Deschutes - The Abyss 2009

Deschutes The Abyss 2009
Deschutes Brewery
Bend, OR
11.00% ABV

C. To Dark to Tell
H. Black
N. Roasty Malt, Licorice, and a faint Sour Smell (Jolly Pumpkin Like)

Eduardo; Stout brewed with licorice and molasses with 33% aged in oak and oak bourbon barrels. My understanding is in it's distribution area it's fairly available and is priced at a reasonable $11-$12.
Pours pitch black with the perfect amount of tan head. Roast and licorice on the light to medium nose with no alcohol presence. Very inviting. Leaves a nice lacing on the glass.
There is a definite hop presence. A great beer but I think it would be be better in two years or so. There is a nice interplay between sweet and bitter flavors. Licorice on nice disappears on the palate.
There is no doubt this is a big stout. The flavors are well integrated.
Score: 4.2

The Ferm; Unlike so many of the beers in this tasting from this past week, this beer had the best balance of carbonation and flavor. the malt really sticks out well in the beer. Although this would really be better after a year or so of cellaring. The beer was not super strong on the alcohol end. It is drinkable now, but I think it would be perfectly balanced in about two years. Hops came out a bit in the attack of the beer but were quickly covered up by the thick malty base of this beer. I won't write this one off to 100% beer-hype but there is a lot of talk about a good stout here, and that's just it. It is a Good not Great Stout.
Score: 4.019

Overall:
Score: 4.1095