– aka Arrogant Double Bastard Ale – Whiskey Barrel (ratebeer)

Brewery: Stone Brewing Co. (Arrogant Consortia)
Country: USA
ABV: 12.7%
Style: American Strong Ale
Other Notes: Double Bastard Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels. Small Batch Series

Brewer Description: (from bottle) When Double Bastard Ale spends months sequestered in Kentucky bourbon barrels, a most unique reverse-transmogrification takes place. A once-burly behemoth emerges as a stunningly graceful beast, with its bold, bullish roots lingering just under the surface. This Southernized paragon of liquid glory exudes sophistication, exalted character and uncompromising independence courtesy of American oak. Only the worthiest of imbibers are invited to experience a fleeting yet unforgettable encounter with this rare breed. This is what awaits for those with the eye, heart and inner fortitude to step up to Southern Charred.

Cellar notes – This oak bomb bursts on the palate with a well-rounded mixture of deep caramel, molasses, hops and char plus hints of brown sugar, with bourbony influence amplifying the beer’s maltiness. These interwoven flavours crescendo in an intense, lingering finish, yet for such a high-gravity beer, it is one helluva smooth operator. Quiet. Confident. Arrogant.

My rating: 4
My beeradvocate.com rating: 4.13
My ratebeer.com rating: 4

Intro: A 500ml corked and caged bottle, 2015 vintage. Poured into a snifter glass.
Appearance: Poured a cold haze rusty orange brown colour but eventually settled to a clear copper colour with a very thin orangey beige head that disappeared quickly while leaving some spotty lacing.
Aroma: Sweet malts, bourbon, caramel, toffee, oak, ginger, candied grapefruit, and some light piney notes.
Taste: Sweet malts, bourbon, caramel, toffee, oak, light bitterness, grapefruit peel, piney, resinous, citrus pith, and maybe hints of raisins.
Mouthfeel: Full bodied with soft to moderate carbonation.
Overall: I loved the aroma and there was a good balance in the flavours between sweet and bitter that make it such a good sipper.