Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale
I can’t tell you how many bottles of Stone’s Arrogant Bastard I’ve enjoyed over the years. It’s one of my favorite brews.
It’s in-your-face nature is something that I keep coming back to again and again. And it’s about damned time I was finally able find a bottle of the oak aged version of this tasty brew.
Appearance
The Oaked Bastard pours a medium brown in color with a large, fluffy light tan head.
Aroma
If I had to choose one characteristic of the regular version of this beer, I’d have to go with its aroma. Pungent, hoppy and forceful, the barrel aging has added a good deal of oakiness as well as a mild vanilla note. Man, this smells good.
Taste
Arrogant Bastard is a pretty burly beer and the oak aging only adds to its depth and complexity. There’s plenty of oak that really makes itself known in the lingering, dry finish. Big, hoppy, bitter and awesome.
Overall
Ever since Stone announced the year round release of this beer a couple of years ago, I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for it out in the wild. I’m only kicking myself now for not having picked up more than a single bottle. The oak aging really adds to Arrogant Bastard and I cannot wait to get my worthy little hands on another bottle (or two).
Rating: 4/5