Stone Lukcy Basartd Ale

LibationsSpokane

Stone Lukcy Basartd Ale cover

No, it's not a typo, and at a good 8.5% it probably is how you'd spell "Lucky Bastard" after downing a bottle.

Lukcy Basartd was where all the Stone Bastards met to make one über-bastard, commemorating the 13 year anniversary of Arrogant Bastard. The result is good and one can't help but wonder if Stone can do no wrong.

It pours a nice dark yet saturated brown with about a two finger head. Nice lacing. There are strong herbal notes in the nose alongside sweet hints of caramel. Hops are very present. Definitely one you can sit around sniffing for a while, exploring all the nuances. 

The flavor is bitter, one that would give Stephen Bardo a "bitter beer face." There are citric flavors too, alongside a subtle sweet flavor and strong hints of oak. Finish is dry and the body is probably somewhere between medium and full. Lukcy Basartd is extremely well balanced, like a symphony of flavors.

Though that obviously doesn't mean that this is a session beer; you'd truly start misspelling things if you downed a bottle too quickly. As a sipping ale it is excellent, however. Run out and grab a bottle, and thank the heavens for Stone's generous pricing. (A bomber runs you about $5 -- had this been Deschutes it'd likely be double.)