The Abyss - Deschutes Brewery

RaulMondesi

California

3.05/5  rDev -33.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Sippin' on this thang at Haven Gastro Pub in Old Town Orange, CA

Saw that this bad boy has a 100 and it had me intrigued. Even at $12 a pop, I couldn't resist. But now Raul wishes that he did.

Look? Like a good stout. Not much to say.

Aroma? A little coffee, toffee even. But nothin' blowin up at me like a gangsta would want.

Taste? HUGE letdown. Boozy, a bit harsh (a bit), and just not that great. I mean, it's palatable, but wow...

Mouthfeel? Is there any? Oh yeah, not much. I've had richer, silkier, and more supple Stouts than this thang.

Not only does Raul not approve. He says run. Run to the nearest Old Rasputin that you can find!

Edit: It was served overly cold out of the tap and it is getting better as it warms.

Serving type: on-tap

01-03-2013 00:29:28 | More by RaulMondesi

BrownNut

Florida

4.25/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

2011 vintage drunk in December 2012, served starting at 60 degrees F in a tulip.

A - 4.5 - Black, with a thick, textured, lingering, tan head. Only with a Sam Smith's head could it score higher for me.

S - 4.0 - Dark chocolate, a little malty coffee. I thought I got something slightly vinous and then saw on the label that a small percentage of it is aged in wine barrels, so maybe that's it. Possibly some vanilla. Near the end of the glass, after a swirl, a nice, mild, milky coffee note really came out.

T - 4.25 - First impression is wood, more than desirable. Barely noticeable under that is unsweetened chocolate, kind of a powdery version of it, and some coffee. Later, as the head dissipates, the wood notes recede and the other flavors come forward, with the chocolate going a bit sweeter into dark chocolate territory, to make for a better balance. No booze is evident. The label mentions licorice and bourbon barrels but I don't get any of either (I get the wood from the barrels but no bourbon). I wonder if they'd have been more prominent when fresh. No idea what cherry bark, also mentioned on the label, tastes like - presumably wood. I don't taste the vanilla or wine either. Leaves me with a bitter char aftertaste, and later with that plus a sweet chocolate syrup note.

It's interesting how the experience changes from the top of the glass to the bottom, and not just due to changing temperature. Both of the glasses I poured from the bomber, over about 30 minutes, went through the same transition rather than a single transition spread across both glasses as it warmed.

M - 4.5 - North of medium bodied but not as heavy as some of its puddinglike peers. Smooth and creamy. A pleasure.

O - 4.25 - This is a well made and subtle stout with mature flavors. Very well done overall. Sadly the hype had led me to expect it to be one of the very best, so it's a bit of a letdown. But that fall just takes it from sublime down to very good. I'd drink it again for sure but wouldn't chase it via trade again. I'm glad I tried it.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2012 02:05:17 | More by BrownNut

dmbsteve

Tennessee

4.23/5  rDev -7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

2012 batch poured from a bomber.
A- Pitch black with a finger of brown head. Slowly dissipates to a layer that sticks around for the ride.
S- With a full glass the roasted malt is dominant, but as the beer goes down the glass the bourbon barrel aroma kicks in strong.
T - taste is extremely complex with elements of roasted coffee, licorice, and chocolate being the predominant flavors. Each sip last for minutes and changes from sweet to bitter as it linger on the back of the tongue.
M - medium to full body. Drying finish. Each sip begs for the next but this beer is to be sipped and savored.
O - intensely flavorful and complex. I am aging another bottle and will compare tasting notes. I'm expecting it to only get better with age.

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2012 04:31:27 | More by dmbsteve

crnipeter

Slovenia

3.53/5  rDev -22.6%
look: 5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

The infamous 2009 vintage. Cascades murky reddish-brown to give birth to opaque very dark brown-to-black body topped by huge frothy deep-tan head with incredible retention.

Somewhat bland aroma exhibits unrefined sugar qualities,liquorice, bourbon yielding menthol nasal spray sensation, and a hint of bready malt. Tart notes reminiscent of dark fruit (plums and cherries) and red wine fuel my fears the bottle might be infected. I couldn't tell merely by sniffing that tartness comes from brettanomyces action as the dark fruit esters are commonly found in imperial stouts while vinous qualities are typical of well aged examples.

With the first sip comes release - I've got a non-infected bottle. Wild yeast infection is not a state, it's a continuous process so it should be badly reflected in the taste by now. Flavor that lacks the lactic sourness I feared of is dominated by liquorice, dark fruits, bourbon and chocolaty roasted malts adding some coffee-ish notes. Malt role and complexity is lesser than I hoped for, thought. Clean dry finish is followed by unobtrusive alcohol warmth. Flavors have mellowed in the course of aging so nothing really stands out.

Medium to full body is well attenuated, perhaps a bit thinned by aging. The carbonation is not exaggerated as might be deduced from the thick head. The effortlessly drinkable beer has silky texture and is airy and mouthfilling yet not overly so.

Overall, the Abyss is shallower than its advertised depth and considering the hype fails to impress. Not infected, just average.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2012 15:05:04 | More by crnipeter

Holland

Pennsylvania

4.1/5  rDev -10.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A: beautiful right from the get go. Pour dark brown to black with a head that just takes over. It looks like more than half of the glass is foam. Weird things happen to set off the carbonation. Awesome looking!

S: smells like an imperial stout should with toasty good grains, seet malt, coffee and caramel and chocolate.

T: Taste is the same as the smell but also incorporates the barrel flavor. Delicious, but not mind blowing.

M: beautiful full body with heavyish carbonation and a smooth feeling even with the hefty carbonation.

O: tasted a 2010, 2011, and 2012 vertical tonight and was not impressed. This was somewhere between hunahpu's and stone IRS, but I had higher expectations due to the rating. Thought 2011 was the best vintage of the 3, and 2012 was no doubt not ready. In the future I will adhere to their best after dates.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2012 06:11:50 | More by Holland

Rau71

California

3.58/5  rDev -21.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

This is a 2012 vintage and I am hoping some age on this will mellow it out. There is some boozy hotness to this and some coffee. Very roasty malts are also present. Other than that this was a very underwhelming beer. I had big hopes for this but I don't think it is even in the same league as some of the other big stouts fresh. Since the bottle says best after next year I will revisit this review then to see how things have changed.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2012 20:23:31 | More by Rau71

CommanderOfAwesome

California

4.43/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

2012 bottle that had me searching all over hell's half acre for it. Took me several minutes to get through the wax, they take this beer seriously.

A: Pours a black motor oil with a fantastic mouth watering brown dark khaki 1.5 finger head. This beer really shines in the appearance, might be the best barrel aged stout I've seen.

S: Huge barrel notes, oak is prevalent. Chocolate and coffee notes as well. Not all that over powering, or air freshner beer that I like to call. I don't just want to sit and smell this the way I would with a FSW Anniversary, ST Backwater series, or a Victory at Sea.

T: Oh wow, this beer delivers. Thick chocolate, creamy, coffee notes, malty back bone. Sweet finish. Tons of chocolate on this one.

M: Smooth, full bodied, creamy and lasting sweetness.

O: Great beer, worth the hunt, worth the price, will buy again next season.

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2012 03:24:25 | More by CommanderOfAwesome

lighthabit

Oregon

4.75/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

22 oz bomber purchased at Capital Market Dec 2012 poured

A: Opaque. Average head dies down to a persistent bit around the edge. Lacing is ok, not as delicate as I'd hoped, but acceptable none-the-less.

S/T: Dark chocolate. Black cherry. Licorice. Subtle hint of bourbon turns a bit boozy as it warms, but remains pleasant.

M: Thick when it's cold, and smooth when it's warm. Nice all the way around.

O: Haven't had a Deschutes in a while, but this makes me think of Obsidian on steroids - a good thing. Fairly complex, but easy to approach, and changes just a bit as it warms, keeping my interest. A bit pricey at $15/22 oz, not a daily choice, but definitely something to pick up and shelve for later!

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2012 02:11:51 | More by lighthabit

PrinceDarren

Illinois

4.1/5  rDev -10.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Finally got to try this at Binny's South Loop "Welcome to Chicago" party.

I've had many imperial stouts in my life, so I will focus on what I feel makes this one different/better. Starting with the likes:

Crema: I really like the carbonation and head retention. Swirl it around in the glass and it keeps producing a nice "crema" like you'd see on a shot of espresso.

Dry: Sometimes this style can be overly sweet. Not Abyss. This one is drinkable.

Body: Not overly syrupy.

Dislikes: The only think I didn't like was it didn't seem to have much barrel character. I think I would pay more attention to this next time. I must have drank it too fast Also, near the end the coffee-like flavors started to build on the palate and I was ready to move on to something else.

The Porter XXIV was next and I much preferred it. Awesome beers!

Serving type: bottle

12-15-2012 05:45:04 | More by PrinceDarren

Nigel

California

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

Bottle 2011 dec 2012

A: black and beeeeutifull. Finger thick head coffee colored head thick lacing.

S: lota dried fruits. Chocolate cherry booze. Un b leeevable

T: cherries and chocolate followed by dried fruit and booze. Nice bitter finish.

M: thick and sticky. Perfff

O: had one a year ago and wish I woulda taken notes. Knock or compliment, this is the only deschutes beer I love. Home run year after year. Keepumcomin

Serving type: bottle

12-15-2012 03:43:12 | More by Nigel

CA_Infidel2o9

4.43/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a bomber to a Tulip

A- jet black, 1/2" brown head

S- smoke, cherry, leather, earthy, woody notes, alcohol

T- intense dark chocolate, smoke, cherry, slit alcohol, acidic after taste

M- oily, low carbonation, belly warming alcohol

O- an awesome sipper. The cherry bark gives it a unique aroma/flavor, there's really no hint of bourbon and the alcohol is fairly tame and complements the flavor nicely. I was hoping for a creamy mouthfeel but i got oily. Still a great brew and i'm glad i have another to age.

Serving type: bottle

12-14-2012 16:42:33 | More by CA_Infidel2o9

LaChupacabra

California

4.1/5  rDev -10.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Review from 2011 release.

A: Pours black with small, mocha colored head. Not much head retention and minimal spotty lacing left behind.

S: Lots of chocolate and roasted malts. Licorice, caramelized sugar, oak and some dark fruit.

T: Bitter chocolate, molasses and oak. Dark fruit that is a bit over-the-top and off-putting to me. A metallic tinge that fades as the beer warms to room temperature.

M: Medium-full bodied with medium carbonation. Would have liked a heavier body.

O: Good beer, but not one to write home about.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2012 05:30:21 | More by LaChupacabra

Auracom

Illinois

4.15/5  rDev -9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

2012 vintage on-tap at Deschutes' Portland brewpub. 6 (or 8?) oz. served in a Rastal on November 28th, 2012.

A - It's awful dark in the brewpub, but this still looks pretty black. Medium khaki head that sticks around surprisingly well. Great soapy lacing and plentiful legs.

S - The most striking quality is a blend of caramel corn and a rich, almost buttered, almond aroma. underlying dark chocolate, very slight overripe cherry, and char.

T - Front-end is espresso bean. Mid palate brings in a balancing sweetness of milk chocolate which quickly morphs into a deeper roasted nutty character. I might sense a bit of that more vineous note but it's really subtle.

M - Medium body, good medium carbonation, appropriately smooth into a semi dry finish. Quite nice.

D - I always have grouped this together with Dark Lord and Darkness (and perhaps Kate the Great as well). Of those main three, this is right in the middle for overall impressions. It's enjoyable, but I'm unsure how memorable this will be.

Serving type: on-tap

12-05-2012 22:40:14 | More by Auracom

Philousa

California

4.95/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I've had this brew many times and this is the first time I've had a chance to review it. 2010 vintage aged in my own personal cellar.

This is really like staring into the abyss of night. No light escapes it, even against the light. There is a little head, densely packed in tiny bubbles around the glass. Lots of licorice and chocolate: milk and dark. Oak aroma is sweet and far from abrasive. Some vanilla notes accompany the smooth alcohol aroma. The flavor washes in slowly: licorice, lots of molasses richness, and slight alcohol burn to remind me of what I'm drinking. Some bakers chocolate and slight vanilla with a tinge of oak burn. Finish is super dry and body is full. This is a rich ass beer that is great for special occasions: like brewing a winter brown.

Serving type: bottle

12-05-2012 18:59:30 | More by Philousa

N3rdM3t4l

Oregon

4.88/5  rDev +7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Wax sealed bomber into standard pint. 2012 vintage, too damn greedy and impatient to wait for the best after date.

A: pours jet black not a photon gets through this brew. A milimeter of pretty dark head fell to a thick ring around the glass.

S: a bit of alcohol and lots of darkness. Sweet smelling. Hints of roasted grain. A bit of that molasses it is brewed with. Small hints of oak and that vanilla note you get from the oaking. Real rich smelling.

T: big roasted grain flavor, sweet at first then finishes off bitter. Not as balanced throughout as expected but in the end it is all there in the right proportions. Delicious. Also getting notes of licorice. Not as much oak as I would expect and not really any molasses. But it is quite good. Need to get a second bottle to save for the best after date.

M: thick and chewy, I almost grabbed a spoon for this stuff. Spot on!

O: wonderful. Like obsidian on steroids in all the best ways. Worth the $18 I paid for the bottle.

Serving type: bottle

12-05-2012 05:37:41 | More by N3rdM3t4l

denver10

Colorado

4.35/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Finally getting to try this. Not sure why I have been slow to getting around to it but better late than never. Hope it lives up to my expectations!

Pours black with a nice mocha head and good lacing.Big notes of chocolate, some roastiness, and a touch of some oak, Flavor was roasty with some licorice and sweeter chocolate at the get go, maybe even a little dark fruit, which then t transitions nicely into some dark, bitter chocolate with with some wonderful charred malt and the vanilla from the bark hiding out underneath. Honestly, I am not getting too much of the barrels in this, but that's okay, still delicious. A fuller, creamy mouthfeel. Some alcohol is noticeable in the finish, which is to be expected from such a high ABV and "fresh" beer. Overall, a wonderful, wonderful beer. I have a huge beer boner for their Red Chair and that remains #1 from Deschutes for me, but this is hands down #2.

Serving type: bottle

12-05-2012 00:33:30 | More by denver10

genitempo

Texas

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

*Cellared 2011. I had the 2011 Fresh and a 2010 Cellared 6-months.

A - Impressive bottling for an impressive recipe. Capped and waxed black, with trendy, yet elegant label design. (Not to forget the label paper used). Light not even attempt the slightest of penetration through this busty body. Unbelievable sap gold head with an outstanding density in lace.

S - Foremost, wood and wine hit the nose. As the beer thaws, molasses and roasted malts gain ground.

T - Just spectacular. Highly intricate and engineered to an art. The sugars are of wide-range, which pair nicely with that savory sylvan taste that remains steadfast. Resolves nicely, leaving an acrid finish, but in the best way possible. Spirits are merely accents to the true flavor.

MF - Soft, making its presence known. Nothing overbearing. Carbonation is permissible.

O - Best Imp Stout to date. A beer that should be enjoyed and discussed with fellow enthusiasts.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2012 09:30:06 | More by genitempo

Rfunk

California

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

Just bought 2 of the 2012 reserve, decided to crack one for comparison.

Poured from a 22oz bottle into a tulip.

A- The beer poured with a very dark, blackish color and resulted in an initial 1/4 inch of mocha/coffee head that reduced to a very thin stout-like head. Lacing was thin and spotty.

S- The aroma was what got me. It started out with coffee, chocolate, and molasses, but was I the only one that picked up a hint of cherry at first? (Upon reading the bottle it all makes sense.)

T- Top notch. Roasty, full-bodied, with lots of chocolate/cocoa. A tad sweet, but I can't quite contribute that to the molasses. I don't get cherry or any other fruityness in the flavor. I also don't pick up any licorice. The vanilla and bourbon become apparent at the end of your sip.

MF- Very bubbly, thick and smooth. Leaves a nice little tingle on the tongue.

O- Loved it. The combination of the aromas and the taste seal the deal on this one. A must try! I will write another next year after I crack the bottle in my cellar.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2012 03:04:54 | More by Rfunk

CJS

Florida

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

A Very Dark, opaque, Sludgy, muddy, black waters. Cappuccino colored lacey head. Nice thick film coating on a glass swirl presenting a full body on this beer. Leaves a coating that stands.

S Intense with dark berries muddled in dark chocolate, licorice, various nuts. Slight boozy and woody aromas, piney florals.

T Coffee and dark chocolate first. figs and black currant. Woody presence. The Boozy smell is not too apparent. A variety of flavors that flow through this beer.

M Thick and nothing to complain about with the flavors that follow it.

O Very intense smelling and tasting beer. Would most likely taste a lot better with age. Has a tightness to it that needs to be smoothed out. But def a repeat. Nice big body stout indeed.

Serving type: bottle

12-02-2012 03:04:02 | More by CJS

harrymel

Washington

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

Vintage 2012, Best after 01NOV13

From the bottle: "brewed with black strap molasses, licorice, with cherry bark and vanilla added with 6% aged in oak bourbon barrels, 11% aged in oak barrels, and 11% aged in oak wine barrels"

Near black ale with a sheet of tan foam that creeps up the sides. Smells of oak, too much oak, smoke, some licorice, some molasses and a bit of hops (never had this experience in this beer previously). A resiny, bitter character on the nose. Flavor is alcohol, oak, bitter, licorice, toasted malts. I really, really want this to be better, but this is simply the worst iteration I've had. Full bodied with moderate carb and a semi dry finish. I am concerned the prestigious heritage of this beer is faltering. While this is far from the best vintage, this is still a nice beer, and I'm happy to have a couple cases in the cellar, I probably wouldn't have done that had I known about the deviation.

Vintage 2011, Best by 04AUG12
4/4/4.5/4.5/4- 4.28 on 29NOV11
A: pours a dark, dark ale with nearly two fingers of really dark chocolate foam. This falls to a thick sheet of the same only dissipating once the beer sits for nearly an hour. Cobweb lace when foam present.
S: The bourbon barrel is present (surprising given the low percentage aged), some more oak, molasses, vanilla (subtle). The wood is quite strong when cold, as it warms the cocoa, coffee, molasses and bourbon come through much better.
T: The beer is roasted! Lots of toasty oats, oak, cocoa, bourbon, vanilla. Super refined tannins. Good bitterness to it. The vanilla is there alongside american oak. Black coffee and bittersweet chocolate.
M: Burly body with lower carb. Nice, long, sticky finish with semi dry resonance.
O: This beer is good, but I don't know how many I will be picking up this year for the cellar. I've found through some recent tastings, that I may prefer this beer fresh. All the better! Makes me long for it in the off-season!

Serving type: bottle

12-01-2012 07:48:24 | More by harrymel

Beerlover

Minnesota

4.45/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

2012 reserve ( probably the only one dumb and impatient enough to not wait for the "best after date" on the side of the bottle, but i do got a 2nd bottle, wish i had a third now thoe) also didn't realize it said best after november 1st 2013! i thought it said 2012, oh well im a huge fan of Deschutes and r.i.s. and this is the first time i got my hands on this - had to call 22 liquor stores and bottle shop to find this, thanks byerlys!

appearance is great, was expecting a little more thickness in the head but i did pour it rather slowly, has a great medium khaki brown color, 3/4 inch and creamy looking sitting atop some very enticingly black brew.

aromas: whats not to smell in this beer, roasted/burnt malt, strong black coffee, oakiness, some burnt sugars and light note of fruit, fruit aroma very faint, and booziness

taste: this is another beast of a beer, sip with caution, appreciation and respect! everything that you smell in the nose comes out in the taste of this one, lacking in molasses, its there but masked, i was really looking forward to the molasses in this one, also the vanilla is not there too much either. but very malty and oakey with fair undertones of coffee and bittersweet chocolate. this a great imperial stout like it just as much as the darkness, heck i'd say more considering the 6 dollar price difference! (more like $$$urly) This is one to try if you like the style and can find it, probably better to wait for the date on the bottle before drinking as well.

Serving type: bottle

11-30-2012 00:09:36 | More by Beerlover

claspada

New Jersey

4.45/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

2009 Bottle (2 of 2 I purchased 2 years ago; I had one last year around the same time and it wasn't infected then and this one also was not, count me in the small minority that got good bottles).

Pours a viscous nearly black color with a solid medium size bubbly mocha head that recedes to leave some spotty lacing on the glass.

Aromas begin with dark espresso, that transitions into a malty sweetness. Then you get some minimal sweet milk chocolate and larger quantity of dark chalky bakers chocolate. The oak, licorice and molasses are all subdued at this point but still emerge more and more as it warms but takes a backseat to the espresso and dark cocoa.

The tastes follow the nose to a tea which is equally as magnificent. Roasted coffee beans and dark liquid chocolate are the initial flavors. Then you get some hints of sweet vanilla and a little milk chocolate. No distinct oak, licorice or molasses flavors but I assume they are adding to the dryness and lingering bitterness in the finish.

Mouthfeel is on the extremely heavy side of medium, not quite heavy with medium-low carbonation. Finish is roasty and dry yet not overwhelmingly so.

Overall this is a beer that is meant to age in my opinion. I have sampled freshed bottled that are too acrid, roasty and biting because of the licorice, dark roasted malts, oak, etc but really develops into a masterpiece after 3-4 years. They have that best after date for a reason on these bottles folks, you would think the brewery would know best...

Serving type: bottle

11-29-2012 18:33:02 | More by claspada

SanFranJake

California

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

After all the hype, wait and hunting, I finally found it and it was/is worth every bit of praise!
Served from deuce-deuce into snifter after having been in my backpack for 30 minutes, so was not frosty but not room temp either.
I can't add anything that hasn't been said already but for posterity sake, it's a deep dark IS that is rich and complex, loads of chocolate and coffee and was like heaven.
I essentially killed it on my own over an hour and a half (with the wife trying a few sips) and it got better with each passing minute as it warmed up.
By far the top 2 beers if ever had and probably #1.
Glad I stocked up while I could and have a supplier who can send to me from PDX, because this is amazing!

Serving type: bottle

11-29-2012 13:00:34 | More by SanFranJake

tobelerone

New Jersey

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

It’s easy to see why this stout is so highly regarded; it’s balanced, delicious, and extremely drinkable for such a massive style. The pour is black as night with a finger of tan head that has solid retention and lacing. The body is lovely, full, smooth, and creamy, with moderate carbonation, really just enough to give it some life but still retain its sticky full figured feel.

The nose greets you with prominent fudgy chocolate; bourbon and oak and roastiness follow; the flavor balances the fudginess with good whiskey character, moderate roast, molasses, mild anise; oak and a restrained but clearly present tannic aspect. Lots of sweetness; nicely chewy; alcohol present but not overwhelming.

This 2011 bottle was loaded with depth and well balanced and most importantly, tremendously tasty.

Serving type: bottle

11-28-2012 04:06:07 | More by tobelerone

nrs207

Pennsylvania

4.48/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

2010 version poured into a couple of Hill Farmstead glasses.

A - Thick, black, small tan head. Looks like a big stout, no complaints.

S - My least favorite part. I'm not a huge fan of licorice, and the licorice and other aromas just didn't play well for me. I was slightly let down until I tasted it.

T - The flavors really come together far better than the aroma. The molasses and licorice play off the roasted malt and some coffee and a mix between milk and dark chocolate. A light barrel note, but seeing that it's 33% barrel aged that makes sense. It really came together quite well, with no alcohol presence either.

M - As good as I could ask. Nice and velvety, smooth, full bodied. No alcohol presence. Great mouthfeel.

O - I'm glad I tried this with 2 years on it. I'm not sure how it is fresh, but 2 years definitely couldn't have hurt it. Unfortunately I only had one bottle I got recently.

Serving type: bottle

11-27-2012 05:23:26 | More by nrs207