Abyss Flight

On Wednesday, I visited Deschutes (Portland) and picked up a few bottles of The Abyss '10. Much different than The Dissident release: there were people there, sure, but not everyone coming in the door was there because of the new release (unlike a few weeks back where patrons entered and made a beeline for the stock). Most of humanity in the bar-area, however, was either drinking a snifter or jumping on what I ended up having: the Abyss Vertical Tasting.

For twenty bucks (still ongoing as of today), you can snag a flight of 4 oz. tasters of 2010, 2010 on Nitro, 2009, 2008, and 2007. If you plan on going this route, get some water and go slow. I ran into a bit of a time crunch and flavors/opinions started to run together, so don't be me. It's an enjoyable run through the versions of the beer and, based on my feelings and asking opinions both in front of and behind the bar, here's how it shakes out.

1. 2008 - one of these things is not like the other / one of these things just doesn't . . . well, wait, it definitely belongs, but this is the black sheep of the set. Less bourbon in the smell but definitely there in the taste, this is also packing a nice, dry, bitter-edge to the back end. It was the go-to for snifters while I was there and people who had the vertical were pointing to it and nodding.
2. 2007 - much stronger nose - probably the best of the bunch, much more flavor with the alcohol dialed down. Slightly bitter back-end, but not like the '08. Really enjoying the evolution on this.
3. 2010 (Nitro) - with the carbonation sucked out, this is more creamy, more flavorful, and sweeter than the stock version. The sugary-nature/caramel-flavors of the bourbon is firmly in command here. The beer is definitely less 'green' with this variant.
4. 2009 - second strongest nose of the bunch, almost as strong as the '07. It's coming along well, but I caught a bit more alcohol burn than I was expecting. Nothing that kills the beer, however. This is still a good mix.
5. 2010 - Good, but young. Strong on the booze, but power in the flavors. I was getting a weird BBQ-scent vibe, but I think it was the combo of catching some smoke and sweet at the same time. I truly don't think they are adding KC Masterpiece to the process.
   

It's not looking like I'll be able to make it down to the Holiday-Ale Fest, which is a bummer, but I'm not torn up too badly about it. I'm hearing reports of great options, but also with logistical drawbacks ($25 entry? Lose the mug, wristband, or wash your handstamp and it's a full re-buy? So multi-day attendees have to wear the wristband for days?) and there's just too much on the plate this weekend to make it down. Especially when you consider the swell of people on the Friday/Saturday/Sunday of festivals instead of the "calm" earlier in the week. Hopefully some of the offerings will wander over to local taprooms later in the month.