Deschutes The Abyss: Best After?

Don't drink it now. I drain poured one last Friday. The 14' vintage is a thin Black IPA right now. I am not certain that even time is going to make it right. Very disappointing. I was never crazy about it, but it's gone downhill.

 

If you just have the one, I would recommend drinking right after hitting the "best after" date. If you can get more, I would age the others for a few years, if possible. I brought an '08 to a bottle share around this time last year and it was magical. Unfortunately, drinking an '09 "Abyssident" right now will likely not go so well, but I do have one left. Might have to bust it out soon.

 

There is literally a recommendation on the bottle with a date

 

If you've never tried it before, drink it fresh...I apply this to most beers, I do age beers, but if it's my first time, I usually drink it right away...and that maily is because I have no self control

 

If you want more, let me know. I have easy access to it at the moment.

 

I've never had it fresh, but I have had a 2-year-old bottle and it was outstanding. Monstrously rich and complex.

 

Mine says after November 2015, so thats my plan. Also have Not the Stoic that says after April 2015. I may age the Abyss longer if I think the Stoic could have used it.

 

That really sucks. Good to know though. Thanks.

 

That's strange. All of the recent reviews on Abyss say that it's as good as ever.

 

Since we're talking about The Abyss, let's celebrate one of the all-time classic beer rants...

 

What a tool bag, yapping up a storm in his parents crappy basement.

 

I was fortunate to get 4 on black friday drank one alongside a KBS, Brand Stout, and the Abyss. It was ok definitely very hot IMO. Believe ima hold off on the rest either trading or aging definitely not drinking opening before the date

 

I had both a 2010 and 2011. It was amazing and didn't just turn into a malty mess, rather it maintained it's distinct flavors but in a more balanced way. Fresh is still great.

 

Based on my personal experience with this beer I would strongly recommend that you wait 1 year. The fresh stuff I had last year was almost undrinkable next to the aged bottle I had with it... the exception to this would be if you are one of the FEW who prefer this type of beer "hot" and little more on the unbalanced side.

 

I just drank my 2013 vintage about 2 weeks ago. It wasn't my favorite. It was pretty good, but not good enough to trade for more.

 

I had a 2012 a few weeks ago. It was enjoyable, but still too much candy. I'd probably want another 1-2 years on it.

 

Just had a 10-14 vertical today and there is definitely something different about the 14. It was way hotter than I ever remember a fresh one, and the mouthfeel was off to me. Maybe it will age gracefully, but who knows?

 

It's mainly your opinion. Drink it now and love it or drink it later and hate it. Or vice versa. Doesn't matter what we think. Always buy one to drink fresh and one to age. As soon as you start forming your own opinion and stop listening to others you'll figure it out. Just my two cents.

 

I figure if the brewers of the beer put a "best after" date on the bottle, who I am to argue? They didn't steer me wrong with the "best after" date on the Black Butte anniv. beers I've had, so I'll follow along with their recommedation on the Abyss as well.