Double Bastard Bigger Longer Uncut by Stone/Arrogant Brewing

Rating: 6.25/7

Double Bastard Bigger Longer Uncut by Stone/Arrogant Brewing is an 13% ABV American Strong Ale aged in Islay Scotch Whisky Barrels

Label:
Arrogance. Doubled, Barreled. Served Straight Up.

Weakness Is worn on the sleeves. Boldness Is within the heart. This intensified blend of barrel-aged Double Bastard Ale is all heart baby. The weak will find it to be a telltale heart. It knows of your fallibility. It smells your fear. The heart of this beer disdains you, as it disdains all things homogenized, wimpy and uncultured. You do know the truth of yourself, no? If you hesitated to answer that, if even for a split second, that in and of itself is telling. If you aren’t capable of knowing the reality of yourself, this beer can and will take the responsibility of informing you of what you should already know. (And it you’ve lost your way in this text already and no longer are clear about what I am saying, your reading pace has exceeded your comprehension pace. Go back, slow down and start over, bright eyes.)

Take a deep breath. Let it out slowly. Evenly. Give yourself some positive affirmations. Breathe deep again. There. Feel better? If you followed those instructions, then set this bottle down and back away immediately, you new age poseur. Fight or flight and I’d recommend the latter for you, tiger. Wet paper bags are more your speed.

==Introduction==

My love for double bastard never ceased ever since that fateful day where I had the dream I would try it. Since then have had so many variants and now as I get close to making my own version of the delicious Midnight Brunch Double Bastard, Stone/Arrogant Brewing released a wild one from left field. I didn’t think much of it but when I saw it was made with Islay Scotch Whiskey, I definitely thought, this is a must try for sure. Of all the spirit aged beers that I have tried in the past, the Islay Scotch aged is one that is so rare, I last tried a Brew Dog Stout that had this a long time ago. So for stone to release this, this is a truly special occasion indeed and the name fits it perfectly. Cheers for many more from the true Kings of Beer, the Arrogant Bastards!!

Aromas:
Lots of smokey peat, molasses, bacon, smoked oak, BBQ sauce, Scotch whiskey, bourbon, vanilla dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, cranberries, dates, raisins, roasted cherries, brown sugar, cinnamon, tobacco, toffee, rye bread, orange preserves, campfire and smoked marshmallow smores.

Flavors:
Rich Smoked oak, Rich smoked peat, BBQ sauce, bacon, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, maple, scotch whiskey, bourbon, marshmallow, campfire burnt chocolate smores, toasted coconut, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, toffee, rye bread, orange preserves, grapefruit preserves, honey, dark fruit raisins, dark cherries, cranberries, dates, raisins, tobacco, leather, Stone fruit peach, mango, butterscotch, sourdough bread, earthy, floral, and grassy hops, fruit cake, Key lime pie hints, brown sugar and roasted cherries.

Aftertaste:
Finishes very smokey bitter and full of complex flavors of vanilla, Scotch whisky, campfire wood, marshmallows, bacon hints, dark fruits and chocolate hints. No alcohol in the tasted despite the ABV, Crimson clear body, smooth, crisp, refreshing, velvety, creamy and mildy syrupy mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
A bit above exceptional! This is very damn special. A very unique Bastard indeed. Very different type of smokey goodness that definitely comes from the Islay Scotch. The Double Bastard is there but changed big time by the unique flavors presented in complexity of aging in the special spirit of the Islay Scotch. Definitely not for everyone and as Arrogant Tradition goes, many may or may not like it but if you are a fan, I say you will. Go get this Bastard!

Anime Corner:
Lilith Aensland and the many Darkstalkers characters were used in this pairing as I wanted to go with a movie like theme and keep Lilith as the main character as she has been for the other Double Bastards. She even has somewhat of a director’s uniform. The theme of Doubles with Jedah and Morrigan have been a part of the theme since the original double bastard.

Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/BXNSB6e.jpg
https://67.media.tumblr.com/e74961f3a62c151cbf93433deb58316b/tumblr_o0gzifAGzV1rs0zxko1_r1_1280.jpg
https://cdnb3.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/000/651/431/large/robert-porter-morrililly.jpg?1443930460
http://blog-imgs-44-origin.fc2.com/y/u/r/yuritrap/yr110191.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/rtuY1hq.jpg
http://xxgasm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/darkstalkers_morriga-4830.jpg

Depth-Charged Double Bastard by Stone Brewing

February 6, 2016 by cloudx30 tagged coffee, Depth-Charged Double Bastard, Double Bastard, Double Bastard Ale, Espresso, Jedah, Jedah Dohma, Lilith Aensland, Stone Brewing, stone brewing co, Stone Double Bastard, World Class American Strong Ale | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.75/6

Depth-Charged Double Bastard by Stone Brewing is an 11% ABV American Strong Ale brewed with Coffee

Label:
So, your knowledge of caffè is such that you’ve correctly determined that “depth-charged” refers to the addition of espresso-roasted coffee beans. Well, bully for you. For all I know, you picked that up hanging out at some coffee megachain amid a microcosmic mishmash of vapid layabouts, metro hipsters, and laptop-sporting exhibitionists trying to convince the world (and themselves) that they’re click-clacking out the great American-novel-cum-screenplay for a future summer blockbuster. I could surely teach you a thing or two were I inclined…which I’m NOT. Perhaps you’re eyeing my backside because you’re really into coffee. Nothing wrong there, but if you’ve come to me expecting some beery incarnation of your security blanket “me time” soyfrappélatte or similarly dainty concoction, you’re in for some grande-sized disappointment. I do not exist to provide a comforting mode of conveyance for your jittery, caffeinated fantasies. Nothing about me is smooth, subtle or built for comfort. Those who should be holding this bottle (en route to opening and indulging in what awaits within) are really into ME. Get your cinnamonmochaccino fix elsewhere. This here’s strictly for adult men and women who don’t require the culinary crutch of added fat and sweeteners. My motto: Bold and brave or not at all.

==Introduction==

Got this one at my local shop. Luckily, I did not have to buy the whole 4 pack special as this one seem to come with in the Bastard Box which has 4 Arrogant Bastard variants. Double Bastard has been one of the best beers I have ever especially since the time I started doing beer reviews. Heck, I even had a dream I had it before I actually tried it. That’s how much I like this one. I even have one aging for several years. When I first heard that this was coming out and what it had I was like wuuutt? I wondered how it would work as the beer already is strong and citrucy but would it really meld with the coffee? Well, I guess we’re about to find out.

Aromas:
Espresso Coffee, mocha, citrus, grapefruit, piney, grassy, earthy, floral and dank hops, old oranges, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, dark fruit raisins, dates, plums, dark cherries, biscuit bread, Kahlua notes, brown sugar, pecan pie, Milk chocolate and butterscotch.

Flavors:
Rich Coffee, mocha, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, rich citrus, grapefruit, piney, grassy, earthy, floral and dank hops, old oranges, dark fruits like raisins, dates and figs, dark cherry hints, caramel, roasted barley, tropical mango, caramelized dragon fruit, sourdough bread, rye bread, tobacco, leather, butterscotch, lemon peel, lemon candy, tangerine preserves in toasted biscuit bread, English fig pudding, Khalua notes, ginger, Milk chocolate, burnt chocolate, molasses, hazel nut nectar, roasted chestnuts, pine cones, brown sugar, acorns, flan, tangerine marmalade and black tea notes.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with rich candied oranges, coffee, chocolate, grapefruit and earthy hop notes, toffee, caramel, vanilla, mocha and dark fruit goodness. No alcohol in the taste. Deep Crimson, light body, smooth, creamy, velvety and slightly syrupy mouthfeel with a moderate drinkability.

Overall:
Taking my original love of the bastard to an even newer level. Double Basted Charged with coffee is very exceptional. Who would of thought that a coffee blend to an already dream beer could go beyond something I would of ever thought possible. Just goes to show what Stone brewing is capable of. They are damn crazy with these beers. I highly recommend this one.

Anime Corner:
Lilith Aensland and Jedah from Darkstalkers/Vampire Saviour were used in this pairing as I wanted to bring back Lilith for the Double Bastards pairings since the first time I tried the beer. Since then I have done ones with the girl version of Jedah too. Both of them representing the Double in Double bastard. Now with the male version of Jedah, I wanted to show what the wording depth meant in terms of the art pairing. She literally comes out from the depths of Jedah’s charred heart. The other pairing with Lilith is just since I wanted a new artwork to pair with this great beer.

Sources:
http://www.fightersgeneration.com/nx6/char/lilith-oni-soul.png
https://41.media.tumblr.com/d3d4b1ac0190fb0de501aa7af4129253/tumblr_n3lbjayO8H1raomcgo1_1280.png
http://i.imgur.com/Sxo1nsL.jpg

Stone Cali-Belgique aged in Reposado Tequila Barrels by Stone Brewing

September 30, 2015 by cloudx30 tagged Belgian IPA, BIPA, BPA, Cali-Belgique, Darkstalkers, Jedah, Jedah Dohma, Midnight Bliss, Reposado Tequila Barrels, Stone Brewing, Stone Company Store, Tequila Barrel Aged, Vampire Savior | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.25/6

Stone Cali-Belgique aged in Reposado Tequila Barrels by Stone Brewing is a 9.3% ABV Belgian India Pale Ale aged in Reposado Tequila Barrels.

==Introduction==

Obtained at the Stone Company Store in Pasadena California, this beer along with other awesome beers were released to the public on tap. This one was the only barrel aged serving on tap eligible to take home in growler fill.

Aromas:
Vanilla, bubble gum hints, oak, tequila notes, agave, peppercorns, stone fruit apricots, peaches, flowers like lavender and chamomile, cane sugar, lemon, herbs, farmhouse hay, wine grape notes, banana hints, clove spice and minor tropical fruit hints.

Flavors:
Lechugilla Agave, Cane sugar, Mezcal, Tequila, oak, peppercorns, honey, oranges, herbal, floral, grapefruit, piney and grassy hops, clove spice, ginger spice, coriander spice, vanilla, bubblegum notes, Italian basil, lemon, mango, pineapple, stone fruit apricots, peaches, butterscotch hints, dragon fruit, passion fruit hints, funky notes, farmhouse hay, wine grapes, chardonay hints, mustard seed, bananas, cantaloupe, lavender, hibiscus and tamarind.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with some notes of tequila, peppercorns, stone fruits, grapefruit hops and clove spice. No alcohol in the taste, clear gold body, sipping drinkability, smooth, crisp, refreshing and moderate mouthfeel.

Overall:
A bit above exceptional. The beer originally was already delicious as I really loved the flavors of the Cali-Belgique as they reminded me of a border lining Belgian Pale Ale or Hopped Saison and mainly the Golden ale that was the As Follows by stillwater with its pungent orange and herbal flavors. Now with Tequila, especially reposado tequila give this beer a touch of something that not many beers of this style get to see. A European blend with not just west coast style but also a major Mexican influence. This beer was a great out come. Tequila barrel aged beers are rare and few in between so getting a chance to have one once and a while is an awesome feat since many breweries go with mainly bourbon now a days which also is extremely delicious as well. Each spirit adds something genuine to beers.

Anime Corner:
Jedah Dohma “Midnight Bliss” version from Darkstalkers/Vampire Savior was used in this pairing as with the last time I tried and reviewed the original brew, I used Jedah as well. This time, Jedah fermented in the dark recesses of Reposado tequila barrels represented by the mezcal and agave colors of the picture where she is with the deathly bird (Think of it as the Mexican Tequila influence and the Scythe being the harvester of Agave). I also brought back one of the original pics back too. Jedah for this stone beer represents the fancy tradition of European beers meeting the west coast. Meaning she has like a European Dracula like outfit but also blonde hair represents the aspect of the west coast style in terms of the blonde and clear colors that this beer has.

Sources:
http://orig11.deviantart.net/beaf/f/2009/072/8/e/udon_ds_contest__jedah_by_zelas.jpg
http://blog-imgs-41-origin.fc2.com/g/e/r/gerokan2/jeda.jpg

Double Bastard (2013 Release) by Stone Brewing

November 25, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Double Bastard, Double Bastard Ale, Jedah, Jedah Dohma, Lilith Aensland, Stone Brewing, stone brewing co, Stone Double Bastard, World Class American Strong Ale | 3 Comments

Rating: 5/5

Double Bastard (2013 Release) by Stone Brewing is an 11.2% ABV World Class American Strong Ale

Label:
“Ye Shall Know the Bastard, and the Bastard shall Set you Free”

Double Bastard Ale
Warning: Double Bastard Ale is not to be wasted on the tentative or weak. Only the Worthy are invited, and then only at your own risk. If you have even a modicum of hesitation, DO NOT buy this bottle. Instead, leave it for a Worthy soul who has already matriculated to the sublime ecstasy of what those in the know refer to as “Liquid Arrogance.”

This is one lacerative muther of an ale. It is unequivocally certain that your feeble palate is grossly inadequate and thus undeserving of this liquid glory…and those around you would have little desire to listen to your resultant whimpering. Instead, you slackjawed gaping gobemouche, slink away to that pedestrian product that lures agog the great unwashed with the shiny happy imagery of its silly broadcast propaganda. You know, the one that offers no challenge, yet works very, very hard to imbue the foolhardy with the absurd notion that they are exercising ‘independent’ thought, or attempts to convey the perception it is in some way ‘authentic’ or ‘original.’ It’s that one that makes you feel safe and delectates you into basking in the warm, fuzzy, and befuddled glow of your own nescience. Why so many allow themselves to be led by the nose lacks plausible explanation. Perhaps you have been so lulled by the siren song of ignorance that you don’t even notice your white-knuckle grip on it. You feel bold and unique, but alas are nothing but sheep, willingly being herded to and fro. If you think you are being piqued in this text, it is nothing when compared to the insults we are all asked to swallow streaming forth from our televisions and computers. Truth be told, you are being coddled into believing you are special or unique by ethically challenged “pay no attention to the man behind the curtain” marketers who layer (upon layer) imagined attributes specifically engineered to lead you by the nose. Should you decide to abdicate your ability to make decisions for yourself, then you are perhaps deserving of the pabulum they serve. Double Bastard Ale calls out the garrulous caitiffs who perpetrate the aforementioned atrocities and demands retribution for their outrageously conniving, intentionally misleading, blatantly masturbatory and fallacious ad campaigns. We demand the unmitigated, transparent truth. We demand forthright honesty. We want justice! Call ‘em out and line ‘em up against the wall… NOW.

___

Countless times have I specified the greatness that is the true king of beers, the arrogant bastard. It was only but a dream back in 2011 when I first tried the Double Bastard for the first time. I detail the story in my previous review. Back in my beginnings of craft beer drinking days when my buddy Rich told me about The Arrogant bastard, when I first heard of this of the original I was amazed. When I found out there was a double, nothing could stop me from trying it and thanks to my friend chino, it came to be. From then on, the successor of kings was this one. I have tried this beer countless times and I always find myself every year trying it again. In fact, I am cellaring one since 2012. That is how much I liked it.

Aromas:
Barleywine-esque, lemons, citrus, dark fruits like raisins figs, caramel, toffee, buttery butterscotch, vanilla, biscuit bread, oak, grassy, floral, herbal and earthy hops, grapefruit, mango, brown sugar and rye bread

Flavors:
Lots of toffee, lots of caramel, Rich Orange juice, lemon hints, citrus, tangerine marmalade on toasted rye bread, grapefruit, dark fruits like raisins, dates and figs, dark cherry hints, caramel, Barleywine like flavors, hidden mango, vanilla, oak, earthy, floral, grassy, grapefruit hops mango, and butterscotch on sourdough bread

Aftertaste:
The aftertaste continues with orange, grapefruit, earthy hop bitterness with continued caramel, toffee and raisins. A sipper with no alcohol in the taste. The alcohol will hit you later don’t worry *Evil Grin*. It maintains the aggressiveness while still having a unique smoothness too it as well.

Overall:
Bar none, Exceptionally great beer and one of my top favorites. Even if available only seasonally, it is still readily available so it is possible a lot of places in the United states now carry this magnificent piece of craftsmanship. The successor of the crown of the king of beers. No doubt you will always get a recommend from me on this one. The beers I can almost compare this too is also Surly Seviin, except not as hoppy. Stone Old Guardian is close but not as orange and grapefruit forward.

Anime Corner:
Lilith Aensland and Jedah Dohma. Lilith, the one with wings and Jedah the blond one. Long ago I used this picture for the first review because I wanted to explain double bastard as 2 separate entities. Sweet and Bitter. Sweet Lilith with the bat wings is a representative of the gargoyle of the label while emphasizing the sweetness trying to take over and soften up the arrogance which is Jedah. The bitter and dark Jedah which, while evil and super arrogant inside, has now transformed (due to Demitri’s Midnight Bliss) into a much sweeter, yet a bit bitter, delicate flower. Keep in mind, it seems, the tables have turned as Lilith with her sweet cunningness has now engulfed the frail Jedah into her own version of the dream that is now this beer, The Double Bastard. Even if she has to tear the layers of flavor, she will find the balance needed in this great beer.

Southern Charred by Stone Brewing

November 22, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged Bourbon Barrel Aged, Charred Oak Barrels, Double Bastard, Jedah, Kentucky Bourbon, kentucky whiskey, Lilith Aensland, Southern Charred, stone brewing co, Stone Double Bastard | Leave a comment

Rating: 5.45/5*

Southern Charred by Stone Brewing is a 12.6% ABV American Strong Ale which consists of 2012 Double Bastard Ale Aged in Charred Oak Barrels, Kentucky Bourbon Barrels and Kentucky Bourbon Barrels that used to contain “Stone Suitable for Cave Aging”

Label:
Double Bastard brewed August 2nd & November 2nd, 2012
Arrogant Bastard Ale’s (really) big brother, this dark amber ale is brewed with a huge malt bill and a belligerent amount of hops. It’s a heavy, bitter beast of a beer and absolutely not for the timid.

In the Mash: CLASSIFIED
In the Boil: CLASSIFIED
In the Whirlpool: CLASSIFIED

Unfiltered and aged 10 months in 51% Kentucky Bourbon Barrels, 8% American Oak Barrels (charred)
13 Months in 41% Kentucky Bourbon Barrels second-use
IBUs:95
Bottled: October 2013

Cellar Notes:
The charred American oak barrels lend intense smoke and vanilla flavors, while the Kentucky bourbon barrels add nuances of butterscotch and caramel. These meld with rich dark chocolate notes produced by Kentucky bourbon barrels that once held “Stone Suitable for Cave Aging” – (An Imperial Smoked Porter Tribute to Danny Williams) to produce)a very complex, well-structured beer with intense flavor.
___

I have tried the Double Bastard aged in Bourbon barrels in the past. This release is aged in 3 different barrels implying a very southern whiskey like experience to the already awesome Double Bastard. Limited time so if you can find this one, they recommended a cellar. At least a cellar on Crime and Punishment. Those will be beastly

Aromas:
Very rich vanilla, coconut, flan, caramel, bourbon, oak, smokey and roasty notes, chocolate notes, crème brulee, toffee, whiskey character, maple, honey, chocolate orange notes, campfire wood, chocolate smores, marshmallows, graham crackers, brown sugar and deep berry notes. Boozy nose feel

Flavors:
Definitely a variety of whiskey, scotch and bourbon notes but pleasant. Rich Toffee, vanilla, smokey wood, campfire, marshmallows, chocolate notes, graham crackers, caramel, coconut notes, orange notes, coriander, earthy hops (still present), burnt oak, maple, honey, flan, brown sugar, berry notes, cherry notes and raisins.

Aftertaste:
The aftertaste is definitely of the presence of Double Bastard. Rich vanilla Toffee with citrus bitterness, coconut, vanilla, whiskey, campfire oak and earthy hops. A sipper with the booziness only as present as it needs to be to get the different variables of bourbon, scotch and whiskey out but nothing to burn harshly.

Overall:
Exceptionally great and complex. This beer will definitely develop stronger oak and vanilla character with possibly more fruit and toffee characters as the years pass by. No telling what will happen. Except the 2009 version tasted like a wine and cheese party which was brilliant.. Price wise, it is a lot. I have to thank a person who hooked me up with this for doing a review. Although, 500ml bottle isn’t quite a lot of beer. Seeing the level of complexity it took to make this I would understand. Although, I would say it is better if you find it on tap if possible. It is only a few times I review these due to the price ($18-$23 per bottle) but I would recommend them if you like as sometimes, they are worth that much in experience.

*Extra credit for the exceptional complexity with the different use of oak barrels bringing out delicious dessert flavors.

Anime Corner:
Lilith Aensland and Jedah Dohma from Darkstalkers which I had chosen for this piece had to do mainly with why I chose them for the first Double Bastard I did a long time ago. The Double bastard portion had to do with my idea of 2 girls combining in higher flavor profiles. I will be redoing the original Double Bastard soon to recap on the epic beer to show what I mean. The Bat wings of Lilith and the dark Jedah (Midnight Bliss form) represent the gargoyle and the darkness of arrogance. So you have a sweet and bitter flavor profile from the Double Bastard. The fact that in this picture, Lilith is moving away from the bottle and into the arms of Jedah, symbolizes the repel effect of burning or charred effect the oak bourbon barrels have on the Double bastard beer. In the previous Double Bastard picture I used, it is Lilith who is embracing Jedah instead. So it seemed to fit in my mind somehow.

Stone Cali-Belgique India Pale

March 27, 2013 by cloudx30 tagged belgian beers, belgian culture, Belgian IPA, Belgian Style, BIPA, Cali-Belgique, Calie-Belgique, Capcom, Darkstalkers, india pale ale, Jedah, Stone Brewing, stone brewing co, Vampire Hunter, yeast strain | Leave a comment

Rating: 4.8/5

Stone Cali-Belgique India Pale is 6.9%ABV Belgian India Pale Ale.

Label:
The name “Stone Cali-Belgique IPA” both begs a question, and answers it at the same time. It begs the “what exactly is that?” question, and then answers it: “Stone” designates this ale as one brewed by the Stone Brewing Co., “Cali” hints that it is a California-style IPA (which all of our IPAs are, as Stone is certainly one of the best known progenitors of the West Coast IPA style), and finally, it has an undeniable Belgian influence, indicated by the word “Belgique” (which is how Belgium’s French-speaking population say the word “Belgian”…the Dutch-speaking Belgians say “België”*). “IPA” of course stands for “India Pale Ale”—but this label is not the time nor place to delve into that storied history. Of course, there is the implicitly posed and as yet unanswered question of what exactly the Belgian/Belgique/België influence is. And “yeast” is the answer. We carefully selected a Belgian yeast strain that illuminates a fascinating new aspect of the ale that is otherwise ostensibly and simply Stone IPA. This is a yeast that showcases Stone IPA from a completely different angle. The result is both completely new and different, while still being altogether recognizable as a Stone brew, an IPA, and Stone IPA in particular. Think of it as an otherwise identical twin to Stone IPA that was raised in a Belgian culture. Literally.

Now, all grown up and standing next to each other, they look the same…yet different. We’d say the Belgian one sounds a bit funny when it talks, but yeast and ale being decidedly non-verbal (except through you), that’s not literally the case. Their aromas have some similarities, but the Stone Cali-Belgique IPA is decidedly a bit more, shall we say, aromatically funky. (No, we are not saying that Belgians smell funny…we didn’t say or imply that at all in any way…no angry cards or letters please…really, some of you people simply have too much time on your hands!) All in all, we find it all quite fascinating. But we’re brewers, and that’s the way we think. You might find it merely delicious. We, as brewers, most certainly do too, actually. And so…C’est avec le grand plaisir que nous le présentons vous! / Het is met geweldig genoegen dat wij het naar u voorstellen!

* Even though yeast cells are non-verbal, and arguably have no firm affiliation that shows preference for either the Flemish or the Walloons, we don’t want to accidentally misrepresent the little buggers. As such, approximately 50% of the Stone Cali-Belgian IPA bottles are labeled “Cali-Belgique” and the other half “Cali-België.” We at the Stone Brewing Co. respect both cultures highly and equally.
___

The last time I tried this beer was at a Bev and more tasting special in 2011. I thought it was awesome but I really haven’t had a chance to grab it and sit down with it. When I went to the Stone Company Store in Pasadena California I decided to grab a glass. I was very surprised because this reminded me so much of the As Follows Eschatological Ale by Stillwater Artisanal. The aromas of this beer are simple amazing. Strong Belgian sweet and honey bread fragrance with a lot of herbs, spices, peppercorns, minor grassy, piney and grapefruit hops some tropical fruit like pineapple and mango as well as oranges, cloves, and lemon. The flavors are of nice herbs, honey, pepercorns, cloves, coriander, Italian basil spice, bubblegum, orange, lemon, mango, pineapple, apricots, honey, french bread, some slight grape sourness, grapefruit, slight grassy and piney hops but mainly herbal and floral notes.This one is almost like the Saison du Buff too. The flavors are better on tap. Hence the reason I got a growler of this to go. Better as fresh as possible, but even if not, the Belgian side takes over to address even more complexity. So choose wisely 😛