Day 318: Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale

Name: Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale

Brewer: Stone Brewing Co. (Escondido, CA)

Classification: American Strong Ale

Alcohol: 7.2%

Thoughts: If you remember I have had the original Arrogant Bastard Ale on this blog already. However I decided to up the ante and try Stone Brewing's Oaked version of Arrogant Bastard Ale. Let me just say that this dwarfs the regular version in just about every category. The pour is a rich mahogany with a perfectly even and weighted head. The aroma is thick and heady with lots of desirable malts, toffee, and piney hops. The oak is present in both the smell and the taste of this beer, but its the aging that has done this beer good favors. It adds a great complexity that is rarely found in beers. It is usually saved for whiskeys and rare wines. Caramel and roasted malts lead into this sophistication with added touches of alcohol and muted spices. It is something I don't have the vocabulary to describe. Quality can never be understated in a beer and the quality in brewing of this beer is some of Stone's finest. Bravo!

Rating: 93/100