Double Bastard Ale - Stone Brewing Co.

Beerandraiderfan

Nevada

4.09/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Warning, this is a huge beer. Big dark ruby and brown pour, massive amounts of everything.

If there was ever a beer that is a malt bomb and uber hoppy, this is it. Chewy, but oh so bitter. Chinook smack to it. Mouthfeel is so puckering. Share this one with someone. Good price for what goes into it, but damn if you'll have two of these in a sitting.

This beer is challenging. Full of a ton of ingredients. But its good, but oh so warming.

Serving type: bottle

03-17-2010 13:43:37 | More by Beerandraiderfan

johnmichaelsen

Oregon

3.65/5  rDev -15.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Perhaps I would have enjoyed this beer more if I hadn't had it right after the 10th Anniversary DIPA. For that matter, I wonder if Stone has tweaked the recipe over the years, as I've found this beer far more appealing in the past then I did at Frisco's last night.

The beer pours a darkish amber color with very good head retention and lacing. The beer looks quite impressive. On the nose I get sweet malt, cider and roasted nuts. Again, this beer smells very impressive, although the high abv. is noticeable even on the nose. On the palate the beer is sweet, rich and very alcholic, but with a drying hop burn in the finish. The beer is impressive, but frankly I don't feel as if the high abv. blends in all that well with the very sweet malt and hoppiness. I found the beer somewhat tiring on the palate, with this beer coming across as a sweet, but then ultimately very hoppy, barleywine.

The beer is very warming and, while impressive, is just not all that enjoyable. In the same style I much prefer the Bigfoot, where the sweet malt has been dialed down a tad. A good beer, but not what I would call terrific.

Serving type: on-tap

12-05-2007 17:42:41 | More by johnmichaelsen

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

4.22/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

First had: ?

Also strange that I've never reviewed this one, but oh well. Pours a dark amber color with a decent off-white head that leaves some doily lacing on the glass. Dark sugars in the aroma, and a blast of fruity hops. Taste of dark sugars, malts, caramel, citrus and tropical fruits, woody, notes of dark dried fruits and some pine resin. Full bodied, a little sticky, noticeable alcohol presence, strong, very good overall, but not something you could drink all night. Well maybe you could, but it's definitely not for everyone.

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2012 14:53:10 | More by Rifugium

lacqueredmouse

Australia

4.35/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours an absolutely lovely burnished red-brown-gold colour with a thick head of yellowish white bubbles, which cascade up and then down in the glass. Very pleasant indeed. Lacing is great, and it looks as thick as a elephant sandwich. Very nice indeed.

Oh yeah, masses of hops. Extremely pungent, but they veer to the side of sweetness. Lots of pineapple, pear, musk and passionfruit, and not nearly as much pine resin or citrus. Very rich and mellow for a high hoppy beer. Very nice again.

Thick and full on the palate, initially sweet, crescendoing with hop bitterness mid palate, and then declining to a very mellow rich toffee sweetness on the back. Perhaps just a light hint of heat on the back, but it's very subtle. The lovely toffee note on the back is what makes this for me. It makes it more than a highly hopped ale - it gives it gravitas and complexity. Very nice. Mouthfeel very smooth and delicious.

A classic American craft brew. Peppered with the wonderful American hops lusciousness, but with a deep complexity underlying this. This is not simply a beer brewed to the extreme for the sake of it. There is a clarity of purpose and a wonderful structure to all of the big flavours. Once again Stone has given me an extreme, but philosophical American beer experience.

Serving type: bottle

07-15-2009 04:22:47 | More by lacqueredmouse

glid02

Georgia

4.63/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Got the 2006 version on-tap at the GA release.

Pours a cloudy dark copper color with a one-finger off-white head. The head recedes slowly but eventually settles into a thin ring around the glass. Lacing is sticky at first but near the end there's not much of it.

Smells very good. Big malt sweetness up front followed by a bigger piney hop aroma. It smells like a big beer.

Tastes very similar to how it smells. Malty sweetness followed by a slight citrus hop flavor and ending with a piney and bitter finish. The flavors meld flawlessly and the only hint of the alcohol is the warming sensation. Very nice.

Mouthfeel is great. It has a great thickness to go along with very subtle carbonation. Incredibly smooth.

Drinkability is also great. I wouldn't guess that it was 10%, and I could easily drink a few of these.

Overall, this was my introduction to Stone and it did not disappoint. The hops were still big even after the two years of aging. I'm excited to try a more recent version of this to see how it stacks up.

Serving type: on-tap

09-23-2008 04:58:25 | More by glid02

DoubleJ

California

4.58/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A very intiminating beer. Intiminating alone that it's 1) made by Stone, 2) 10% ABV, and 3) clocked at over 100 IBU's (per Stone's website). The back of the label even warns that if you hesitate, do not buy it. I've been joyeously waiting for this moment for months. The few beers I had in the night were just mere sideshows for this, the main event. From the 2006 release, let's get on to this beer:

For best results, I've given this beer about a half hour out of the fridge to warm up from ice cold. Pours an outstanding head with a rich copper color. Lots of tropical and piney scents in the beer. Now the ride begins, and down the hatch it goes. Oh my goodness! Unbelievably smooth and sweet. Gigantic amounts of tropical fruits in the flavor, a bit of chocolate and sugar, and very warming alcohol. Very syurpy and sticky as it goes down.

What's scary is the drinkability of this ale, so watch out. There's certainly bitterness in there, but it doesn't seem like it's a 100 IBU beer, it's so smooth. A bomber of this and you're done for several hours. It's a beautiful beer that everyone should try....if you can find it.

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2007 20:18:32 | More by DoubleJ

Gusler

Arizona

4.88/5  rDev +13.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Release 2003
On the pour a translucent deep garnet color and the head portly in size and spumescent in texture, the color a toothsome light tan with the resultant lace a satiny veil to obscure the glass. The aroma of the hop flowers quite evident along with the fusel alcohol, malt sweet at the back, fresh and a portent of things to come this nose, start is ambrosial, rich in malt with the top a full in its feel. Finish is perky in its acidity, the hops omnipotent and the 10 percent ABV instantly warms the tummy, droughty aftertaste that maintains the bitterness alcohol and hops to the very last. One of the beers I wait for each year, a six pack for the fridge, and a case for the cellar.

Release 2002:
On the pour a crystal clear deep Sanguineous color with the head majestic in size and frothy in texture with the lace a thick glutinous sheet. Nose is malt; hop floral, caramel, hints of butter and light fusel alcohol tones. Front is ambrosial, the top middling, the finish is devastatingly hopped, peacefully acidic, the aftertaste is beastly alcohol bitter, a major league “Belly Warmer to boot". Oh God, how I love this magisterial brew, it’s a Jekyll and Hyde beer, good at the start, brutal at the finish.

Release 2001:
The beer pours a deep ruby color with a portly reddish-brown head that is semi-creamy and after its decomposition a fine sheet of lace forms to cover the glass. Nose is buttery, sweet, hints of brown sugar, and traces of hops. Begins malt sweet with the top full in its feel and the carbonation moderate, the acidity moderate, also the finish is loaded with hops and the aftertaste dry and alcohol bitter with the 10 percent ABV warming the tummy. Another great beer from this most magnificent brewery, but as they say "Not Meant For Everyone", so beware!

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2004 23:01:18 | More by Gusler

beerthulhu

New Jersey

4.38/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A: Poured similar to its little brother, a dark crimson red which was topped off by a flat sandy beige colored head which quickly fell. A moderately fair lacing was left afterwards. Perhaps most intriquing was its dark brooding nature.

S: The nose was pungent and evident from the first pour with the Chinook hops providing dried grapefruit scents mixed with pine. A nice malty aroma filled with light roasted character blends nicely with the dried citrusy nature.

T: The flavor was malty, with dried pine and grapefruit hopping. A sugary malting lies underneath the rich, and dried hoppy character. Boozy with some warm alcohol and cask notes with a dry flowery lacing coats the tongue after the swallow. Really smooth overall with some light dried fruitiness of raisins as well some bitter chocolate hints.

M: warm and luscious, with an oily viscosity medium full in nature and a light to moderate carbonation showing

D: Drinkability was good I thought, much smoother and refined then the original bastard. A dark ale that was rich, malty and arrogant, yet somehow very smooth and easy to put down despite its abv.

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2009 23:44:13 | More by beerthulhu

DrJay

Massachusetts

4.83/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

2004: Mostly clear, deep red with orangish highlights. Thick, dense, off-white head that showed very good retention and lacing. Big, balanced aroma profile combining rich maltiness with fresh citrus and piney hops. Again, the flavour was a wonderful balance strong, caramel maltiness and aggressive hop bitterness and flavour. There's also a very light fruitiness present. Complex finish, dry and long with plenty of bitterness, alcohol warmth and pine resin flavours. Full bodied with medium carbonation and a smooth, creamy texture. This is an awesome beer, surprisingly well balanced and drinkable considering the huge flavours and high abv.

Serving type: bottle

06-22-2005 02:56:26 | More by DrJay

woodychandler

Pennsylvania

3.45/5  rDev -20%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 2.5

This poured with an off-tan head with decent retention. The color was a deep amber with NE-quality clarity. The nose was somewhat sweet and sugary. The mouthfeel was thick and full with an extremely sweet taste, like syrup. The finish left me licking my lips and thinking about the extreme sweetness that I had experienced throughout. I just could not get past how rich it seemed and that is not my bag.

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2007 21:27:36 | More by woodychandler

HopHead84

California

4.15/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

2/19/2011

On tap at Stone. 2010 Double Bastard dry hopped with Simcoe.

A: Dark brownish red with a big off white head. Good retention. 

S: Big floral presence, with ample grapefruit and pine. Hops are expressive, and accompanied by a rich caramel profile and bready notes. Nice combination of caramel and hops.

T: Slightly sugary caramel with notes of grapefruit and pine. Booze is restrained for the ABV. Midpalate ephemeral sweetness. Firm bitterness with low astringency. Finish is dry.

M: Upper medium body with upper low carbonation. Mouthfeel is sticky and smooth, with some astringency and warming.

Overall: Slightly mellowed Double Bastard with added dry hopping makes for an enjoyable beer in small quantities.

Serving type: on-tap

02-20-2011 07:24:24 | More by HopHead84

biegaman

Ontario (Canada)

4.43/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

2007 Vintage - sampled 17/03/09

Raw sienna and burnt umber combine (along with a splash of clamato) to make for a very murky yet extraordinarily gradient colour scheme. In fact, the beer fragments into many different tones when held into the light, this outpouring of colour is radiant and bright despite the dismal clarity. Head is minimal but signs of carbonation are quite apparent (and sticky).

Prepare to have your nose barraged by an onslaught of succulently sweet malts and an enormous eruption of bitter, resiny hops. This has as much caramel *and* as much pine serum as is likely possible to find in a beer, not to mention the sheer amount of grapefruit. I'm always impressed by beers that can manage to be both extremely hoppy and malty. I'd probably rupture a 'pleasure gland' if there was such a thing...

This hoppy/malty concoction is deliciously tasty. There is a giant flaring up of dark fruity notes (plum, currants, red grapes, figs) as well as sugary confectioneries (brittle, truffles, sweets and sticky toffee pudding). The suggestion of cinnamon and nutmeg combine with the above to resemble plum pudding. The hops also impart distant but discernible notes of citrus.

Despite all these fireworks of flavour, the beer's composure and alcohol content never rupture. It is smooth, mellowed, and deceitful about its real strength. Some of this may have to do with the bottle's age although not all. The people at Stone definitely deserve credit for disguising such a big, aggressive-minded beer as something so ripe, softened and mellow.

Don't listen to that write up - go home with a bottle whether you feel worthy or not. If you are worthy you'll certainly appreciate it and if you aren't, you soon will be. Double Bastard is at least twice as good as most beers on the shelves. A beer like this really raises one's standards about what they put in their body and how they choose to spend their money.

Serving type: bottle

03-18-2009 02:52:43 | More by biegaman

kojevergas

California

2.6/5  rDev -39.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

1 pint 6 fl oz brown glass bottle with standard pressure cap served into N'Ice Chouffe stemware in low altitude Los Angeles, California. Reviewed live.

A: Pours a two finger head of nice cream, good thickness, and great retention for the high ABV. Colour is a dark caramel brown. Semitransparent. Appealing.

Sm: Grapefruit is dominant, with some candied sugar, yeast, and other vague citrus esters. Aroma is mild in strength. It's alright, but it doesn't really jump out and grab me.

T: Pleasant grapefruit is the first thing I notice. The caramel and HEAVY candy sugar, however, are not so pleasant. They do help cover the alcohol - which I don't notice, but it's too sweet overall. I feel like my teeth are rotting with every sip. It's anything but balanced; it needs to tame the candy sugar considerably. It's built alright, but it's far from a good beer.

Mf: Tingly and overly soft from the candy sugar abundance. It's abnormally, artificially soft and it really bothers me. Also, it's too thick.

Dr: They seemed to build the beer around hiding the ABV, and in that respect it succeeds. But the insane amount of candied sugar hides the best aspects of the beer: the citrusy notes and yeast. It may be worth a try for hardcore fans of Belgian beers that rely on candied sugar, but I think most middle of the road beer drinkers will be as turned off as I was.

Serving type: bottle

11-18-2011 01:41:13 | More by kojevergas

Brad007

Vermont

4.5/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a reddish-brown color with a one-finger head into my pint glass.

Aroma has raisin and currant in the nose with a subtle alcohol warmth.

Taste is sweet upfront with a decent kick of citrus hop bitterness and raisin, followed by a strong kick of alcohol warmth that coats the throat and a decent amount of malt sweetness.

Mouthfeel is warm with the citrus hop bitterness and raisin flavor sticking out the most, followed by the alcohol warmth.

I like this. Reminds me of Arrogant Bastard, except that there's more focus on the alcohol part. It reminds me of what I enjoy about Arrogant Bastard and as a result, I enjoy its bigger cousin. Definitely a sipping beer that's worth your time.

Serving type: bottle

11-22-2008 20:02:33 | More by Brad007

stakem

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a clear redish amber color with a yellow stained head. Lace clinging to spots all along the glassware. Head has pretty decent retension. Nose has a (almost lemon-like) citrus, grassy and pine hop aroma that pierces through the malt sweetness. Alcohol comes through in the nose to the point of almost being tingly, burning and uncomfortable if too deep of a whiff is taken. It reminds me of the daunting essays that appear on the back of these bombers. I have to laugh because it's comical that the characteristics of the beer are really fitting to the profile of the "bastard" they portray in writing. Taste is brutally bitter if you don't brace yourself for what you are in for with this beverage selection however it's bitterness is paired well with the malt sweetness that comes through in the body and the big alcohol taste. Lingering taste of resiny hops is left in the mouth that at times feels a bit oil-like but other sips give way to more of the alcohol and malt character. It is quite a warming beer, the 10.5 abv is not hidden, it plays well with the rest of the bold flavors and aromas.

My urge to consume hop heavy bitterness = cured.

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2009 01:39:58 | More by stakem

Derek

British Columbia (Canada)

4.63/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

This had a little more sherry flavour, but seemed just as smooth, if not smoother, than its little brother: the Arrogant Bastard! It is quite bold, but not at all harsh.

A: Dark caramel, with an off-white head. Some retention, with nice lacing.

S: Sherry & pine, with malty goodness.

T: Initially slightly sweet, with sherry, chocolate and fruity caramel flavours. Some warming pine in the middle. Slightly bitter in the finish... but VERY smooth.

M: Full syrupy body, slightly higher than moderate carbonation.

D: Truly is exceptional for a beer of this strength. (Though some may not like the Chinook hops).

Thanks Kevin!

Serving type: bottle

09-17-2005 20:17:29 | More by Derek

Georgiabeer

Georgia

4.38/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Received from d0ggnate in a trade- Thanks! Pours surprsingly red and cloudy. It's a dark reddish orange, quite hazy, and almost syrupy in pour consistency out of the bottle. There is little head, but what is there settles to a ring. Big, spicy malty aromas up front followed by some nice orangey citrus and piney hops. This beer has a quite interesting malty flavor profile up front- almost as if there were toasted rice and barley in it. This is followed by a fruity sweetness that is furthr followed by a long bitter citrus flavor and a nice oily, piney hop finish. Mouthfeel is pure and clean but big and with a touch of sweetness. This isn't sticky or cloying at all and is quite balanced by the toasted flavors and the hops. Surprisingly drinkable. Not as harsh and more integrated than many Stone brews. I'm not always a fan of all of their brews, but this one deserves its accolades. Huge, interesting, nicely hoppy, balanced, and generally well done

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2008 03:13:02 | More by Georgiabeer

mothman

Saskatchewan (Canada)

3.53/5  rDev -18.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

2008 vintage

Poured into Carolous glass

Pours 1/2 finger of beige head. Fades down after a few minutes. Color is a murk copper orange.

Aroma: Lots of caramel malts. Reminds me of an old winter yulesmith. Some faded earthy hops with bready notes. I have a feeling the taste won't be good.

Taste: Lots of bready and caramel notes. The hop profile is earthy but faded big time. Some heat shows. This beer needs to be drank fresh. This one is not holding up well.

Mouthfeel: Creamy, boozy, hot, and not very bitter. It tastes like a vodka mixed drink. Medium bodied with a medium to low amount of carbonation. Ends very sticky and malty.

Overall, this one is a big letdown. I thought it might have help up a little bit, but it is drinking terrible. I doubt I will even bother with the rest of my glass. This beer will probably get drainpoured.

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2009 23:16:12 | More by mothman

Dogbrick

Ohio

4.33/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Tasted at the Barrelhouse Brewing Company Microbrew Fest on November 9. This beer is knock-your-socks-off strong. Who is worthy indeed? Lively, complex and fervent flavors throughout. A great dessert beer and another winner from Stone.

Serving type: bottle

11-27-2002 07:37:23 | More by Dogbrick

tavernjef

Minnesota

5/5  rDev +16%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Wowee, wow, wow, what a fantastic beer! The beer Gods from Stone have bestowed this upon us for a reason, because to know heaven you must pass through hell! This is pure pleasure and make no mistake you will pay by nights end. Pours a deep firey tawny amber brown, settles a bit darker in the chalice glowing of newly created lava from the earths crust as it procedes to grow a tall, firmly thickened, whipped froth of tannish wonder. Fades ever so slowly like a dieing fire to a thin ring and a hazy skim across the liquid leaving massive sticking amounts of webby laced sheets. Aroma appears stronger then smoke, more like heat from an oven with mounting sweet caramel, lightly burnt, darkened tropical passion fruits, earthy crispness of deep woods pineyness. Malts are king in this world of aroma, ruling with a mighty pitch fork that pokes at the hops as if to say "Ha, ha... Try to take my throne you measly weed". Taste is where it leads you down the path of whats about to become a head full of everything thats tempting. Complexing malts are forest fire big, tons of great semi sweet caramel, thick and thicker yet, flowing in and out of scorched and deeply ripe dark fruityness, pineapple, mango, plum, and raisins bursting within with a light burntness touching everything. Its calmingly smooth and far to creamy for such a fire to burn, but yet it does, and it builds with a wind of hops thats burning up brush of small dwindling pine, dried leaves, and wood. Incredibly balanced bitterness is deep and crackly over the musculature of the big boned skeleton of malts. Alcohol never makes its presense felt til it finds its way to the head where it smokes out any notions of all before it. You remember liking this thing you enjoyed the next day but are now lurking around like a zombie wondering how in the hell did I survive such a dance with the flames of a devil. F*cking great stuff!! Can't wait to dance again with this dark nectar, but not any time soon, as not to become a devils second hand. I hopefully have learned my lesson. Why did they have to put this in a bomber? Much like a devil its always tempting you to take more.

Serving type: bottle

12-01-2003 21:39:02 | More by tavernjef

JohnGalt1

Idaho

4.4/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

22oz 2007 release picked up at Erickson's fine wines for about $5.50.. poured into my New Belgium tulip at cellar temp.

Thick sticky head and alot of lacing atop a deep clear amber/copper brew.

Aroma is thick and very hoppy.. pine and caramel big time.... getting some alcohol on the nose, but I don't mind alot... dried cherries and a touch of raisin.

Damn.. tastes like a sweeter barleywine.. big burly bitter backbone.. balanced by a very sweet but not cloying maltiness. Huge pine and citrus hop flavors and caramel toffee... hops and malts kung fu fight for control of my palate... Fairly thick body and an assertive but small bubble carbonation... fair amount of yeasty fruitiness adds well to the overall complexity... Very aggressive and subtle at the same time... more like a kung fu ballet.

This is the 4th year I've had this brew, and I can tell you I only have 1 '06 in the cellar... It is always a goto beer anytime I can't pick something out... after tonight, I am thinking I am going to have to get a case and let them mellow in the box, out of sight out of temptation.

Edit: Wooh! I only wanted 1 beer before bed.. this is the perfect nightcap.

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2008 09:20:57 | More by JohnGalt1

thagr81us

South Carolina

4.38/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Had at the Stone Tap Takeover in Charlotte. 2006 Vintage. Served from tap into a tumbler. Poured a deep red-orange with a minimal off-white head. Maintained nice lacing throughout. The aroma was comprised of sweet malt and a slight hop character. The flavor was of sweet malt and a subtle bitter hop note. It had a light feel on the palate with mild carboation. Overall this brew really seemed to mellow out with the aging. Everything was nice and smooth. I really enjoyed this one quite a bit and it has motivated me to age some the next time I can find it in stores.

Serving type: on-tap

10-12-2010 15:14:40 | More by thagr81us

Cyberkedi

Georgia

4.72/5  rDev +9.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Aroma is fairly hoppy and has a strong fruity overtone. It pours a deep coppery reddish brown with a fairly thick off-white head. Flavor - WOOO! One sip of this beer, and you will know what it is like to have an angry puma in your mouth. It is FIERCE - not for the faint of heart! Bitterness is strong, but not unpleasant. Taste is mainly hoppy with some malty and sweet tones and hints of Coca-Cola and caramel. Texture is satisfyingly smooth, and aftertaste is bitter yet with a sweet fruity undertone. Like no other beer I have ever tried.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2008 03:39:35 | More by Cyberkedi

Huhzubendah

District of Columbia

4.03/5  rDev -6.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks to Damian and Lona for sharing this bottle.

2006 vintage

The beer appears a russet brown with subtle crimson highlights. The head is substantial in stature and leaves plenty of lacing on the glass. The aroma is of alcohol, malts, and toffee. The hop character of the beer has faded during the aging process, so I am not detecting any of the fruit, hop, pineapple, or citrus flavors I have been told are well associated with Double Bastard Ale. The feel is thick and syrupy, with a strong alcohol presence throughout. I liked this much better than the Stone Old Guardian 2007 we had alongside this. This is a great beer to share a few ways and sip slowly on a cold night.

Serving type: bottle

11-15-2010 15:16:08 | More by Huhzubendah

ccrida

Oregon

3.05/5  rDev -29.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

2007 Release, poured from a bomber into my large St. Feuillien goblet, Double Bastard is clear dark ruby with a small but thick, olive tinged off-white head.

Smell is mainly a big punch of citrus hops, pineapple and grapefruit, although a rich sweet malt background lets you know that you're not dealing with another big IPA. Since I've been drinking winter warmers lately, it reminds me of a super hoppy one of those, with noticeably more alcohol. I'd rather more balance from the malt, the hops make it rather one dimensional.

Taste is also super hoppy, with a hugely bitter, dry, clean booze finish. There is some sweet, gingerbread like malt lying behind all the hops and fusels, but it's probably too fresh for my taste right now. The aftertaste just won't stop, super astringent and boozy.

Mouthfeel is thick and oily, not much carbonation.

Drinkability is on the lower side. This one pretty much burns with every swallow. Sure it softens some as it warms, but it also gains viscosity. Frankly, I'd normally lower pretty much every category, except for the fact that it's so fresh, and I assume it's better with age. There's also maybe some high score bias, as much as I try to avoid that, I can't ignore the hype behind this one, which I'm not really liking. I love robust american barelywines, but this one's just harsh, and I'm a fan of extreme beer. Time will tell if they're arrogant or just fooling themselves.

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2007 06:04:29 | More by ccrida