Stone Double Bastard

For my 1,000th post! This 11.2% ABV ale is from the Stone Brewing Company of Escondido, in San Diego County, California. The beer pours a very dark and deep amber and burnt orange. It is dark enough to be moving towards brown and garnet. There is a tall half-inch of thick, creamy, rich head, light brown in color. The aroma is of oranges, deep caramel, figs and spices. The taste is sweet, rich, caramel, molasses, oranges, with a tangy and quite bitter finish. The finish is also dry. In addition, there is some strong tea, light tobacco, it is spicy and peppery and hot with alcohol. This one warms all the way down. This beer is massive, but balanced.