Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Stone OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale

Here is what the Brewer says: 
This is an aggressive beer. You probably won’t like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth. We would suggest that you stick to safer and more familiar territory --- maybe something with a multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it’s made in a little brewery, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beer will give you more sex appeal. Perhaps you think multi-million dollar ad campaigns make a beer taste better. Perhaps you’re mouthing your words as you read this.
Too many strive towards complacency as a goal. We grow up thinking that the ability to become complacent is the equivalence of success in life. True Arrogant Bastards know that this could not be further from the truth. The real beauty, richness and depth in life can only be found if the journey through life itself is looked upon as a constant chance to learn, live and find life’s passion. Passion threatens the complacent, and fills them with fear. Fear of the new, the deep and the different. We, on the other hand, seek it out. Endlessly, joyously...and aggressively. To this end we bring you the “OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale.” Another reward for those seeking new sources of passion, and another point of dissension for those who are not.
7.2% ABV 

My Thoughts: This brew poured a medium hazy light brown with a creamy white head that left significant lacing throughout the drink.  The smell was totally citrus hops and oak with a hint of caramel malt!  It really smelled like heaven, I couldn't wait for a sip.  The first taste you get is the citrus hops followed quickly by the deep oak and malt flavors as it goes down.  The back end of the beer leaves your palate with a slight oaky bitterness along with a bready sweetness.   This is a very rich tasting beer.  The body is bold and so is the carbonation.  I really appreciated how balanced this brew was.  Sure the oak flavor and smell is strong, but it is so well balanced by the hops that you continually want to take another sip.   That factor leads to a very high drinkability even if you can taste the 7.2% alcohol in it.  I liked this better than the regular Arrogant Bastard because of the balance between the hops and malt and the added oak flavor.

My Rating: Overall: 97.5/100
look:4.5  smell:5  taste:5  feel:5  drink:4.5

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