Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Stone Bourbon Barrel-aged Arrogant Bastard

Stone Bourbon Barrel-aged Arrogant Bastard.

8.1 % ABV. 100 IBU. 

Stone Brewing, Escondido, CA. 


Fairly clouded, Burgundy-hued, large beige head atop. 

In the nose: Caramel and cocoa. Oak and vanilla. Rich and malty, with barrel effects edging in. Dark fruit delights. 

In the mouth: Oaky and smokey. Rich, sweet, malty, deep and devastating. Cherry and vanilla and deep bourbon barrel goodness. Big hop bitterness meets massive malt. Huge. Intoxicating. Delirious. Take your time, but take your chances. It's a biggie. More dark fruit deliciousness. 

Good stuff here. Just one a day, though, for real. Do it nice and moderate-like. K?

I, from a slumber that’s been anything but peaceful. I don’t take kindly to idling and I am anything but neutral. Life has nothing to do with killing time, and the knowledge that months have passed since the onset of my sequestering in this pitch-black oaken tomb (albeit a barrel flush with brilliant aromas of vanilla and char) does not sit well. But then comes a tingle followed by rejuvenating warmth, signs that something is different…something has changed…and for the better.

I feel stronger yet somehow more nimble and refined. I feel even more self-assured, and my vision for what is good and right, honest and true, is as laser-sharp as the brawny, bawdy, liquid Arrogance that shall further advance my battle against all things mediocre and geared toward the lowest common denominator. I have been born anew and, in the process, anointed with vibrant, inspiring, previously unexperienced character, all while maintaining everything I am and have always been—bold, bullish, unadulterated, and yes, Arrogant. 

Are you Worthy of quaffing a beverage of this intensity, irreverence and quality craftsmanship? Not likely, but for those who “get it,” I know my time in this bourbon barrel has not been wasted. Cheers to you, enlightened imbiber. On second thought, cheers to me! 

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