Deschutes Brewery The Abyss (2015) American Double / Imperial Stout at 12.2% ABV | 70 IBU (C$22.16 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 650 ml, best after 8-Dec-2016, acquired 17-Feb-2016, reviewed 4-Aug-2018)
Appearance: opaque deep brown with one finger of creamy beige head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (5/5) Aroma: chocolate, bourbon, roasty malt, vanilla, molasses, leather. (9/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, high bitter. (8/10) Palate: full slick body, soft carbonation, off-dry lingering and building bitter warming finish. (4/5)
Lots of the bourbon barrel coming through in this, but not so much the wine barrel – the closest I’m getting to vinous character is a leather-like note. Not a complaint, mind you, simply an observation. Definitely no regrets on the cellaring period for this one, as even at three years old, it’s still emphatically warm, if not actually hot. All in all, an excellent high-gravity barrel-aged beer. (18/20)
My 264th from the 2010 Edition of 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die, 254th from the 2013 edition, and 278th combining both editions.
9/10 #1001beers #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
