Winter time is a really great time for craft beer. Micro-breweries really break out the big dogs, which leads to bigger, better, darker, hoppier beers.
I dove right into no other big beer than Deschutes The Abyss 2010, and imperial stout (fifth release). It is a rich, thick, dark, dark beer, quite like an abyss! (I really do wish it had been endless). It is a rich mix of flavors including molasses, giving it its sweetness, and licorice. I was a little hesitant at first because I’m not a licorice fan, but the molasses combination is a really great balance of flavors.
The Abyss is 11% ABV and 65 IBUs, but honestly not bitter to the taste at all. A non-snobby beer-loving friend actually found it too sweet for her liking. Although, a snobby beer-loving friend found it to be beergasmic. I agree.
Deschutes recommends pairing The Abyss with caramelized onions, I would also serve it as a desert with ice cream and hot fudge or brownies.
The Abyss has won countless awards and has been ranked number 4 on BeerAdvocate.com’s Top Beers on Planet Earth!
Deschutes Brewery
901 SW Simpson Ave.
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 385-8606
www.deschutesbrewery.com