Yum.
Just enough added smoky bitterness relative to the original Arrogant Bastard to make it appealing to a fan of bitter beers like myself.
I like the fact that it's available in 12oz. bottles, too. With the big 22oz. bombers, one usually isn't enough for an evening on the porch, and two is often too much. Much better this way.
I'm not sure about this one...is it oak-y like a chardonnay?
ReplyDeleteI hate chardonnay.
On a related topic, before I throw out a full-fledged bleg, given your affinity for Stone Brews, I don't suppose there's the faintest hope that you might possibly have a line on some back issues of their Vertical Epic stuff? I got on board late, then missed the boat one year, so there is a notable lack of '02, '03, and '05 around here. All I've been able to find online so far are a couple of bottles of '04 going for $60+ on ebay.
ReplyDelete"I'm not sure about this one...is it oak-y like a chardonnay?"
ReplyDeleteMore smoky than oak-ey.
Back in the pre-Stone age, the only smoked beer I knew was Adelscott. Its legend was that the malt was roasted over peat. I met Michael Jackson in 1988 and spoke with him about it. He knew of it, but was distinctly un-enamored.
ReplyDeleteLooking back over his archives, I see that five years later he gave it a sympathetic review. A man doesn't get many chances to change things in this life. I like to think I helped change LeMaitre's mind.
Every other rauchbier I have tasted has sausage in it. I don't dislike sausage; I like corn and beans, too, but I don't like succotash.
Stop taunting us Stone Brew deprived masses over here :)
ReplyDeleteGood catch, Tam! I have to agree, the oak aging really compliments the regular Bastard.
ReplyDeleteStingray, I've heard the first few years of Stone's Vertical series didn't really age well. I'm sure whatever's left out there is being hoarded. Good luck.
If you like smokey brews, Stone makes a Smoked Porter, which is OK, but to get a really nice smoked beer, get Alaskan Smoked Porter.
Liquid Solutions (www.liquidsolutions.biz)can send you some. I do business with them off and on. They have a huge selection and reasonable prices. Shipping is what'll kill ya, though...
Howdy, first time poster, long time reader...
ReplyDeleteArrogant bastard is OK, but I like the stuff from Unibrau better. Duvel being my beer of choice these days since my first love Raftsman went away...(And there are few things sadder than having your favorite Beer go off the market)
Rev. Turk
Personally, I prefer the Double Bastard to the Oaked version myself.
ReplyDeleteBut Double is a special release-next due 29 October, so mark you calendar.
And the Total Wine & More store near Ft Belvoir had Ruination in 12 ouncers, but they want $14.99 for a 6 pack. It's good beer, but not that good.