Quick Note: Abyss Release Date

I just received word from my Deschutes rep that the "Official Release" date for the new batch of The Abyss will be January 14, 2008, and not in December as previously reported. Not surprisingly, I've been told to expect a price increase as well. No word yet on how much of an increase, but I wouldn't be shocked to see it retailing for closer to $10 per bottle this year. Even at that price it's an amazing value for one of the world's best Imperial Stouts.

In other Deschutes news, the next beer in the Bond St. Series will be the new Green Lakes Organic Amber. Deschutes Founder Gary Fish describes it as "a classic amber ale using caramel and Munich malts for a nice color and six different varieties of hops. The reddish colored brew has a nicely balanced taste with a distinctive but restrained hop profile that includes Salmon-Safe certified Sterling hops."

More on Green Lakes on John Foyston's excellent blog.

In even more exciting news, keep your eyes peeled for Dissident, a Flemish Sour Red/Brown ale, scheduled to be released at some point after The Abyss. People will be freaking out over The Abyss, but I have a feeling Dissident is going to be the one to stock up on. I may be wrong, but I have a strong feeling that the crew in Bend is going to blow people's minds (and palates) with this one.

EDIT: I just received "real" pricing info from the distributor. Pricing is always somewhat variable once it hits the distributors in different states, but based on what I was quoted you can expect the beer to retail for $10-12 per bottle.