Stone really has a way with names, from the Arrogant Bastard to the Ruination, and today I have another beer with a lofty title to live up to: the Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale. An American Strong Ale that will hopefully live up to its name, and knowing Stone’s past performance, it should.

The Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale pours a deep dark brown that is almost black. So much so that the black lettering on the pint glass I poured it into all but disappeared. Atop this dark as the abyss beer sits a one and a half finger tan head that leaves a good amount of lacing on the glass. Being so dark in color I was expecting a good amount of caramelized and burnt malts upfront, but that is hardly the case. The nose instead starts citrusy sweet then flows into retained roast smells with some earthy tones and alcohol in the finish.

After being surprised by the aromas I didn’t know what to expect come my first sip. The malts come through first, but not for long before the hops come busting through. The flavors are a pleasant mix of sweet floral hops and lightly roasted malt, but with a definite hop bite about half way through. The bitterness from the hops lasts long after you have set down your beer. Hop heads should truly enjoy this one.

The Sublimely Self-Righteous is a bit of a kick in the pants that you don’t really see coming. The hop bite is extremely present, but not truly in the way you would expect. This is a beer that has reason to be self-righteous; it packs familiar flavors that are re-arranged and made better. Another awesome brew from the good people at Stone.

Overall: 9/10