A Stone's Throw...

Piggybacked this on the heels of the Black Perle, after the kids went to bed, while Lace and I watched a movie. This is a rotating available bottle; a blend of Arrogant Bastard, Oaked Arrogant Bastard, and Double Bastard. I haven't had one since 2010. So glad I have several to enjoy over the coming months

Review #46

Lukcy Basartd  ABV: 8.5%
Stone Brewing Company  Escondido, CA  22 oz poured into tall pilsner
(enjoyed while watching rom-com with the lovely Mrs. Butler)

A - A ruby-brown pour with a moderate head. Extremely awesome lacing, though less than average retention. A real looker.

N - Very complex nose, though certainly hop dominant. There is the oak from the blended Oaked Arrogant Bastard, some heat from the alcohol. Caramel and toffee malts bolster this brew, and then you're left with lingering, bitter hops.

T - The piney, bitter hops take hold first, and though the grip lessens, they maintain their grip throughout. There is a sweet, butterscotch note somewhere in the middle, fading into a vanilla. The wood is prevalent again, similar strength to the nose. There is some light fruit notes in there that come and go quite quickly, but leave their mark--peach and apricot most identifiable

M - Very dry finish with light carbonation. The warmer it gets, the more it smooths out.

O - Well, its no secret I am a Stone fan-boy. But, seriously, if you like great beer, you should be. Unless you  are anti hops I guess. Even then, there is something in Stone's stable for you. There is a reason I was so stoked to meet Mr Greg Koch this summer. I have my favorites among all the beers they do, and this is definitely one of them. Stone is, and has been a pioneer of West Coast IPAs and brewing; always pushing  a bit further, always willing to risk. One thing Greg said this summer still stick with me, "I'd rather fail trying to make a great craftbeer than succeed in making flavorless, yellow fizz." Amen, Mr Koch, amen.

Cheers,

Chris