an Oregon pinot, then '07 would be Burgundy. This vintage is smoky, velvety, yet subtle with more of the fruit and licorice notes present; also has a lot of espresso and some hints of toasty oak. My second favorite!

Serving type: nitro-tap

12-02-2010 23:33:04 | More by cbarrett4

Beernoisseur

Utah

5/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

There are times in one's life where you realize that you are in the presence of greatness. These moments are fleeting, and seem to come at the most unexpected of times. Such was the case with this beer. I walked into Marcellar's in Idaho Falls, Idaho (of all places) and they had this on nitro tap. If God drinks beer, he's got this on tap. I'm stoked to be the first reviewer to have had it on nitro.

Everything about this beer is sublime. I would give it straight tens, if that were an option. It was absolutely beautiful in the Chimay goblet. The nitro gave it a totally smooth, 3/4 inch cappuccino head, but the beer itself was straight espresso beneath. "The Abyss" is a truly the perfect name for the appearance.

The nose was subtle but sophisticated. Coffee, toffee, toasted nuts, and vanilla were all present. Not overwhelming, but very very pleasant.

The flavor was absolutely savory- the zenith of what this style should represent. Dark roasted coffee, toffee, toasted marshmallows, and sweet vanilla all surround very delicate herbals. The malt and the sweetness comes out strong (not too strong) in the beginning, but there's a powerful hop presence through the middle, and an especially bitter kick on the finish. This is everything you could ever expect from a beer, and more.

I could imagine that this beer, in and unto itself, would have incredible body and mouthfeel. The nitro tap, however, is like adding an exponent to the feel of this sensory extravaganza. Absolutely amazing.

Assuming I had enough of a supply, I could happily drink myself into oblivion with this utterly superb brew. Nitro is the way to go here.

Serving type: nitro-tap

03-29-2009 00:16:46 | More by Beernoisseur

Ahappyhiker2

New Jersey

3.55/5  rDev -22.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75

2011 vintage.

A- Pours black, has a decent head on it, tan lacing.

S- Aroma is very sweet. Coffee, molasses, chocolate, and malt are the main flavors I get. A little bit of caramel as well.

T- Initial sip I get a lot of bitter dark chocolate. The flavor is very sweet, like the aroma. It has a good amount of barrel character, nice amount of oak. Coffee, caramel, lots of burnt notes. Again, very sweet, not too sweet though.

M- Medium body, as expected with The Abyss. I traditionally prefer stouts thicker, but for what it is it drinks very well. Could use some more carbonation, its fallen off a bit.

O- The Abyss is always a solid stout, though for the life of me I don't understand why it's one of the highest rated beers on this entire site. I've had it fresh and aged, several times. It always drinks well and has a good amount of flavors but I always feel like it lacks something. As I said it's solid, but it never blows me away.

Serving type: bottle

05-20-2013 13:43:29 | More by Ahappyhiker2

douginromeo

Michigan

4.95/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Poured aggressively into a snifter. Bottle says best after 11/1/13 but I couldn't wait!

Appearance - Black, thick, and impenetrable by light with a 1 inch beige head that hangs around for a good 10 minutes.

Smell - Chocolate, licorice, and coffee with a hint of bourbon. The smell of this beer is beyond complex - lovely sweetness and maltiness underneath everything.

Taste - Oh the taste - I swear I heard angel wings flapping as I savored it. So complex and balanced without a hint of booziness. Sweet on the tongue with everything you want in a barrel aged stout - chocolate, coffee, bourbon, and a nice bitter finish

Mouthfeel - So silky with just the right amount of carbonation. Oily and thick - this is what I expect from a huge stout.

Overall: my favorite stout that I have ever drank, replacing KBS. It's so well done and complex! I can't wait to taste my other one after it ages!

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2013 02:48:40 | More by douginromeo

ubenumber2

Arkansas

4.79/5  rDev +5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

Poured from bottle into glass , deep rich super black beer with a beautiful 3 finger deep tan colored head and lacing that sticks to the glass and holds its place all the way through the glass. One damn fine looking brew

Smell is rich and earthy , the dark malt flavors just blow you away with a sweetness to it that makes your mouth water and just makes you want to take a drink

A well balanced flavor , the dark malts hit you with a hint of chocolate and the bitterness of the hops jumping in pretty fast and riding through the drink , the alcohol is well hidden and pops up at the very end. So many complex flavors that just mix together well but each making its own way on the tounge , just wonderful and just sweet enough to let you know what it is

Such a mouth on this beer , each sip feels like you took a gulp , the carbonation is to the perfect level to offset such a heavy brew , well done

Overall for me this is the beer that should set the var for all other Imperial Stouts to try and reach. Its complex , its unique and just one damn tasty brew

Serving type: bottle

05-15-2013 02:51:28 | More by ubenumber2

SebD

Ontario (Canada)

4.46/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Appearance: It has a nice jet black color to it. It has a nice thick dark tan head that dies down moderately slow and leaves some nice lacing.

Smell: The aromas definitely give out hints of sweet roasted coffee, dark chocolate, roasted malts, dark fruit and molasses.

Taste: Like the aromas, it has some sweet roasted coffee along with bitter dark chocolate, roasted malts, molasses, faint dark fruit, some woody oak, some licorice and maybe a touch of vanilla.

Mouthfeel: It has a low/med carbonation with a very nice overall balance and feel.

Drinkability: It's a very smooth drinkable beer accompanied with great flavors and aromas.

Serving type: bottle

05-14-2013 20:56:46 | More by SebD

deebo

Minnesota

4.34/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I've had the pleasure to sample a couple of previous years versions but never a large enough pour to review. Found 2009 to be fantastic and 2010 to be ok. Review of 2011 keg tapped today at a local watering hole.

Served in a 10 oz snifter, this beer has the typical Abyss look, we know why they call it Abyss, with a half inch of brown head without much stickiness, decent lacing. 2011 smells a lot like Obsidian but much richer and deeper in its dark heavy roasted barley malt. Slightly burnt. Not hoppy, yeasty or hot.

Taste is like the aroma with its dark rich malt that is heavily roasted with just a hint of acrid bite in the finish. All malt. Notes of dark chocolate and anise prominent.

Viscosity is lower than many of its peers yet this beer is completely devoid of alcohol bite which makes this beast way too drinkable. A couple bottles of this goes down easy...although it will set you back a few bucks. Smooth, carbonation seems right for this beer.

Overall, I've enjoyed this beer over the years with some seeming to be better than others although it's probably me and when I've tasted vs. variability from year to year as I assume it's the same recipe. A big stout that is quite tasty and could pass for a 8% ABV beer. Would like it if it was a little more affordable and easier to get but one of those special beers you wait all year for.

Serving type: on-tap

05-14-2013 03:51:51 | More by deebo

Humulus85

Minnesota

4.36/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bit of a back story; this is my second time trying this beer. First was the bottle I brought to 2012 Darkness Day to share amongst some new BA friends. It was getting late in the night and our table had already gone through many a fine bottle. My Abyss was opened and passed around, I got my pour then passed it to a very nice, but very drunk new friend who proceded to drop the halfful bottle onto the concrete. Beer abuse or a sacrifice to the beer gods? I believe the later. It was an epic night. So this one's for you Cumsalt, you know who you are!

2011 vintage poured into my favorite snifter.

Pours like old ass motor oil. Seriously the darkest beer I've ever seen. No light shines through even on the rim when held to light. Surprisingly nice two finger head that actually stuck around for a bit and left behind some lacing. Wow.

Classic roasty notes. Getting some of the molasses and anise. Hints of barrel juice and a bit of red wine. Very little alcohol. Well balanced for how much seems to be going on.

Starts of like your typical imp. stout. Tons of roasted malt and dark chocolate. Not as sweet as I expected. Barrel comes through in the middle, not so much bourbon but more oak and tobacco. Surprising amount of red wine flavors come through here. Finishes pretty bitter, like pure cocoa powde. Lingering finish with more tobacco.

Oddly high amount of carbonation for the style. Maybe a bit too much initially, but after a few swirls it calms down nicely. Heavy in body, but more modest for the style. Doesn't coat the mouth as much as some.

Overall, this is an impeccably well crafted and one of a kind beer. Not like any other stout I've had, and I've tried most of the famous big stouts. This may be the most complex of the big stouts I've had. There is so much going on, it's a wonder it works at all. I think the partial wine barrel aging is what brings this to that next level. With that said, this isn't my favorite. I prefer a more simple, straight bourbon aged stout. This also finishes a bit too bitter for me and the mouthfeel is a little light. This is a great beer though, and one that I will always buy a couple of every year. Worth the hype. Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

05-04-2013 04:26:18 | More by Humulus85

Siriusfisherman

Montana

4.8/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5

2012 Reserve

L: Pitch black with a creamy mocha colored head, excellent retention for a beer of this strength. Great lacing as well.

A: Deep chocolate/coffee roasted notes, sweet cookie malt, vanilla, licorice, cherry, touch of bourbon, noticeable alcohol.

T/M: Firm coffee bitterness upfront, moves into chocolate malt, bittersweet vanilla, licorice, woody cherry, slight coconut. Hop spice is present in the middle, but not at the forefront. The back reveals some more dark fruit and cherry, and has a long, lingering roasted coffee/chocolate aftertaste. The mouthfeel is very smooth, but surprisingly light, leading to a very drinkable beer considering the strength.

Overall, one of the most complex and well balance Imperial Stouts I have ever had. Huge, rich flavor and an intoxicating aroma, not to mention it's gorgeous appearance. A world class beer fresh, can't wait to put some age on a couple bottles.

Serving type: bottle

04-30-2013 21:51:25 | More by Siriusfisherman

gcamparone

Rhode Island

4.54/5  rDev -0.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 22 oz bomber into a snifter. Acquired in a trade. 2012 vintage.

A- Pours a chocolate colored body that's transparent on the pour but opaque once in the glass. The head is mocha colored and rises to about 1.5 fingers before slowly reducing to a thin layer of brown foam. Leaves blotchy lacing.

S- The stout characteristics are light on the nose with toffee, coffee beans, and milk chocolate coming in a little. The oak is definitely present and dominates here - fresh oak with a slight fruityness to it - is that from the cherry bark or the wine barrel? I'm not sure. What I do know is that it's unique and inviting. Vanilla and bourbon sneak through but you really have to strain for them.

T- Upfront I get a big flavorful punch of bittersweet chocolate, vanilla, toffee and molasses. This eventually develops into a dark fruit, almost tart woody note that is was definitely brought on by the wine barrels. The bourbon and oak characteristics definitely show themselves on the follow through - vanilla-caramel brought on by the bourbon and a fresh wood flavor mesh with the other flavors to really make this beer complex. The finish has that PERFECT lingering roastyness that I get in all world-class BA stouts. It lingers for at least a minute afterwards (reminiscent almost of burnt toast, but in a savory delicious way).

M- Medium body, but this does not at all take away from the experience. It doesn't have the motor-oil consistency of BCBS, but it's not TOO thin. Low carbonation.

After finishing this bottle, I can really see why it sits at the top of the top 250 list. The complexity of this beer is unmatched by any other russian imperial stout I've ever tasted, and that's really the shining point of this brew. It's not simply a BA stout, or vanilla RIS. It's a world class blend that is like none other. A must try.

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2013 01:28:56 | More by gcamparone

magictacosinus

California

4.84/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Included in the first monthly "Beermageddon Night" with several people. Erik is awesome for sharing this with us. Review is from my notes. This is a review of the 2011 vintage. Bottle lists it as "best after 08/04/12." Consumed on "03/13/13." Poured out of a 22oz bottle into a teku glass.

The Abyss definitely lives up to its name in terms of appearance: a complete opaque blackness with an off mocha head on top, and no light going through this thing whatsoever. Looks extremely viscous and thickened to the most ridiculous degree an imperial stout can be taken, and almost looks like a coffee liqueur as a result. Tons of lacing graces the walls of the glass, and the half finger head lasts almost entirely throughout. Pretty much near perfection all around.

The aroma is chock-filled with all kinds of spices and flavors that are integrated heavily at this point, but definitely in ways that are utterly over the top. Underneath an initial whiff of faded mint, there's strong anise notes, vanilla soaked chocolate, tons of oak, a boozy backdrop that resembles candied dark fruits, vinous characteristics imparted by the Pinot Noir barrel aging, and zesty, deep roasted espresso bean flavors. This is unbelievably complex, and while I could do without the alcoholic sting and a lot of the licorice, it's quite fabulous and unique overall. Aging has done wonders to this thing for sure.

One sip reveals (to me at least) why this beer has become so romanticized as one of the country's most exceptional beers. For starters, all of the stinging sensations imparted by the ABV are completely (and I mean *completely*) hidden here! It adds some sweetness to the overall profile here, which consists of roasted woody malt juiciness with vanilla cream, herbal and floral qualities (the hops are faded at this point), and a spectacular dark chocolate finish that is satisfying and decadent overall. There's some light coffee, as well as anise, but the star here is definitely woody properties that have melded so beautifully with the chocolate and vanilla flavors. Fruits abound, such as dark cherries and blueberries, but it's very subtle. Carbonation is lively and phenomenally present, which accentuates these flavors. There's no cloying sensation caused by any sweetness or excessive hops or booze. Balance is key here, while still showcasing all of the various degrees of complexity within.

Holy crap, I love this beer. Well, this vintage, at least. Aged this long, it's one of my new favorite things, and one of the most exceptional stouts I've had of its kind - if not THE most exceptional, period! It's definitely one of those beers over $15 that is worth every penny spent, and investing in a few to cellar is a must. This is a true testament to everything that makes me love craft beer so much at its best: an ambitious recipe, heart and soul poured into the product, a dizzying array of flavors, and yet, in the end, a drinkable product that never overwhelms but rather adds on to the senses. Incredible stuff. Lives up to every bit of hype. I hope other vintages I find of the Abyss age this well.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2013 07:11:28 | More by magictacosinus

AHood

Texas

4.13/5  rDev -9.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

I had this at a Deschutes tasting at a local bar from the tap in a snifter (which I got to keep, score.)

Appearance: Opaque black, one finger head of tan head which, to my surprise, dissipated rather quickly

Nose: Dark roasted coffee, anise, somewhat oaky, dark cocoa. Very intense dark and almost smoky aromas. Slight vanilla note peaks out at you once you swirl.

Taste: COFFEE! Black bitter coffee. Just huge coffee on the front which was almost all I could taste in the first mouth full of it, then it finished with lingering dark chocolate. One the second mouth full (after the palate annihilator) I tasted more of the roasty, toasty malt and sweetness of molasses. A little bit of the vanilla and anise I got in the nose came out, but very subtle.

Mouthfeel: Feels like it looks. Smooth, rich, and velvety. Almost chewy.

Overall a beautifully brewed Imperial Stout. I would definitely drink again given the opportunity. I would love to see what this would do after a year or two in the bottle. Well done Deschutes :)

Serving type: on-tap

04-18-2013 06:37:35 | More by AHood

Clonies720

Texas

5/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Deschutes The Abyss 2012. Dated "best after 11/01/13". 22oz bomber poured into snifter glass. 11.1% ABV.

Appearance: Motor oil black. Chocolately tan head

Aroma: Black liquorice, oaky effervescence, chocolate, vanilla, roasted malts

Taste & Mouthfeel: Smooth, creamy, an almost peanut butter like aftertaste. Medium-Low carbonation. Full-bodied and thick on the tongue. Very malty with a slightly spicy kick at the finish. The wood is very noticeable and creates subtle nuances in the flavors similar to the aroma.

Overall: Fairly tasty, but Deschutes is definitely right for stamping each bottle with a "best after" date to signify this beer should be aged before being drank. Luckily, I have two more bottles of this so we'll see how it develops over the next few years! Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2013 22:21:17 | More by Clonies720

rand

California

4.65/5  rDev +2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

2011 650 mL bottle poured into snifter

A: Small head, never fully dissipates, jet black in color, smooth velvety viscosity.

S: Nose is cocoa, coffee, anise, booze

T: Palate is huge molasses, boozy, grainy toast, hop astringency. This almost tastes like straight molasses with beer flavors added for accent. Nice oaky smoothness around the edges, keeping the booze in check. Finished long and sweet.

M: Chewy and viscous...sticks to every corner of your mouth, in a good way.

This is kind of a classic for me, a go-to decadent stout befor the whole barrel-aged craze took off. This and speedway, of course.

Serving type: bottle

04-08-2013 01:28:44 | More by rand

chrisgalvin

California

3.23/5  rDev -29.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3

Clearly I am an arse because I was not really satisfied with this beer and I bought three bottles to be as subjective as possible -- I just wanted to see what the hype was all about. I just felt it was a bit average, just not balanced for my palate and bit too much.

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2013 04:21:11 | More by chrisgalvin