I've had about 5 of these. So far all have been infected except for the one we just opened tonight. What a treat and one of the better vintages honestly. Behind 10, 08 and 07 only I would say. Anyone else get lucky recently?
Since they have only bottled this since 2006 and you've listed 2009 behind 3 other vintages, how is this "one of the better?" Looks to me like it's smack dab in the middle which would make it....what? . . . .the most "average?" Just a thought... (Oh, yes, I have also had a couple of 2009 bottles that were not infected. However, I like Abyss, if at all, fresher).
Sure. Out of 7 vintages this is the 4th best IMO. For being a vintage with the worst reputation, we were surprised with a non-infected version which was the first of that kind we tried. Therefore it exceeded expectations, hence the post. Just a thought. However, I agree with you that I prefer fresh Abyss, if not around the 6 month period to be the best time to drink it.
Still, I found it funny that it was one of the best, other than all the other good ones. I consider 2010 the best vintage at about a year old. It's falling off of that level now. The years after 2010 though I've found to be too sweet. We'll have to see if they can stand up to more age than the older years.
I was just busting your chops! I couldn't resist - you caught me "at a moment." We actually think alike, although I'm one of those that like it newer and sweeter. I've also found that the past several years there are so many big stouts being produced that I'm starting to actually avoid the style, at least for the moment. I'm a bit "burnt out" on them; but, that's just me.
Apologies. Sometimes I get a little sensitive at the end of a "tasting" (can I call drinking all day that?). I agree 100% with the hilarity of my post.
I recently had an infected 2009 and I thought it was quite good. A little bit of funk but I thought the coffee like finish was excellent.
All my bottles of 2009 were infected. At least Deschutes was nice enough to send me a refund. My favorite was 2010 right after it was released and shortly thereafter. I think it's going downhill at this point and 2011 has taken its place.
