"The Abyss on sale Tuesday evening at Belmont Station

Posted by John Foyston, The Oregonian November 18, 2008 12:47PM

This year's Abyss is here and will go on sale 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, Belmont Station, 4500 S.E. Stark St..

We were allotted only a small amount so we have to impose a limit of 2 bottles per person. This gives us enough to satisfy about 160 people so we expect anybody who drops by tonight will get a couple. If we have any remaining Thursday morning we will drop the limit. You are the first to know because you are on this email list."

Got one, but don't know if the occasion will ever be "special" enough to drink it.

Beer Advocate's #5 beer of all time.

A perfect 100 at Rate Beer.

11% alcohol content.

Review:

"A - The glass mimics the event horizon of a black hole. Tall deep tan head that dissipates surprisingly quickly. Minimal lacing. Almost like cappuccino or hot chocolate.

S - Roasted Malts, Hops, Chocolate and Coffee. There is very little sign of that burnt aroma that characterizes so many imperial stouts.

T - More bitter than expected (a pleasant surprise) and the alcohol flavor is integrated well in the overall flavor of the beer. Dare I say that I was wanting something a little more harsh? Roasted malts are standing tall, with chocolate and coffee battling it out for the remaining space on the taste buds. This is one tasty beverage.

M - This is probably the smoothest, silkiest, and pleasant mouthfeels I have had. I didn't really know what the term "silky" meant when describing consistency until I had this beer. I gave this a perfect as it is the best I have had, but a little more carbonation would make this off the charts in my opinion.

D - Forever....seriously!

Serving type: bottle

Reviewed on: 11-22-2008 06:29:43"