Deschutes The Abyss

Brewed by Deschutes Brewery
Style: Imperial Stout
Bend, Oregon USA

Courtesy Degarth. Black. Small brown head. Big time roasted coffee and chocolate, moderate oak, subtle vanilla, subtle dark fruit, and a light dose of anise. Medium/full body, smooth, too easy to drink. Very well done.

22 oz. bottle - 2007 vintage; pours jet black with foaming tan head; aromas of chocolate, coffee and a touch of smoke; slight woody too; aromas and flavors are rich and thick; oily texture with roasted aftertaste; incredibly smooth after just 6 weeks or so of sitting; a fresh bottle just after release was very bitter IMO

22oz bottle at Toronado in SF. Money. Jet black with a lasting brown head. Fruit, coffee, and chocolate on the aroma. Toasted malts, strong coffee and molasses flavors. Loads of milk chocolate. Thick and oily but not to a fault. This was my last beer of the night at Toronado, and it floored me.

2007. This beer needs to be served near room temperature. Even slightly chilled, the nose, flavor and palate are muted, but warmer is outstanding. Aroma of roasted (and slightly charred) malt, plenty of liquorice, a hint of creamy oatmeal, alcohol, leather, bitter chocolate and the smallest note of ashy smoke. Pours thick, oily black - I mean black like midnight. A small quarter inch dark khaki head. Flavor of charred malt, toasted vanilla, bitter chocolate, liquorice, anise, leather, espresso, wet, charred oak. Damn.... nice stuff. Thick, creamy and slightly sticky on the tongue. Not smooth like velvet, but nice nonetheless. A lingering liquorice, spicy and dry hoppy finish. The finish lasts forever This one, with a year or so on it is going to be absolutely stellar! Thanks to Jake, Bruce and Jonathan!

Aroma was coffeeish and chocolate,and little hints of alcohol,medium intensity at best, Smooth creamy ,velvety chocolate,is the first thing to grab my palate,high quality chocolate, following sips reveal mellow vanilla, caramel and hints of bourbon alcohol,and a touch of christmas cookie anise, Lots of subtlety here, as smooth a brew as I’ve had in a long time,a touch thinner then Dark Lord and Stones,to appreciate you should be stone cold sober and have an absolutely sterile palate

Thanx to Captain Cougar for sharing this.Pours black as night wit a nice chocolate nose.Flavor was charcoal, coffee, and chocolate.Finished with some sweetness and roastedness.

Pours very black and velvety; thick fudge milkshake on the surface leaving a sticky film of espresso foam up the sides. Aromas of black cherry, red licorice, pineapple, and alcohol, bolstered underneath by lots of roast venison, chocolate, and vanilla; very earthy, spicy, and savory. Balanced amicably between chunky malts, vibrant hops and barrel accents. Bitten slightly with soapy espresso grounds. Flavor is soft and pensive at first, giving only milk chocolate, lactose, pine, and citrus dishsoap. In the mid palate lots of roasty, rich tobacco and acrid coffee bitterness alternate pleasant and painful punches of meatiness, though the tropical hops evident in the aroma never really concede the sugary acidity they provide. Blackberry, cocoa nib and port wine with bourbony licks of vanilla, oak, and nougat rush in after that hint of synthetic bitterness. Very creamy in the mouth, with soft carbonation; full and rich, but never imposing. Hints of pear, burnt meats, and lots of vinousness with full roasted mocha java in the end. Finishes fruity, juicy and bloody. Moments of this experience are less than extraordinary, but these are quickly passing, and it is altogether a very well made example, one which integrates the barrel seamlessly into an already carefully balanced presentation. Impressive.

Beautiful pour of deep chocolate brown with a thick, dark head. Nose is interesting, with coffee, chocolate, and a hint of licorice, along with a woodsy aroma. Flavor is very smooth, with everything in the aroma represented and blending nicely in the complex flavor, with a bit of a smokey, subtle bitter and clean finish. Mouthfeel is creamy and the alcohol is well hidden. Great brew.