effervescent refractions

After tasting the Arrogant, or Single Bastard, I wondered for long what made the Double Bastard indeed double. I was hoping for a second helping of malts rather than hops as I found the original somewhat bitter for my taste. The pour produced a clear but deep ruby body topped of a creamy custard head that rapidly disappeared to yield a central column of carbonation. At the nose I found my inquiries to be answered by a straightforward but complex aroma. Sweet rich malts are well balanced by the alcohol and a fruity blend of cherry, apple, berries, and syrupy orange scents mingles with a creamy coffee note. The flavor was a bit more reminiscent of the single Bastard with its strong grapefruit tonalities accompanied by slightly green coffee and chocolate notes. Some flowery bitterness is also noticeable as it joins the finishing bloom of grape juice leading to a smooth creamy aftertaste. A terrific effort from Stone, and my favorite so far.