 Ughsmash (2773), Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA
Nov 26, 2005
2004 Bottle. After reading the bottle and several ratings of this, I half expected the cap to shoot off and lodge itself in my eye... alas no such damage occurred. Poured an eerie clear, medium ruby/amber with a great initial beige head (my wife says it looks like a "Double Bastardy sunset"... receded almost completely after a minute or so. A few rings of lacing remained in the aftermath. Very powerful nose of sticky caramel and molasses, heavy grapefruit, earth, and peppery spices... alcohol showed up in greater and greater force as this warmed. The brew attacks the tastebuds as promised on the bottle... there was a grapefruit onslaught upfront, backed by a very heavy caramel and biscuity base. Alcohol is present as a tingly sensation and becomes more apparent in flavor and warming effect on the finish. Oily and slightly soapy feel from the tremendous hop presence, and a sweet, sticky feel from the huge amount of caramel and fruity malts... clashed a bit at the finish, but worked with some nice synergy at all other points. This was quite taxing on the senses, but a very rewarding and enjoyable experience!
sethdude (514), St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Jul 5, 2008 Smells a lot like oaked bastard, caramel sweetness and strong hops. Flavor is much sweeter than regular, almost sticky sweet with big bitter hops on top, almost doesn’t pull it off, but somehow, it works. There’s not much here we haven’t seen before, though this is well made if not well formulated. With this current brewing trend of "More is better", sometimes, more is just more. Good, but not great.
badbeer (357), Iowa, USA
Jul 5, 2008 Dark red, maybe a bit brown in color, fitted with an off-white colored head behind some sticky lacing. Fruity smell as well as a smell I can only describe as rotten pine. Taste was good and hoppy, certainly a nice malt base here too. I do have to say some of the bitterness had some harshness to it; harshness does not equal badass. Heavier side of medium bodied and a medium amount of carbonation. Overall, good beer for sure, but I can’t help but think a different hop choice could make this so much better. Don’t take the above comment the wrong way, it’s just my opinion and Stone does a damn fine job as it is. Would buy again.
TURDFERGUSON (960), Carrboro, North Carolina, USA
Jul 4, 2008 2004 bottle courtesy the thebeercellar. Thanks Matt! Drinking this with my buddy Charles and celebrating the 4th in WInston-Salem. This has aged very nicely. None of the hot alcohol flavors that you can usually taste in fresh arrogant bastard or double bastard. Still a lot of carbonation and a lasting yellow white head amidst a deep red amber body. Nose has some brown sugar, strong caramel malts, hints of piney hops still kicking around. Flavor is really yummy. Nice caramel, brown sugar, woody flavors with a bit of bittnerness in the finish. Alcohol is very well hidden. It’s been a while since I had this and I was very pleased with this nicely aged bottle. Thanks for hooking it up, Matt!
BMan1113VR (586), Los Angeles (and Dallas, TX), California, USA
Jun 28, 2008 2006 Keg on draught at Stone Bistro. Pours with a slightly murky brown body with a small, tight, off-white head that leaves great lacing. Aroma is complex, with currants, raisins, and light oxidation. Tastes is amazing, very rich and spicey with a really long duration, and a nice alcohol bite at the finish. A little bit of sherry and other oxidized notes. Lively bubbles.
beachbum25 (577), Powellville, Maryland, USA
Jun 28, 2008 22 oz Bomber-Pours a cloudy, reddish color w/no head but good lacing. Sweet aroma. Sweet, sticky, hoppy flavor w/a very rough edge, kind of woodsy & smokey w/traces of dark fruit. Oak barrell taste as well. Alcohol was very evedent, definately a sipper.
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