Review: Stone Double Bastard Ale 2005

In Beer Reviews by Ryan

Stone Brewing Company says:

“A huge malt bill and a belligerent hoppiness make this heavy ale one that will be appreciated by only a few, and that’s just fine with us.  We didn’t brew this mordant dark amber monster to please anyone other than ourselves.”

Stone Double Bastard, 2005
Strong Ale, 10.5% ABV

This is one of the other beers I had on tap during the Stone release party at Twisted Spoke.  Sadly, this too was served in a clear, plastic cup (I don’t think serving any of the beers available in their proper glassware would be feasible with the sheer number of people in attendance). That is why there is no picture, but trust me this beer is awful pretty.

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Ruby-red or amber in color with about a fingers worth of white head.  A quick whiff gives me zero direction on what this beer is going to taste like.  I catch a teeny bit of malty sweetness and maybe some oils – but not much else.

At first sip, and I do mean sip, I’m smacked in the face with sweet, malty flavor.  Very sweet, actually.  This beer is a biggie.  At the tail end I can pick up a little red wine.  The finish is very dry.  Almost like my mouth is now a barren wasteland.  Repeat.  Enjoy.

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This one really blew me away and makes me really happy that I have bottles of 2008 & 2009 Double Bastard.  Stone is expected to release some vintage bottles of Double Bastard during Stone Week in Chicago.  If you happen across one I would HIGHLY recommend picking it up.  You won’t be disappointed.

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Ryan

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Equal parts beer nerd and policy geek, Ryan is now the curator of the Guys Drinking Beer cellar. The skills he once used to dig through the annals of state government as a political reporter are now put to use offering unique takes on barrel-aged stouts, years-old barleywines and 10 + year verticals.

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