A couple of Bastards

When I think bastard I think of my husband.  Not my current husband, of course!  He's just big lump of sugar . . . yes, I said sugar.   Actually, the bastard I prefer to think of is the bastards from Stone Brewing.  And, I must say, I haven't met a bastard I haven't liked - beerwise, that is.

The other night I sat down to share a couple bastards with my hubby.  We started out with Arrogant Bastard.  The label says that I'm not worthy, but I have enough confidence in myself to know that I am certainly worthy enough to drink this beer. The label goes on to say,  "You probably won't like it.  It is doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this fine quality and depth."  Oh yeah?  Well, who do you think you are, you silly beer.  You are, indeed, arrogant.  

So I popped the cap off the bottle and sent it sailing across the room.   Arrogant Bastard is an American Strong Ale (7.2% ABV).  I poured the beer into my finest glassware - a mason jar.  It pours a rich amber color and builds a fluffy, thick head that you might as well drink through because it's going to take it's good ol' time dissipating.  The aroma is a of malt and piney hops.  The flavor is an explosion.  A controlled explosion.  At first there is a caramel maltiness with a touch of spice that progresses into a hoppy bite.  It finishes a little sweet with a lingering bitterness on the back of the tongue.   There is so much flavor that you almost want to chew it.  This is a great beer, certainly a sipper and definitely not sessionable.  Overall - excellent!

One bastard down, one more to go.

Next up with Double Bastard.  This is also an American Strong Ale, only more so, coming in at 10.5% ABV.  Like it's suppositious little brother, Double Bastard is a reddish-brown with a dense rootbeer-like head.  The aroma is a mouthwatering combination of sweet dried fruits and tangy hops.  The flavors evolve on the tongue starting with an interesting combination sweet caramel and dark coffee notes.  All this maltiness is backed up by grapefruit and piney hops.  It finishes crisp and bitter.  It goes down smooth but you can feel the alcohol burn.  This is a BIG beer, no doubt about it.  “Ye shall know the Bastard, and the Bastard shall set you free.”  I did and I liked it!  Overall - excellent.

Visit Stone Brewing's website for more information about their many great beers or check them out on Facebook