Mike's Beer of the Week

Beer Information

Brewery: Stone Brewing Company

Beer Name: Double Bastard

Beer Style: American Strong Ale

Abv.: 10.5%

Serving Glassware: Snifter, Pint

Serving Temp.: 50-55 deg. F.

Packaging: 22oz bottles

Price: ~$10

Availability: Year-round

Pairings: Anything really...

Mike's Ratings (1-5)

Overall Grade: A-

Appearance: 4.5

Aroma: 4.5

Taste: 4.5

Mouthfeel: 4.5

Drinkability: 4.5

BeerAdvocate Avg.: A

Mike's Description

Thanks to Steve Shapiro for this awesome xmas present!

2011

Appearance - I don't know if I'm deemed worthy...a deep amber color with about a half inch of off-white head that dissipates quickly leaving minor lace on the snifter. Insane amount of thought was put into the essay on the back of the bottle...I'm not worthy.

Aroma - Malts flood the aroma with some alcohol burn and fruit character such as apple. Some slight hop presence is here as well.

Taste - Based on the aroma, I expected this to be a pro-malt beer, but it is exceptionally well balanced with a strong hop profile to keep the malt bill in check. Slight citrusy flavors combine with the bitterness to create a piney and tangy product. Some apple is present here too. After only a few sips I can feel the alcohol...not worthy.

Mouthfeel - This beer is insanely balanced and the malt/hop clash does a great job in hiding the 10.5% (although not completely). Raisin and brown sugar reside in the aftertaste.

Overall - This is one of the strongest, and most balanced, beers that I've had. I highly recommend it although it will kick your ass! You must be worthy and deserving of its attention.