Stone - Oaked Arrogant Bastard and Lukcy Basartd

Happy New Year – another year begins with some interesting beers to try and continue the beer tasting journey.  Stone is the first stop of the 2011 with Oaked Arrogant Bastard at an ABV of 7.2% and an IBU of ??.  Stone does not publish the IBU of any of the “Bastard” line of ales.  They all are significantly hopped with high IBUs.  I think Oaked Arrogant Bastard is my favorite of the line that I have sampled.  This pours an orangey brown with a lacy head and a nice citrus aroma.  This one is smoother and I appreciated the oak taste in this ale.  I like the quote on the bottle “Another reward for those seeking new sources of passion, and another point of dissension for those who are not.”  This is not a cheap beer and one taste explains it.

Lukcy Basartd Ale has an ABV of 8.5% and an IBU of ??.  Lukcy Basartd is an anniversary blend of Arrogant Bastard celebrating the 13-year anniversary of Arrogant Bastard.  The blend consists of Arrogant Bastard Ale, Oaked Bastard Ale, and Double Bastard Ale.  This one pours a deep caramel color with a think beige head that has good retention.  This is a very nice blend and you detect sweet malt, oak hints, and a nice hop-induced bitter finish.  Stone is a very good brewer and they like using the hops.  I appreciate the brashness in the packaging and assertion that these are not beers for the average beer drinking.  This is a one-time release and I am sure it will be unavailable all too soon.