Double Bastard Ale

Wow, this is a crazy Bastard. Bitter as all hell with some slight botanicals that remind me of a shot of Malort! A very roasted sweetness forms the aftertaste at the middle-back of the tongue. What was almost offensive at the first taste (this Bastard is still too much for the untravelled drinker) really mellows into a sublime bipolar drink. The sweetness comes through more pronounced, but that huge bitterness keeps it in check, where I like it. Gotta say I'd pick this Bastard up for a ride again sometime. MB

22 oz bottle, 10.5% ABV

The Stone Brewing Company

Escondido, San Diego County, CA

purchased at Kenwood