Deschutes The Abyss

Deschutes The Abyss

Relevant Links:
The Abyss (Deschutes Website)
The Abyss | Descutes Brewery (BeerAdvocate.com)
Deschutes The Abyss (RateBeer.com)

20160428: [20160513 Edit]
After trying two samples, I went ahead and got The Abyss (I don't remember if it was one of the two samples or not).

Towards the end of the beer I said the following: "This beer finished strong. And while there were times I could taste the beer's sweetness, it was mostly strong." 10:21PM PT

Later I noted that, like the previous beer (Victory at Sea), this beer kept a nice buzz going. 11:33PM PT

Although there weren't many notes, I vaguely recall enjoying the beer's flavors and would definitely drink it again.

Website Information:
The Abyss

Malt: Pale, Black, Chocolate, Black Barley, Roasted Barley, Wheat
Hops: Millennium, Nugget, Styrian, German Northern Brewer
Other: Blackstrap Molasses, Brewer’s Licorice, Vanilla Beans, Cherry Bark
Barrel Aging: (50%) 12 Months in Bourbon, Oregon Oak, Pinot Noir
Alc.: 12.2%
IBU.: 86
Cal.: 633/22oz

A deep, dark Imperial Stout, The Abyss has almost immeasurable depth and complexity. Hints of molasses, licorice and other alluring flavors make it something not just to quaff, but contemplate.

As for the great “drink it now or let it age” debate, we stand clearly on the fence. Distinct and delicious on release, the flavors meld and fuse into an entirely different pleasure after a year or more in the cellar.

Released 12/17/15.
(Typically released every November: 2006-present)