Arrogant Bastard Ale

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

Oh but I do like it Stone and I am sophisticated. Anyways great caramel roast flavor. Ver aggressive but balanced with its hoppy and malty backbone. Knda sweet finish which I enjoyed

Amber and perfectly clear, oily hoppy aromaand hints of german malt peek though, a initiial bitter hoppy beer but amazing enough there is a ton of malt to balance this out. one of the best bottle beers I have had

One of the very few beers where the presentation and the setup impact the experience. Pours rich brown with a dark tan head. Complex flavor opens with a touch of malt sweetness and follows with aroma (but not the bitterness... I don’t understand all the "this is so bitter" comments) of hops, dried fruit, citrus notes, and some nuts (almonds?). Coffee/chocolate tones are largely nonexistent. A delightful beer to enjoy in good company with food and conversation.

22 oz bomber...loads of fizz...loads of caramel...loads of resin hopss...almost oily...big huge and loved evry min. of it. Nice big mouthfeel and overall a great brewski

So I made an appearance at Taco Mac last night. I walked to the bar with my head held high and looked down my nose at the redneck with his Bud Light...I then turned my head towards the bartender and ordered The Arrogant Bastard....my sole purpose yesterday was to enjoy Beer and get drunk. Reviewing was the furthest thing from my mind as I had #99 (Oak Aged Yeti) and #100 (Rodenbach Grand Cru) stored at home waiting to be my passage into Legend. ALAS! THE SCRIPT HAS BEEN FLIPPED!...I am now COMPELLED to rate last night’s fare. The Quality I serendipitously encountered MUST be noted for future generations. Arrogant Bastard. I am You, and You are Me. WE...are One.

The back of the bottles describes this as an "aggressive" beer, I was curious as to the meaning of this. After one taste I immediately understood and was instantly hooked. This is one of the best ales ever to pass my lips. The flavor is so complex it was like the fourth of July in my mouth. I can’t wait to try their other brews. //12-7-07: I’ve enjoyed a number of bombers since my initial review including one tonight. This brew is one of the first beers that really lead me to the craft beer craze and for that I am very thankful. Some additional comments in regards to this great beer to complete this review. Pours a dark, burnt copper color with a very large tan head and sticky lacing. A very aromatic hop scent is emitted into the air. Bitter citrus with caramel and sweet breads. I can’t believe how well the aroma permeates the air surrounding the top of the glass. Creamy on the palate with a nice bite and puckering finish. Medium bodied and filling. Grand flavor of resinous hops and roasted, sweet malts. A touch nutty, grapefruit and spruce. The flavor sticks to your ribs and assaults the senses. Overall a nicely aggressive and flavorful ale, still one of my favorites that I look forward to returning to every once in a while. A sentimental beer that deserves it’s rating."

Arrogant Bastard is a crystal-clear mahogany ale that is quite sparkling and is adorned with a small, rocky, light muscovado-colored head that is mostly diminishing and leaves tenacious lacing all the way down the glass. The aroma is mostly of grapefruit from the hops, followed by rich malt that is slightly sweet. There are hints of nuts, resin, plum, honey and vanilla. It is medium-to-full bodied with slightly soft carbonation. It is ever so smooth. It is well-bittered, lightly sweet and perhaps a bit umami. It starts citrusy and turns wooden. The aftertaste is on the long side and exhibits notes of oak, pine and juniper. The balance is superb. This really hit the spot. It’s a great representation of how an American strong ale can be.

Dark amber with big, foamy tan head / Soft, malty, bready nose / Full body, sweet malts, chewy, with a little dry touch on the long finish / Flavors of burnt sugar, coffee, and dry pine, with notes of grapefruit / Complex, superb.