Best vintage Abyss

2010 when it was first released and shortly thereafter. However, I tried some again a few months ago and I really think it's starting to lose that special something.

 

09......

 

2010 is gotta be my favorite that is not a risk, the 2009 vintage when its non-infected has the edge! And the 2009 is just a little bit better! Both standouts though! I have drank 08-12.

 

Say it ain't so.

 

The OG Abyss.

 

'07 and '10 are both pretty special.

We had a well cellared '06 probably 6 months ago, and it hasn't dropped off as much as many folks say.

 

In case anyone is interested in obtaining the full vertical, we happen to be auctioning one this weekend. Even better, 100% of the proceeds go directly to helping homeless youth. Bottles for this vertical were donated by awesome BA teddyarrowhead.

http://brews.newavenues.org/

Proxy bidding can be arranged - BM me for info if you are interested.

There will be lots of other cool lots, including full verticals of Dissident (08, 10, 12) and Black Butte Reserve (XX, XXI, XXII, XXIII, and XIV, Cantillon, and more.

 

08 was my favorite, followed by 10. never had 06, doubt it is worth it at this point

 

A guy near me is trying to sell 10 '09 Abyss'. Not knowing if they are infected what would you pay??

 

I'll go with the majority consensus here. My friends and I have done a vert each year for the last couple of years including at least the three most recent vintages, and the '10 was everybody's favourite for the last two years in a row. We'll see if it retains the title this year once the new vintage is released. I'm particularly looking forward to this as my friend has every vintage back to 2008 lined up for this year.

 

Could anyone comment on the difference between fresh 2012 Abyss and 2011 Abyss aged 1 year? I have to trade to get any Abyss at all and have a 2011 coming in the mail. I'd like to use my limited stock of tradeable stuff to chase down other stouts for now instead of multiple years of the same stout, but am interested in hearing what a year generally does to this stout (if there are any broad observations, that is. I recognize that each year is different)

 

2012 isn't out yet.

 

Well that answers that!

 

'07 and '08 are pretty awesome right now, the kind of beers that make all the patience required for cellaring worthwhile. Frankly, I've never run into a (non-infected) Abyss of any age that I didn't love, though.

 

Another vote for '10 here. I came across a random liquor store that had some on sale last year and I had to clear out the shelf, still have 1 that I'm saving for a vert once I get my hands on this year's. But ditto what others have said, don't think you can go wrong with any year; I've even had a lightly infected 09 that was still delicious.

 

How's the 11 drinking right now? I had it side by side with the 10 on tap and 10 was way better. Hoping the 11 turns into that with time.

 

For me it's a toss up between 08 and 10.

 

another vote for the '10. it's been my #1 during a vert, but i'm biased after a camping trip with some buddies this summer. after a hard, steep 4 mile to the lake at ~6,800', stupidly heavy packs, a light snow falling in late june(!!?!?), steaks finished cooking on a campfire...busted out the heretorore unknown bottle of the 2010 from the bottom of my pack. that might've been the greatest 4~5oz of anything, any of us had ever tasted.