I am really excited about this beer of the month. This is one of my all time favorite beers and it really holds a special place in my heart. The beer is called The Abyss by Deschutes Brewery. Making its home in Bend, Oregon, Descheutes brewery has made The Abyss a hot commodity during the holiday season.

The Abyss is limited distributed to authorized dealers only, and you really have to seek out this brew in order to try its delectableness because it sells out quick. You can see a list of authorized dealers on Deschutes Brewery’s website located at the bottom of the page. Calling in daily to your authorized dealer is a must if you want to get your hands on one. The shipments usually come in the early weeks of December and each dealer will only receive a case or two. It's definitely a mission to get your hands on one of these beauts.

Alternative beer reviews are on the fence about whether to wait one year to pop the top or to drink it as soon as you get your hands on one. The bottle states its better after one year but I’ll let you be the judge of that. I personally like to have it sit for a year to let the flavors culminate, but that is just me.

As for the design, the top of the bottle is dipped in wax to make sure that there is no way the outside air can taint the prized beverage. The liquid itself is extremely complex- it's brewed with molasses, licorice, vanilla, and chocolate flavors in oak bourbon barrels. The beer lives up to its name. Its as if you are peering into a dark “abyss’’ as you gaze into the glass. The beer has extremely dark color with lots of different aromas such as chocolate and licorice seeping out of the top of the glass.

I would recommend drinking it out of a pint glass or snifter so you can smell the aromas as you drink your beer; It really heightens the experience. I would describe this beer as having three levels:

As you first start drinking it there is a deep chocolate taste that is very smooth.
The next level is distinct with the licorice flavors.
The final level is a hint of bourbon as you get to the bottom of the glass. Its a little harder to drink and a sign your beer is coming to an end, but its a great taste for you to remember until your next encounter with "TheAbyss.”

The Abyss is a special beer and I really recommend for you all to seek out this beer and get your hands on one when you get the chance. Whether you drink it as soon as you get your paws on one or if you let it age for a year, you will not be disappointed with the complexity of the beer. Until next time, enjoy your New Year and hope you have a great holiday season.

To Find Deschutes' beers near you, check out their website.

San Diego is quickly becoming a leader in the game of craft beers. San Diego breweries are changing the face of the industry, and one in particular has grabbed my attention. It’s called Ballast Point Brewing Company, and their SoCal spin on traditional beers is rallying a following that’s impressed by its variety, and excellent craftsmanship.

The beer I’m featuring is called Dead Ringer (Oktoberfest). With Oktoberfest just ending a few weeks ago, I thought it would be fitting to feature Ballast Point’s seasonal treasure to highlight this year’s festivities.

The first thing that attracted me to the beer is the design, a simple 22 oz. brown bottle with a really cool lable of a skeleton in a lederhosen, donning a pretzel and a stein. But as I pour the beer into my cold glass the first thing I notice is the reddish brown liquid seeping down the side of the cup. As the aromas drift into to my nose, I smell a bitter sweet scent that I can’t wait to taste. The beer is a little sweeter than I expected but remarkably smooth. It has malty thick taste with a tart aftertaste that awakens my tongue, and drinking this beer cold is quite crisp and refreshing.

Dead Ringer is inspired by Bavaria’s world famous beer festival. Ballast Point states this beer is “A fresh take on a traditional festival beer” and that is exactly what this beer is. This is a beer for those who are looking to enjoy the taste of Oktoberfest leisurely, or are eagerly anticipating next year's Oktoberfest celebration. Dead Ringer is a seasonal beer, so you can only attain this beauty during the fall months.

This beer is officially labeled by Ballast Point Brewing Co. as a Traditional Marzen Lager that comes in at 6% ABV. I highly recommend this beer. All in all, this a prime beer to drink during the fall season. Have a happy November everyone, so go drink some quality beer, stuff your faces with some turkey, and for you gentleman, hope your beards are coming in quite lush.

- Tuck

Tuck on Tap | The Abyss

Tuck on Tap | Dead Ringer