Arrogant Bastard Ale

Brewed by Stone Brewing Co.
Style: American Strong Ale
Escondido, California USA

Dark crimson coloration, thick'n'rich'n'cloudy, under a perfunctory whitish head. Aroma: a big hit of juicy fruit, deep, dark ones, grapes and berries and cherries and more, a rich elixir..definitely got the barleywine thing going on, zesty, spicy, loaded with flavor...'bout time I taste, eh? Big, chewy, grabbiness on the palate, full and thick, powerful, and omnipresent, digs in and in, climbs and clambers about the senses, not trying to dominate, but doing it anyway, through virtue of the fullness of flavor...zing, zing, zing, again, I sing, this is deliciousness pressed into service and doing double-time, brothers,...Lordy, it's loveliness, indeed, thick and full on the palate, wow, rich and tasty, sets the senses a'spin, leaves the soul reeling...mine is, I luxuriate in the pleasures of this brew, and they are aplenty! I'm drooling of the day I can visit San Diego and try it fresh on-tap, maybe other versions, the Oak-Aged, as well? As it is, this is a supreme brew, a just king, who wisely judges the imbibers from his throne...if thou art not worthy, tarry not 'round these vessels, seek a softer, sadder brew for you..let only those who can claim worthiness hoist a chalice of this finest ale! Got to be one of America's best barleywines, bar none!!! I could rant on some more, for the bottle is not yet finished, but let it be known, that this ale has powers over me, bewitches and bewilders, and all in the best sense, for I leave the normal earthly realm to visit sublimer planes, all courtesy of this San Diego-bourne bottle! Good Lordy-Lou! I am sent, in the most sensational way, lifted, aloft, delivered, dropped beyond the heavens into a metaphysical stratosphere beyond human reckoning... Yes, I proclaim it "good"....and will merely melt and luxuriate at the rest of the consumption of this rare delicacy...I envy you Cali types who can snort this back with the ease of an ordinary day....

22 oz. bottle: deep ruby color. smelled like sour apples, and hops. huge beer. pure joy. Very complex taste, all of the different flavors hit you at a different time in the sip. VERY drinkable for a well worked in palate. Smoothe in the mouth, and it goes down fruity and hoppy. Fruits galore with every sip, you feel like you notice another thing about the brew each time you taste it. Really excellent brew. All the flavors blend really well together. pure bliss in a tulip glass

This is my favorite beer, after Stone’s IPA. It is EXTREMELY Hop-y. Very good aroma, very fruity. In flagstaff they have the 10th Anniversity edition, which is even better, but sadly sold out.

....i’m catching up on my reviews tonight. when i first had this back in ’98.. i didn’t like it. yet, back in ’98 i didn’t like many craft beers other than sierra nevada pale ale and anchor steam. now... i’m a hop-head and craft beer lover. i have this often on draft and from the bastard bomber. great color.. deep amber.. reddish.. great pour.. perfect head.. looks awesome sitting there staring at you. you definitely get some grapefruit and raisins in there.. wow! this is such a dynamic beer. hops and malt are really well balanced i think.... i’m worthy.

One tasty, great beer. Not a beer for all, but well worth the try. This is one hell of a beer! Buy one, open one, drink it, and become a Bastard!

on tap. this beer I thought was okay at first, but it has grown on me-its probably my most frequent choice. nice dark red with a frothy off white head. it laces well as I get through the glass. aroma is very hoppy and flowery, a little sweet. mostly hops in the flavor, but some maltiness shines through in the middle, but the hops come back to get you in the finish, and the aftertaste makes you want to drink more and more. not the best beer I have had, but It is my favorite because I could drink it anytime.

Very strong in all aspects. A complex fruity, hoppy aroma and body with a bitter finish. Despite its strenght it isn’t abrasive and can be returned to again and again.

Love this stuff! It is one aggressive beer. This beer got me started on trying all kinds of new and interesting beers. If you are looking for a one of a kind beer try Arrogant Bastard Ale.