“The best liquid — of any kind — that I have ever tasted.”

That’s how beer critic Steve Body (a.k.a. The Pour Fool) described Deschutes Brewery’s The Abyss.

And, he was tasting a fresh batch! Just imagine what he’d think tasting all the smooth, enhanced flavor in a 8, 9, or even 10-year-old vintage!

This is the brew Draft Mag described as tasting like “Heaven? Unicorn Tears? Rainbow-infused fairy dust?” They even advised Stout fans, “If you can, buy two: drink one, cellar one.”

Lucky for you Barrel Aged Stout fans (and Steve), you don’t have to wait years to taste The Abyss vintages side by side. We’ve got three right here — the 2010, 2011, AND the 2012!

Aging allows the 11% ABV to mellow into silky smoothness, wrapped in layer after layer of dark chocolate, licorice, molasses, and oaky vanilla. The roasty character eases from espresso to something more like pure, bitter cocoa, allowing notes of caramel to rise to the forefront along with nuances of dark cherry. 

In short, this already exceptional brew only increases in complexity over time. Just listen to what lucky sippers are already saying about each vintage on UT:

2010 The Abyss, Rated 4.42

“What a great pour! Minimal sweetness and a full licorice, earthy, and oak flavor range. Cheers to cellar winners!” @Alex C.

2011 The Abyss, Rated 4.39

“9 years later, and it’s so amazing. Literal liquid chocolate silk!” @Marshall 

2012 The Abyss, Rated 4.35

“An amazing beer. Even more amazing that it held up so well after 8 years. Still getting licorice and barrel along with a solid stout backbone!”” @John T.

 These Barrel Aged beauties are worthy of being sipped and savored. We recommend you drink each side by side, beginning with the 2012 vintage and ending with the 2010 — to discover just how this brew’s complex nuances develop. 

Indulge on your own, or better yet, surprise your best craft-drinking buddy with the ultimate gift. Either way, the opportunity to spend the holidays with a stash of The Abyss won’t last long!

*Rated 99/100 on BeerAdvocate

Holiday shopping is easy with Tavour! Just head over to Tavour.com/gifts to send a gift box or gift card to the craft beer lover in your life. Cheers to holiday beers!

Tavour strictly supports independent beer. Deschutes Brewery is certified independent by the Brewers Association