Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale

Not as good as just plain old Arrogant, but still a superior strong ale. Still worthy of the label for sure.

In a 3-way tasting between regular, Oaked, and Double Bastard, this is my pick of the three. Takes everything wrong with the original (lack of balance and subtlety), and doesn’t correct it so much as it makes minor progress in the right direction. Pours hazy bronze, a shade or two lighter than the regular Bastard. Aroma is much sweeter, lots of caramel and molasses notes. Of course, there’s the overstated hops, but there’s now a slight sense of complexity. I’m not sue how old this bottle is, but there’s a nice fruit (dates) flavor now present, the overall beer seems warmer, the mouth feel is softer, molasses notes towards the end, and a good bitter finish. Laid down for 6 months more or so, this would likely be even better.

Dark red color, off-white head that retains somewhat, but leaves no lacing. Lightly toasted smell, oak and pine make up the majority of the smell. Not overpowering, but still nice. Smooth malty flavors at the forefront, moving into oak flavors that are greeted with a bit of a piney/oak finish. Less than medium carbonation, medium bodied. This is very smooth, I think this is my favorite of the "Bastard" series. Definitely would buy again.

Dark, red color on he pour with a brown head. Bouquet of hops and some oak and cherry. The oak aging definitely hides the alcohol taste, lots of malt, and sweet hints. Just too oaky for me, gives a hint of burning on the finish.

Quite a deep amber color. Small head but definitely smells of vanilla & hops...as it to be expected. Creamy and delicious on the palate, the alcohol is definitely muted by the oak. Excellent