Deschutes - The Abyss 2010

Deschutes Brewery is located out in Oregon right along the bank of the Deschutes River.  The brewery started out in 1988 as a small brewpub with their flagship beers, the Black Butte Porter, Bachelor Bitter and Cascade Golden Ale.  I've tried Black Butte Porter and a couple other beers from these guys, and most of them have been pretty tasty, so I have high hopes for this bottle of The Abyss.

The Abyss is an Imperial Stout that registers at 11% ABV and 65 IBUs.  The bottle says "The Abyss:  Stout brewed with Licorice and Molasses with 33% aged in oak and oak bourbon barrels".  Uh oh.  Licorice is vile, disgusting, reminiscent of sewage.....I can't believe they actually make candy out of that garbage.  I'm a little worried they brewed with that stuff, but I'll try to reserve judgement. 

I'm pouring this beer into a pint glass - it pours out a thick, heavy very dark brown/black.  The head billows out thick and chunky, I had to cut my pour short because the foam wanted to bust out all over my counter.  Lots of lace holds onto the glass.  The aroma is roasty malts early on, along with chocolate, wood, and alcohol.  This looks and smells fantastic.

And looks are definitely not deceiving.... Wow!  first sip is rich and smooth roasted malts, with a little bit of smokey wood and coffee flavors dancing around.  Also some dark chocolate bitterness.  Despite the rich texture, I can't say there's any sweetness, just 100% roasty oaky goodness with a slight bitterness.  I'm struggling to find a good way to describe it....the best I can come up with is 'sharp'.  The alcohol is only present in warmth - doesn't make an appearance in the flavor profile. It has a smooth, silky feel to it from start to finish.  It's thick, but not syrupy. 

Overall Rating:  (5.8 out of 6.00)  Ladies and Gentlemen, this beer is delicious.  This is one of those bottles of beer that you never want to run out.  Hands down one of the best Imperial Stouts I've tasted.....ever.  Pick one up if you haven't tried it yet - I'm heading to Lee's shop to pick up another 2010 and put it in the cellar for a year.  There isn't much room for it to get any better, but I'd like to give it the opportunity.