Deschutes Brewery The Abyss
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What the brewers say
A deep, dark imperial stout. Hints of molasses, licorice, and other alluring flavors. Distinct and delicious on release, the flavors meld and fuse into a different pleasure a year on.
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Vanilla, dark chocolate, and coffee up front, with a slight hint of tobacco. Subtle sweetness and a touch of licorice. Strong cognac, sweet dark cherry, and fig. Slight vanilla notes, plus dark fruit and grape notes. A little earthy and nutty. Some soy-like umami.”
Flavor: “Roasty notes dominate the front, coming through as burnt coffee and espresso. Dark chocolate, reminiscent of unsweetened cocoa, followed by notes of vanilla and sweet tobacco. Slight oxidation comes through as leather or sherry, but not unwelcome. Finish is almost bitter from roast character.”
Overall: “Unique take on the style, with a lot of malt richness between the caramel and roasted malts. Oak isn’t quite as pronounced, but comes through as vanilla and sweet tobacco. Overall, very complex and different beer that will probably yield polarizing opinions. Brewer took some risks and they came together well.”
