Stone is easily in my top 5 favorite breweries. I was hooked merely by seeing a beer labeled "Arrogant Bastard". Granted, this was when I was still a newbie to the craft brew world and was still foolishly led by names and labels. But, like every other beer Stone offers, Arrogant Bastard lives up to its name.This brings us to a new release from Stone... and imperial stout brewed with anise, oak chips, and Belgian yeast. It pours jet black, with a brownish tinge around the edges and a moderate dark tan head. Aromas are very, very strong of anise and black licorice. There is also a slight oak and vanilla aroma, but I don't catch much roasted malt. After opening up a little bit, the aromas all meld to give a root beer quality to the aroma... very pleasing.
The licorice is not as strong in the flavor as the aroma. The mouthfeel is not a thick as a typical imperial stout and the carbonation is on the high end. Root beer once again comes to mind. Roasted malt and dark fruit linger in the background as well as a slight acidity that lives a little burn in the chest along with the alcohol.
It's certainly an interesting beer. I'd imagine setting this beer down for a few years would do a great deal of good in terms of blending the flavors more. This seems like a beer that will have its haters... but I enjoyed. Seek it out and see what you think. Prosit!
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