Double Bastard

The Beer: Double Bastard Ale
The Brewery: Stone Brewing Company of Escondido, California
The Style: American Strong Ale (doesn't quite have a specific category per se)

ABV: 8.3%

Brewer's Description: This is a lacerative muther of a beer. The evil big brother of Arrogant Bastard Ale. It is strongly suggested you stay far, far away from this beer. Those foolish enough to venture close enough to taste will experience a punishingly unforgiving assault on the palate. ’Course there’s always the masochists...


Color: Poured into Allagash 40cL Belgian glass, deep rich chocolate copper in color. Bright red and clear copper highlights when held up to light. Small compact, off-white head.
Aroma: dark, dried fruits. I get plums, dates, and some alcohol.
Taste/mouthfeel: medium-low carbonation. Mouth-filling hop bitterness and deep, bittersweet caramel notes. Alcohol is very apparent and ready to slap your sorry ass in the face!
Finish: Bittersweet is the best word I can come up with. It packs an intense deep burnt caramel sweetness that is quickly bitch-slapped by a fierce hop bitterness. Finish mellows with every sip!



Notes: Purchased in Carlsbad, CA. This beer is a hard one too pin down. It evokes feelings of an imperial IPA, barleywine, and imperial Russian stout (albeit without any roasty notes whatsoever). The beer can be thought of as a "more Arrogant" bastard, but the added strength evokes a different sort of beer. I enjoy Arrogant Bastard on tap at local bars in Spokane, it's becoming my session beer of sorts. I could not say the same thing for this beastly brew. This is a beer to take to the top of a mountain and split with your best bud. Savor every sip as you gaze out over the land before you. The beer is challenging, but worth the effort.