Arbalest
Stone Brewing

 

June 5th, 2015 - Another quirky beer here at the Stone South Park, this named - I think - for a piece of siege equipment I recognize only from playing video games. It's a brown-red beer with a red wine depth in color and the slightest roseate tint on the head. On the nose it is fresh and fruity, reminding me of a botanical garden, with marshmallow, strawberry and apple skins. The palate is extremely foamy, smooth and silky, and goes down easy. And in another way it tastes like an exquisite sake, with clean fresh rice and white wine and some button mushrooms. It's a fascinating flavor, and I'm enjoying every sip.

 

 

 

 

With the end of brewing creativity no where in sight, the Stone Brewing team this time drags an imperial strength, Belgian inspired but hoppy ale through a bourbon barrel for nuance, complexity and intrigue.

The Arbalest ale carries a peachy-golden appearance with trickles of apricot and honey. Its tangy and vibrant scent is remiss of light orchard and vinous fruit while the initial taste is laced with bread, grain and dough.

With the zesty sweetness seemingly of fructose, its easy to pull out the flavors of tangy white grape, orange, apple, lemon, kiwi and melon. And as the sweetness relaxes, the fruit flavors intensify its near-souring taste. As the peppery balance of wood, white pepper, mild clove, vanilla and curry mount upon the palate, tinges of sour white wine and bourbon spice begin to reveal themselves.

Medium textured and both creamy and acidic, the beer's complex taste trends bitter as the IPA and yeast spices dry the taste and favor refreshment and a clean palate late. Grapefruit, lemon and orange peels decorate the waning hoppy moments as dry charadonnay resonate in aftertaste

 

 

 

Hazy amber with a thin off-white head.

Light fruitiness, with some grapefruit and peaches. I wish I perceived some of the bourbon barrel.

Modest bitterness, with a quick finish. Some hops, some oak (maybe), definitely caramel.

Medium body and alcohol less then expected, with modest carbonation.

This is a fine example of Belgian IPA's in circulation today. For some reason, I expect more from Stone, but in fairness, this is an easy drinking beer that fits with a casual afternoon.

 

On tap at the Engine Room (CT) East Meets West Tap Takeover with NEBCo

 

 

 

ON TAP

A – Ruby hued, though not as dark as one might expect.

S – Spicy yeast, bright sweet fruit notes, fermented peach and apricot.

T – Hoppy, spoiled peaches, caramel, light oak.

M – Clean enough, no cloying sweetness, develops a bit of a vanilla sweetness.

O – The finish makes this beer, really develops has it warms, overall quite tart and peachy, but good nonetheless.

 

 

10oz pour into snifter.

A: Served a caramel shade of amber with a thin but dense light tan head that faded to a lasting collar leaving rings of lace.
S: Interesting nose that does not scream Belgian. Sweet and slightly boozy smelling with notes of sweet bourbon and a touch of earthy spice dominating. I get hints of golden and red fruits as well.
T: Lightly toasted bread and sweet bourbon hit up front. The Belgian pale base just barely pokes through with flavors of spicy and leafy hops, especially in the finish. Earthy yeast and a touch of graininess follows. The aftertaste is very sweet with bourbon, and it reminds me almost of slightly fermented fruits or apple juice.
M: No warming booze at all but a huge bourbon taste. Sweet but not cloying with a good balancing pepperiness and a leafy and slightly bitter hoppiness.
O: Better than I expected. Not the same bourbon quality as a boozy stout. More sweet and fruity quality. Drinks well, I liked it, but definitely don't expect a hop-forward Belgian style ipa.