Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale

Brewed by Stone Brewing Co.
Style: American Strong Ale
Escondido, California USA

12oz bottle. Pours a deep, brilliantly clear, gorgeous mahogany with a thick, yellowish tan head that lasts decently (but not forever) and leaves may thick and thin wisps of lace on the glass. The aroma is almost chewy with citrus hops and toffee/caramel maltiness. The flavor follows the nose and does not disappoint- a big hop flavor and bitterness - green and leafy up-front - with a big toffee malt along with some bready malt notes, too. As the beer washes back, hints of chocolate and anise arise along with a very nice hop bitterness that is firm and clean with a little citrus bite. The flavor and bitterness of alcohol also begins to rear its head, but it is subtle. The finish is thick with caramel and toffee, noticeable sweet chocolate, and a balancing dose of hop bitterness. There is also a warming sensation in the gullet after a few sips. The mouthfeel is smooth and soft with a nice levity from the crisp but somewhat-light carbonation (which is perfect for this beer - it doesn’t need anymore). The body is medium in fullness - less than expected. Overall, a really fantastic strong ale - absolutely delicious.

Dark amber/brown. Not much head. Balanced aroma, malty with light floral hops and a little salt?!?!? The flavor has a bitter bite but the body is a little more thin that I expected. The oak is muted.

Bottle, pours a dark copper amber with a light brown head that sticks. Aroma is malty and sweet. Light alcohol smell with the goodness of oak. Flavor is sweet, hoppy and bitter. Nice bite and a great taste of oak. Pretty good beer.

Bottled: couldn’t believe this was in Peabody’s in Boone. Pours a ruby color with a froathy tan head. Smells of oak roast with malts and tastes of caramel and oak. Good, intense beer!

12oz bottle. Garnet colored body is topped with a small, creamy head of a pale tan color that leaves light blotches of lace and then coats the glass once it warms a bit. The aroma is malty and nice with lots of floral hops, honey, yeast, and a touch of booze and oak. Mouth is nicely medium-full with light carbonation of a creamy, mouth-filling nature. Flavor is malty with dark caramel (like something from a Scotch ale, but not fruity), oaky, bourbon, a nice roasty aftertaste that boasts of oak and pine. Well balanced and delicious. Easy drinking.

Bottle, dark red/brown color, no sediment. Medium sized white head. Really interesting, odd aroma of booze, cinnamon and cloves. Smokey flavor, bourbon, pepper, some sweet malts. Really sharp bite in the mouth and a lingering bitterness. I wouldn’t rank this among my favorites, but it’s very unusual and tasty.

bottle, dark ruby color, head is foamy with nice lacing, nose is hoppy pines, flavor of pine, grapefruit and caramel, finish is dry and bitter

12 oz bottle. cloudy caramel color witha big off white head. Aroma of carmel and toffee, sweet. Pine and grapefruit hop taste, with a sweetness in the background.