Escondido, California - Barrel Aged Strong Ale with Chili Peppers - 9.60% ABV - This mouth punishing ale poured a caramel red color with a fluffy white head. The nose screams spicy; intense aromas of red pepper flakes, habanero peppers, Serrano peppers, and bitter malts create an intimidating scent. The mouth wasn't much off from the nose; flavors of molasses, pine, and bitter malts are present initially, but it is quickly followed by a burning, chili pepper vengeance that is almost unbearable. I am a fan of hot sauce and salsas, but this was just unpleasantly hot. The mouthfeel was medium bodied, with a long lasting, burning sensation. Despite the Lucky Bastard Ale slightly cutting into the spicy flavors of Crime, the spice was just overpowering. Cheers to an interesting brew by Stone! 6.2/10

Escondido, California - American Strong Ale - 7.20% ABV - This Bastard of an ale poured a dark amber color with a khaki colored, frothy head that leaves excellent lacing on the glass. Aromas of pine needles, citrus, biscuity malts, toasted caramel, and molasses are prevalent on the nose. The mouth was solid; balanced flavors of bitter malts, pine, cracked pepper, and herbaceous notes come together nicely. Arrogant Bastard has a medium-bodied mouthfeel with medium carbonation, and a long, zesty finish. Arrogant Bastard may not be for everyone, but if it is, "You're Worthy!" Cheers! 9.2/10

Petaluma, California - American Strong Ale - 66.6 IBU - 9.70% ABV - This ale poured a dark, copper bronze color with a fluffy white head. The nose featured decadent aromas of citrus hops and floral notes up front, followed by roasted caramel, candied malts, and brown sugar. The mouth was tasty. Flavors of sweet molasses and caramel give great balance to the orange, grapefruit, and piney backbone on this brew. The mouthfeel was medium, with a long lasting finish that coats your palate nicely. Cheers to another great seasonal by Lagunitas! 9.3/10

Escondido, California - American Strong Ale - 8.5% ABV - This Bastard of an ale poured a deep, ruby amber color with a khaki colored head that lingers. The nose was solid- aromas of bready malts, toasted crust, oak, hints of vanilla, and a sweet molasses backend come together nicely. The mouth featured distinct flavors of toffee, caramel, vanilla, oak, and sweet malts with a hint of golden raisin. The mouthfeel was medium-plus with a silky, long finish. I was certainly a Lucky Bastard for coming across this one, cheers! 9.4/10

Escondido, California - American Strong Ale - 11.2% ABV - This ale poured a dark reddish-brown color with a khaki colored head. Aromas of sweet toasted caramel, burnt toffee, roasted malts, spices, and dark fruits are prevalent on the nose. The mouth features flavors of vanilla, charred oak, toffee, sweet malts, and distinct hops, while having a silky mouthfeel with a long finish. Double Bastard can't get any better than enjoying it out of a three liter growler straight from the brewery, cheers! 4.6/5