Arbalest
Stone Brewing

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From:
Stone Brewing
 
California, United States
Style:
Belgian IPA
ABV:
8.5%
Score:
85
Avg:
3.78 | pDev: 10.32%
Reviews:
8
Ratings:
86
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Feb 17, 2019
Added:
Jul 03, 2014
Wants:
  1
Gots:
  6
Belgian style beer aged in bourbon barrels
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by jpolet:
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Rated by jpolet from Oregon

3.2/5  rDev -15.3%

Oct 01, 2014
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4 by szmnnl99 from Michigan

Feb 17, 2019
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Reviewed by GarrettB from Colorado

4.12/5  rDev +9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
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.
Aug 17, 2018
 
Rated: 3.81 by ygtbsm94 from Utah

Feb 05, 2017
 
Rated: 3.9 by hopkrid from Florida

Nov 11, 2016
 
Rated: 4.09 by utahgiebs from Minnesota

Jul 24, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by Eziel from Ohio

Jun 13, 2015
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Reviewed by BEERchitect from Kentucky

4/5  rDev +5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
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
Jun 05, 2015
 
Rated: 4.12 by JothHu from Alabama

Jun 05, 2015
 
Rated: 3.83 by HunterSBeerson from California

May 29, 2015
 
Rated: 4.03 by BoilerUpNavy from Wisconsin

Apr 19, 2015
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Reviewed by SLeffler27 from New York

3.93/5  rDev +4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
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.
Mar 28, 2015
 
Rated: 3.82 by TBoneJones from Texas

Mar 20, 2015
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Rated by NateF90 from Connecticut

4.45/5  rDev +17.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
On tap at the Engine Room (CT) East Meets West Tap Takeover with NEBCo
Mar 04, 2015
 
Rated: 3.98 by Roguer from Connecticut

Mar 04, 2015
 
Rated: 3.44 by Stinger80OH from Ohio

Feb 24, 2015
 
Rated: 4.43 by Ristaccia from Nebraska

Feb 19, 2015
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Reviewed by Moose90 from Washington

3.99/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
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.
Feb 18, 2015
 
Rated: 3.77 by InfernoBoss from California

Feb 10, 2015
 
Rated: 3.77 by rydev24 from Pennsylvania

Jan 22, 2015
Arbalest from Stone Brewing
Beer rating: 85 out of 100 with 86 ratings