The Abyss - Deschutes Brewery

seedsofchaos

Illinois

3.98/5  rDev -12.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Just received a batch of 2011 Abyss from a great trading partner: Johngalt1. We decided that we wanted to review a bottle of 2011 fresh and compare with fresh notes from last years. I had to mark this serving type as a 'can' as, for whatever reason, I can't review a different vintage with the same serving type.

Appearance aside, this really smells and tastes like a completely different beer. High SRM but not quite black. This really borders on coffee black than true black with plenty of ruby around the edges. Low, but evident carbonation, makes a small 1/4" head that quickly fades.

First impressions of the aroma are caught up in roast and chocolate malts. Very fudgey while chilled, more wine-like aromas come up as Abyss creeps towards room temperature. I smell delicate white wine and chardonnay. This has much more oak in the bouquet than the 2010 did. No fruity aromas like the previous year, a bit of fruit comes out in the flavor. Oaked white wine and baker's chocolate are centerstage in the flavor. Very simple on the tongue. Earthy hops. Smooth mouthfeel. Velvety.

All in all, this is still a fantastic beer but logic tells me that the recipe has changed... Can this even be the case? Oak and wine are much more prevalent whereas fruitiness is mostly absent. It'll be nice to do a vertical soon.

Serving type: can

01-24-2012 02:40:18 | More by seedsofchaos

Stevedore

Wisconsin

4.38/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Review #100!

Context: Shared bottles of '11 and '12 vintages with Dactrius and lunarbrew today, 6/10/2013; blinded & in snifter glasses. The review is based on my preferred vintage, 2012.

Aroma: Really really complex stuff. Smells incredibly mellow with a good chunk of chocolate and dark fruits. A little bit of roasted black coffee. The rest is pretty boozy. It promises a heavy night ahead for us. (4)

Colour: Typical imperial stout. Very dark brown, nearly black and opaque beer that is incredibly thick. Pours with a small <1 cm mocha head that sticks around as a thick film on top of the beer. Very tasty looking, but not necessarily heads and tails above other imperial stouts I've seen. (4)

Flavour: Nice! Super smooth but it roundhouse kicks you in the face with the sheer booziness and dark fruits. Very, very aggressive dark fruit (figs, dates) sweetness with a wee bit of vanilla. Not much oak, which isn't surprising as Abyss isn't even half barrel aged. But I really enjoyed the flavour profile on this beer. (4.5)

Mouthfeel: Really, really thick bodied and creamy in the mouth. Carbonation was OK, nothing special. The beer leaves a thin brown film when I swirl it, really thick beer. The lacing wasn't anything special, but damn this beer is really thick and creamy, very enjoyable to drink. The only thing that detracts from here is the booziness- you can taste the heat even from the beginning. (4.5)

Overall: the '12 was incredibly mellow, creamy and tasty. The '11 was a bit more subdued, not as "punch in the face" as the '12, but I appreciated the greater intensity of the flavours in the '12. It's a very excellent imperial stout that I would definitely grab a bottle per year if I had better access to Deschutes beers. (4.5)

Serving type: bottle

06-11-2013 03:55:43 | More by Stevedore

ThePaleRider

California

4.5/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - Very, very dark. Thin, rich dark chocolate head that has pretty good retention. Awesome looking stout.

S - Dark chocolate, coffee, and booze. Lots of roared and smokey aromas.

T - Very smooth. Didn't encounter any of the booze that I was picking up on in the aroma. A little peppery spice hits the tongue and then comes in the dark chocolate. A little smoke and pretty aggressive malts in the after taste.

M - Very heavy and stays on the palette long after your last sip. No carbonation to speak of. Very nice.

O - Really amazing brew and so honored to have scored it on tap. Lived up to the hype and would gladly buy another. Would really love to have an aged bottle.

Serving type: on-tap

05-31-2013 16:51:21 | More by ThePaleRider

Brenden

Ohio

4.41/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Notes are from a few months ago, a bottle shared at The Attic.

Viscous and thick and a heavy, heavy pitch black, it truly does seem like I'm peering into the Abyss. It's just plain beastly-looking. The brown head has a good deal of the thickness found in the body of this stout, though it doesn't sit quite as tall or as thick as the impressive heft would dictate. That said, the head shows great retention and clings very nicely to the glass in some heavy patching.
The aroma gives a hint of deliciousness to come. The balance of sweetness with the lightly charred edge and a big oaky presence is impressive. Roast (of course) and coffee mingle with the caramel, toffee, molasses, cocoa and vanilla and a note almost black licorice make up the sweetness. It's not as strong or deep as I hope the flavor to be, but very good nonetheless.
The flavor doesn't disappoint. The roast and coffee bring up some bitterness and there's a char to it that can add an element of depth and deliciousness only if it can be tamed, and it is. All the big sweetness in the aroma comes out even more deeply and dances in synch. The wood adds a further balancing dryness and bit of flavor itself without going overboard. All of this just balances so well.
The feel is exceptionally thick and weighty in a big, big body with exceptional creamy smoothness. It does sit heavy, though. Alcohol seems to thin the finish just a touch, but not too much.

Serving type: bottle

05-29-2013 14:33:58 | More by Brenden

merc7186

New York

4.01/5  rDev -12.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Full Vertical from 2006 to 2012 (except the infected 2009 bottle)

After drinking all of them, I liked the 2008 version the best.

A: Dark Opqaue Hue, Passes No Light, Dark Brown Hue, Decent Lacing

S: Charred Oak, Coffee, Roasty

T: Coffee, Nutty, Charcoal, Mild Molasses

M: Decent Carbonation, Full Bodied, Nutty, Filling

Overall, it was awesome to get to do the entire vertical at once as see the nuances between the different vintages.

Serving type: bottle

05-26-2013 22:03:09 | More by merc7186

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

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

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

lordofstarside

Nevada

4.85/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

2012 bomber to snifter

Pours midnight black with a half finger of khaki foam, absolutely no transparency anywhere. No visible carbonation, good legs and lacing.

Smells of french oak, coffee, chocolate, bourbon, butterscotch, molasses, wine, hops, toffee, vanilla, cherry and other dark fruits, alcohol, banana, a mild malt. Very rich and layered, quite complex. I could sniff this stuff all day

Taste follows the nose very well- up front roast coffee malts, hints of vanilla, oak, molasses and brown sugar, butter scotch, toffee, bourbon, figs, a touch of alcohol, and a strong chocolate and cherry after taste. Like the aroma, there's a ton going on here

The feel is full bodied and thick, chewy and creamy. It's upfront pretty bitter, but has a finish that ends pretty strongly on the sweet side. The alcohol is almost undetectable, impressive for how much there is after only about six months. After taste of that chocolate and cherry lingers for quite a while, really good

Overall this stuff is incredible. If it's this good thus far, it's hard to imagine how it will improve after the best after date. Well worth the hype

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2013 06:16:17 | More by lordofstarside

darthhamby

Missouri

4.76/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

I have two bottles of the Deschutes Abyss 2012. One I am trying now, the other I will age for a year. It's an Imperial Stout that is aged in French oak and bourbon barrels. 11% ABV, and it's about 48°F.

Right off the bat, you pick up on the vanilla and bourbons notes with a little bit of dark chocolate and roasted malt lingering on the finish. Full body, almost syrupy, like molasses. I do think I pick up on a faint whisper of anise. A lot of depth comes out and completes the finish with a espresso taste, but I swear it has some personality like wine with the oaky characteristics and some dark fruits.

The carbonation is low, which you expect with an Imperial Stout. She's balanced and has a velvety, smooth finish. 65 IBU's make this a world class Imperial Stout in my opinion.

This would go great with a freshly grounded beef burger with grilled onions and swiss cheese. Can't wait to taste it in a year.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2013 03:08:46 | More by darthhamby

papat444

Quebec (Canada)

4.59/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

*** 2011 Vintage ***

Big thanks to Rutager for this long time want.

Poured from a bomber, best after 8/4/12.

Appearance: Huge dark brown head that doesn't fill the glass too much but enough to make it eye-catching. Body id real dark, almost black. Head slowly cascades and nice hanging lacing is left as the glass empties itself.

Smell: Lots of cocoa, some vanilla, oak soaked, bit of chocolate.

Taste: Milky coffee, cocoa nibs, strong oak presence but not overbearing, charcoal, strong vanilla, cork in the aftertaste, bit of black licorice, wine-like oak backbone.

Mouthfeel: Ultra smooth & creamy, very low carbonation, velvety, easy to drink, balanced.

Overall: Flavors are various but they all fit without crowding each other. One of my favorites in recent memory. I'd have a cellar full of this!

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2013 12:01:08 | More by papat444

jbeezification

Texas

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

2011 bottle poured into a snifter at the first ever Nobi Public House tasting on March 10, 2013. Thanks to a non-BA member Tim, who brought this and the 2010 Jubel.

Pours a beautiful dark brown almost black. Good finger and a half head that settled to a thin lacing. Very nice for an almost 2 year old bottle. Smells of coffee, chocolate and what I can only call deliciousness. This is truly a delight even before taking a sip.

Tastes of chocolate, coffee and oakey notes I assume from barrels. A good amount of coffee bitterness is still present and balances out the tastes perfectly. This bottle has aged very well.

I normally wouldn't review a beer that I had only at a tasting but its Abyss and I sort of hoarded it and drank a bit more than the typical tasting amount, nobody seemed to mind.

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2013 18:01:37 | More by jbeezification

SHerninko

Pennsylvania

4.65/5  rDev +2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75

Enjoyed as the final beer, paired with dessert, at a BYOB in Phoenixville, PA. My contribution.
Bomber bottle cellared from the 2007 edition (2007 - Released January 2008)

*A: Dark, some slight brown, thick, slight carbonation, very nice lacing-long legs, some slight tannish head (so carbo has stayed even though it's a 2007).
*S: Licorice, smoky, peaty, some coffee, some hops as it warmed up near the end.
*T: Mmmmm mmm good. Classic high-end double or Russian Imperial taste. Fairly strong black licorice, coffee bitterness in the finish, molasses and oak. Very high level representation of the category and complex flavor characteristics that are multi-level. From initial pour to the last few warm drops in the glass, it slightly changed and opened up.
*M: Creamy but with some carbonation to keep it interesting. Not the thickest, but it coats the tongue and has a long pronounced finish (mostly coffee). No alcohol burn, it's hidden.
OVERALL: Great stout, wonderful it is "American" but wish it was from the east coast. Tough to get here. It hit on all the classic, key marks it needed to. Not a lot of bourbon, but enough of it to add to the experience and not overwhelm the experience.

Serving type: bottle

03-15-2013 17:57:18 | More by SHerninko

flydudehsv

California

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

22 oz bottle 2012. Pours solid blackish brown with a healthy espresso head. The aroma is top notch coming strongly from the tulip glass. Big coffee notes with vanilla, tart fruit, black licorice and subtle traces of bourbony goodness. The taste is complex with coffee, chocolate mousse, and sweet rock candy up front followed by oaky vanilla, graham cracker and a little heat from the bourbon. There’s beautiful bubbly lacing hanging about the glass. The palate offers a slightly syrupy texture with a good bit of carbonation to balance it. Awesome Imperial Stout!

Serving type: bottle

03-14-2013 07:29:21 | More by flydudehsv

jimmy82063

Connecticut

4.45/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a bomber into a snifter. Pours a jet black with a nice chocolate brown head that quickly dissipates. The smell is of bourbon, oak and smoke (burnt leather).. For the taste I am getting chocolate, coffee, vanilla, licorice and some bourbon. Interesting thing is am getting a nice bitterness at the end that may be because this beer being aged in Oak Wine barrels. There is a lot going on with this beer. Mouthfeel is nice with just some slight carbonation.

Can see the hype, glad to have tried. Will try to get this every year!

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2013 00:55:46 | More by jimmy82063