Vintage Deschutes the Abyss

I had a 2007 about a month ago and it was stellar. Super smooth, clean flavors.

 

Of course, that's not a vintage you asked about. I've had 2009-12, all after being cellared, and each one of them has been fantastic to me. Subtley different, but always excellent.

 

Buy all the 2010 you can if you see it. Still the best year IMO.

 

Cheers man!

 

I haven't had one recently (though I still have a couple in my basement), but 2010 Abyss was one of the best beers I've ever tasted.

 

Last time I had 2013, about 3-4 months ago, it was drinking beautifully. I had the 2014 on tap about two weeks ago, and as is typically the case for me with this beer, it was still a bit muddled and hadn't yet hit its prime. Lots of different flavors that seem to clash when it is fresh, but meld together with time and some additional sweetness from that time.

It's been a long time since I had 2012 in any amount that was larger than a tasting sample at a beer fest, but if I remember correctly, I had it with about six months on it and it was pretty good, and aligned with my other experiences of the beer--a little rough fresh but fantastic with 9+ months.

Never had 2010 or 2011.

 

This is one of those beers I've just never had a taste for. I bought several bottles in 2010 for a friend, and the whole thing fell through. I found the bottles about a year ago and haven't done anything with them.

I've never really thought about what ISO I'd want for them...

This isn't a FT/ISO post.

 

As I was curious, I have a bottle of 2014 but I will hold off tasting it even though I have never had it before....

 

Is the 2009 year the notoriously bad one where there are a bunch of oxidized bottles?

 

That's what I heard as well, but none of the three I had (most recent in 2013) were oxidized.

 

I've only had Abyss once, and it hadn't been cellared (maybe for a couple months, but I don't count that). Easily one of the best beers I've ever had. Would love to try one with some age on it.

 

its notorious for being infected.

2010 is when they started to flash pasterize

 

Popped a 12,13,and 14 side by side by side at a bottle share sometime close to Christmas time. 12>13>14 imo

 

That'll definitely skunk em.

 

abyss 09 and black butte 22 were both recalled due to infection.

also abyss is a great beer with a few years on it, I would avoid drinking it until the best after date on it