Stone Brewing Co. - 2015 "Depth-Charged Double Bastard" ale

Today's beer is a special entry into Stone's most famous line, the "Bastard" series. Stone makes a variety of ales in this series - the "Arrogant Bastard," which is a commonly-available, year-round, aggressively-hoppy and strong ale; an oaked version; a double version (the "Double Bastard," another favorite) and a few special versions like the Lucky Bastard released in 2014. Today's is part of the "Bastard Box", which is an exceptionally-great value - $24.99 for four, 22oz bottles, including the never-before-seen "Depth Charged Double Bastard," the subject of today's review. It's also worth noting that the Bastard series is made now under the Arrogant Bastard Brewing Co. label, which is a subsidiary of Stone.

The "Depth-Charged Double Bastard" is an 11.00% ABV ale made with coffee beans. This one has been kicking around since 2015. Nice! I love dipping into vintage beer.

It pours a deep amber from a 22 oz bomber bottle, and is almost red when candled, generating a thin layer of white foam.

When poured, it generates a faint aroma. Now. since I've had the other four in the series, I can tell this smells a little different. I don't know if it's the coffee, or what, but it's a little sweeter on the aroma than any of the others. But generally, the aroma is of alcohol and some syrupy hops.

As usual, I let it sit for a bit before taking a gulp. Whoa! There's lots of alcohol flavor on the first sip, with the coffee beans following quickly. It's got the same underlying backbone of strong hops, biscuity malts, and liquid oak that I recall from other entries in the series (very reminiscent of the Oaked Bastard) but the coffee serves to moderate some of the bitterness and adds a nice flavor. According to the bottle, they use espresso in this beer - doesn't taste like it! The coffee tastes more medium-roast than anything else. The aftertaste is hoppy and pleasant, with a noticeable warming sensation. I always like the texture of these beers - thick, not a lot of carbonation, and a refreshing texture.

Definitely a big hit. It's got the strength that I look for in the Double Bastard, with the nice addition of coffee beans that's a fun deviation from the usual hop bitterbomb that the series presents. In any event, this is a must-try for any Stone fans out there; my only regret is that it's not a recurring thing - or else I'd grab a dozen. Sadly this is a once-off release and so if you see it, grab it!