Stone Brandy Barrel Double Bastard

Brewed by Stone Brewing Co.
Style: American Strong Ale
Escondido, California USA

On tap at Tria, Philadelphia 17-11-08. Pours dark, dark brown with a creamy off white head. Loz say’s that this tastes velvety, she’s right; it’s got a great mouthfeel to it. The brandy has really leeched into this beer, its smooth and sumptuous and really indulgent. There is quite a hoppiness that flicks out like the tongue of a snake testing the air but with hops being pushed into the outer reaches of your mouth, loads of dark molasses complete the picture and soften the hoppy assault, magic stuff this! A7 A4 F9 P4 OV17 4.1

From Bigwood festival at Brouwers. V - amber red hue A - hoppy, spices and alcohol T - slight chocolate taste.

Had on tap at Big Wood Festival at Brouwers Cafe. This is an amazing beer. Vanilla and sweetness are the predominant flavors here. I thought it poured with a fairly vigorous head and a perfect appearance in my snifter. Very complex, similar to regular Double Bastard, but the barrel aging really does wonders for this one. Truly outstanding.

Draft @ Bistro BA Fest. Pours a hazy, orange-amber color; slightly oily appearance; light, thin off-white head with patchy lacing. Good amounts of highly toasted oak, dried oranges, and a slight, wide-ranging hoppy roughness; a bit rough. Medium-to-full mouthfeel: dried oranges, slightly toasty oak and touches of vanilla, some warming alcohol coming through, but decently well-tempered; just a bit rough in the earthy hop character; nicely warm and toasty and reasonably dry. Lengthy finish: toasty oak and wood, dried earthy bitterness and touches of warm alcohol; balanced ending.

On tap @ Bistro BA Fest poured a hazy copper brown with a small lingering amber head. Aromas of carmel, toffee, light brandy and light vanilla. Palate was medium bodied and crisp. Flavors of carmel, toffee, fruittiness, light brandy and a hint of vanilla with a crisp warming lingering bittersweet finish.

Draft at Tria in Philly (2006 vintage): this was a special treat for me as I used to be a big fan of Arrogant Bastard but was not impressed with the regular Double Bastard. This aged brandy barrel version was excellent. Nice aroma, hop flavor with the brandy/wood to bring some balance to this, fairly full mouthfeel...an excellent brew. Mitch Steele from Stone was at this event and told me the brandy barrels for this were purchased for about $20 and lasted for only one batch. After they were used they fell apart, never to be used again.

Draft at Bistro BA fest. Aroma is strong malt and dead hops, some wood. Flavor is the same, good rich malt, dead bittering and earthy hops, and woody alcohol provides a nice finish.

On tap at stone, one year aged. This is a very powerful brew, the brandy is quite evident. Lots of caramel malt, sweet brown sugar, very bitter hops, dark fruit, wood, and brandy. Tasty stuff if you are in the mood for lots of flavor. Thick mouthfeel.