Arrogant Bastard Southern Charred 2015

This 12.7% ABV ale is from the Arrogant Bastard Brewing Company (think Stone Brewing) of Escondido, San Diego County, California. It takes their double bastard ale and ages it in bourbon barrels.

The beer pours a hazy dark amber to light brown. There is almost no head. The aroma is bourbon, sweet, malty, fruity, caramel, with some toasted and roasted notes. The taste is malty, caramel and dark fruits, followed by a wave of bourbon, with a spicy finish, then warming alcohol. There is the dry, tangy, astringency of oak in the aftertaste. The beer drinks smooth with soft carbonation. This is bold and flavorful, yet also a smooth bourbony sipper.