Abyss aging - is it necessary?

Discussion in 'Cellaring / Aging Beer' started by kcillini77, Dec 1, 2012.

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  1. kcillini77

    kcillini77 Initiate (0) Nov 26, 2004 Kansas

    So Deschutes is relatively new in Kansas City. I managed to snag a bottle of The Abyss. I was looking forward to enjoying it with a friend tonight when I spied the "Best after 11/2013" label.

    Listen, I'm all for aging beers. But I also know that at the same time as they release the bottled beer with this statement, they also release it in kegs that bars pour immediately.

    Am I really going to miss out on something if I drink this now rather than letting it sit in the back of the fridge for a year? My friend and I elected not to drink it tonight, but I'd like to drink it sometime sooner rather than later unless it's absolutely necessary to age.
     
    #1 kcillini77, Dec 1, 2012
  2. Shmeal

    Shmeal Initiate (0) Nov 9, 2009 Oregon

    If you've never had it before, drink it now. Otherwise let it age. It will be fantastic no matter what you do.

    I personally think Abyss is better with a year or two on it.
     
    #2 Shmeal, Dec 1, 2012
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  3. bifrost17

    bifrost17 Initiate (0) Dec 16, 2011 Washington

    Drink it now man, I drank a fresh bottle a week or so ago and it was awesome, but I did share a bottle from '09 with a friend a couple months ago and it was goddamn INCREDIBLE. I'm in the camp that believes this beer improves greatly with age. So....having said all that, I still say you should drink it now, especially if you've never had it.
     
    #3 bifrost17, Dec 1, 2012
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  4. Bonko_the_sane

    Bonko_the_sane Initiate (0) Mar 29, 2012 North Carolina

    If you have more than one, drink one now and age the rest... If not decide if you want to have it now or wait... What does aging matter if the beer you want to age doesnt meet youre fancy?
     
    #4 Bonko_the_sane, Dec 1, 2012
  5. fortsambo

    fortsambo Initiate (0) Feb 14, 2011 Colorado

    You'll miss out on nothing. Drink it now.
     
    #5 fortsambo, Dec 1, 2012
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  6. WYVYRN527

    WYVYRN527 Initiate (0) Jan 8, 2007 Minnesota

    Agreed.
     
    #6 WYVYRN527, Dec 1, 2012
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  7. ChanChan

    ChanChan Maven (1,341) Dec 12, 2009 California

    Drink now, drink later!!
     
    #7 ChanChan, Dec 1, 2012
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  8. robwater

    robwater Initiate (0) Jan 14, 2012 Colorado

    It was a bit hot for me. Let it sit. Or not.
     
    #8 robwater, Dec 1, 2012
  9. WassailWilly

    WassailWilly Initiate (0) Sep 8, 2007 New York

    Buy 2 stash one
    Drink one its a win -win trust me
    Or buy 3 and send one my way for a trade....
     
    #9 WassailWilly, Dec 1, 2012
  10. UnderJoath

    UnderJoath Initiate (0) Jul 29, 2010 Illinois

    Did a vertical last year. 11 was great. 10 was friggin incredible. 9 was infected. Outside of the infected beer, whether you drink it fresh or aged, it will be great.
     
    #10 UnderJoath, Dec 1, 2012
  11. sir-knifes-alot

    sir-knifes-alot Initiate (0) Sep 22, 2012 Colorado

    Agree with this. I opened my first one tonight. I was still a very good brew, but I can see a year or two doing wonders to it. My other two bottles will be sitting.

    With that said, if you only have one bottle, drink it now.
     
    #11 sir-knifes-alot, Dec 1, 2012
  12. lemongelo

    lemongelo Initiate (0) Jan 14, 2008 North Carolina

    I got 6 and am not touching them. They look too purdy :slight_smile:
     
    #12 lemongelo, Dec 1, 2012
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  13. cavedave

    cavedave Grand Pooh-Bah (4,157) Mar 12, 2009 New York
    In Memoriam Pooh-Bah Trader

    You're also in the lucky camp that has '09 without infection.

    OP go get yourself another bottle(s) and drink one now, the other(s) after a year or two and answer this question for yourself. If you only have one of a beer the answer is always, drink it now.
     
    #13 cavedave, Dec 1, 2012
  14. TicoCali

    TicoCali Initiate (0) Jul 25, 2010 California

    Like its been said "if you haven't had it before drink it now" if you enjoy it that much or want to see how it changes over time try to get another bottle.
     
    #14 TicoCali, Dec 1, 2012
  15. Preluderl

    Preluderl Pooh-Bah (1,796) Sep 27, 2012 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I was only able to snag one bottle. Likely not going to give it an entire year but I'm thinking I'll give it a few months to settle.
     
    #15 Preluderl, Dec 1, 2012
  16. youradhere

    youradhere Initiate (0) Feb 29, 2008 Washington

    Can drink Abyss fresh
    Brewery recommends age
    Enjoy either way
     
    #16 youradhere, Dec 1, 2012
  17. Shmeal

    Shmeal Initiate (0) Nov 9, 2009 Oregon

    Or buy a case so you will never feel bad opening one.
     
    #17 Shmeal, Dec 1, 2012
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  18. kcillini77

    kcillini77 Initiate (0) Nov 26, 2004 Kansas

    Thanks - I don't know if I can find another. I could have had 2, but at $16 each, I was hesitant to throw down $32 on a beer I hadn't tasted. I'll probably give it a little more time, but not a year. Appreciate all the insight.
     
    #18 kcillini77, Dec 2, 2012
  19. 2beerdogs

    2beerdogs Grand Pooh-Bah (5,682) Jan 31, 2005 California
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Hey, I have tasted both '09's, infected and not. My question is, "How do you know if the bottle is infected before you open it?" I have 1 bottle, and would love to know if it is infected or not.
     
    #19 2beerdogs, Dec 2, 2012
  20. cavedave

    cavedave Grand Pooh-Bah (4,157) Mar 12, 2009 New York
    In Memoriam Pooh-Bah Trader

    Far as I know there is no way to do this.
     
    #20 cavedave, Dec 2, 2012
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