It’s a special time of year when a Bastard comes out to play. It’s even more special when two Bastards come out from hiding and treat fans to a taste of what it is to be Worthy. Today, Double Bastard Ale and a barrel-aged version of the beer, Southern Charred, are migrating across the U.S., seeking those that welcome their company.

Double Bastard Ale was first released November 1998 to honor the one-year anniversary of Arrogant Bastard Ale. The beer debuted as the amped-up evil uncle of its already aggressive predecessor. The bottle warns, “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.” It goes on, “This is one lacerative muther of an ale.” Since 1998, Double Bastard Ale has been released once a year to Worthy individuals seeking its company.

Fans looking for an alternative to the annual cult favorite, Double Bastard Ale, might find Southern Charred more suitable for leisurely quaffing. Resting in a sleek black 500ml bottle, the beer was aged for 10 months in heavily charred Kentucky bourbon and American oak barrels, then transferred to second-use Kentucky bourbon barrels to age for an additional 13 months. The dark amber ale was brewed with a huge malt bill and a belligerent amount of hops making it a heavy, bitter beast of a beer.

Southern Charred is part of Stone’s coveted Quingenti Millilitre Series and releasing in conjunction with two other bold and fiery beers – Crime and Punishment. Previously, Stone Quingenti Millilitre Series bottles were only available at special events and Stone Company Stores across Southern California. However, the release of Southern Charred, Crime and Punishment marks the first time these bottles have made a national debut.

Double Bastard Ale is ready to drink fresh or may be cellared for months or years, allowing the beer to mature and flavors to strengthen. Southern Charred may also be enjoyed now or if properly cellared, will continue to develop strong bourbon notes as the smoke flavor lessens. 

Double Bastard Ale Quick Facts

Name: Double Bastard Ale
URL: www.arrogantbastard.com/doublebastard/default.asp
Stats: 11.2% ABV, IBUs – CLASSIFIED
Availability: Limited three-liter bottles, 22-ounce bottles and draft, beginning November 4
Hops Bill: CLASSIFIED
Distribution: AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, and WA  

Suggested Pairings

Appetizers:Bacon-wrapped dates, garlic and rosemary lamb lollipops, blue cheese bacon dip, Serrano or Ibérico ham, pierogis
Soups: French onion, goulash, venison chili, beef stew
Entrees: Pork porterhouse, lamb shoulder, mushroom and leek tart, steak poutine, blue cheese-stuffed portabella mushrooms, carnitas tacos
Cheeses: Carr Valley Aged Gouda, Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue, Farmstead Cheese Point Reyes Original Blue, aged Parmesan-Reggiano
Desserts: Pecan pie, Heath Bar, caramel cake, Fig Newtons
Cigars: H Uppman Sir Winston, Casa Magna Colorado Robusto, El Rey del Mundo Flor de Llaneza, Tatuaje 10th Anniversary Bon Chasseur

Southern Charred Quick Facts

Name: Southern Charred
URL: www.arrogantbastard.com/500ml/#southern
Stats: 12.6% ABV, 95 IBUs
Availability: Limited 500ml bottles and draft, beginning November 4
Hops Bill: CLASSIFIED
Distribution: AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS,  KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, and WA  

Suggested Pairings

Appetizers: Honey-glazed figs stuffed with blue cheese, lamb sliders, bacon-wrapped jalapeños, mushroom and walnut pate
Soups: Beef stew, white bean and hominy chili, roasted butternut squash, French onion soup
Entrees: Mushroom and barley pie, pork roast, stir-fried forbidden black rice with tempeh, BBQ St. Louis ribs
Cheeses: Oregonzola, Great Hill Blue, Beemster X.O. Extra DOUBLE Aged Gouda, Maytag Blue
Desserts: Salted caramel pudding, coconut cream pie, caramel bacon buns, pecan pie
Cigars: Xikar HC Criollo Belicoso, Padrón 1926 Anniversary, Alec Bradley Black Market Robusto, Casa Magna Colorado Robusto